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Self-Assembling DNA Pyramids

Posted by ScuttleMonkey on from the new-and-improved-building-blocks dept.

FleaPlus writes "Physicists in England and the Netherlands have unveiled a technique for constructing rigid DNA pyramids. With the technique, trillions of d4's can rapidly self-assemble from a solution of single-stranded DNA. The scientists also showed that single DNA strands called linkers could be used to attach the tetrahedra to each other, acting as a possible building block for 3D nanofabrication."

4 of 108 comments (clear)

  1. In related news by jatemack · · Score: 0, Offtopic


    Scion worked quickly to trademark a new catch phrase - "You can get a lot of mileage out of building things with tetrahedra" hoping to appeal to nano-nerds everywhere.
    In other news:
    Slashdot users everywhere used the "Free day pass" overwhelming the servers, leaving the site stagnant. Users who thought they could increase there Karma by posting semi-witty comments to stories early, found themselves unable to post for the last 20 minutes and mocked by the message "This story is currently under construction".

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  2. First DNA Dodecahedron post by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    From TFA:

    The scientists also showed that single DNA strands called linkers could bind two adjacent tetrahedra. The next challenge, says Goodman, is to coax multiple tetrahedra into more-complex structures.

    1. Assemble DNA strands into full scale models of a nude Natalie Portman.
    2. ???
    3. Profit!

    In Soviet Russia, this post makes perfect sense. No, it really does!

    Christ, I gotta get some sleep.

  3. Re:Sounds cool by LemonHerbWRX · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    You forgot

    In soviet Russia tetrahedra assemble you

  4. Is it edible? by rubberbando · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    If so, then you can call it a food pyramid! :P

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