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Tying Molecules In Knots

Posted by samzenpus on from the nimble-fingers dept.

Med-trump writes "Scientists report that they have made a non-DNA molecular knot. They created a 160-atom-loop with five crossing points, a molecular pentafoil knot. The researchers used a technique known as 'self-assembly' to prepare the knot in a chemical reaction. Apparently 85% of the elasticity of natural rubber is due to knot-like entanglements in the rubber molecules' chains."

4 of 12 comments (clear)

  1. Nice by sseymour1978 · · Score: 2

    How long until they can make sweater for some single cell organism and make its life more comfortable ?

  2. protein knots by digitalderbs · · Score: 3, Interesting

    Actually naturally-occuring protein knots have been known for some time now. See knots.mit.edu for example. This appears to be one of the first synthetic knots.

  3. "Why use quotes?" by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Interesting

    You do know that "self-assembly" isn't really a technique. That's like writing that Google updated their search algorithm using a technique known as "writing code". Self-assembly is just a term for things that assemble by themselves.

    1. Re:"Why use quotes?" by inputdev · · Score: 2

      It helps marketing identify 'buzzwords'