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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."

1 of 12 comments (clear)

  1. 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.