DNA building blocks
In 2004 scientists worked out how to make a single long strand of DNA fold up into a complicated 3D shape. The DNA octahedron has eight triangular faces, which make it a sturdy molecule - geometry teaches us that objects with square faces, such as cubes, aren't as strong.
'DNA octahedrons could be used as building blocks for pretty much anything where structure is important, or perhaps cages for drug delivery.'
William Shih, designer of the DNA octahedron, Harvard Medical School
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The DNA octahedron is formed from one long strand of DNA plus a few shorter pieces. Heating then cooling the DNA with a few extra ingredients makes it spontaneously fold into shape.
Image: Scripps Research Institute/Mike Pique |
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