DNA Origami

FleaPlus writes "Caltech scientist Paul Rothemund has developed a new technique for designing and generating self-assembling 2D nanostructures out of DNA. To demonstrate the technique, which is reportedly simple enough that a high-schooler can design with it, Rothemund created patterns like smiley faces, text, and a map of the Americas. The technique might be useful for generating 'nanobreadboard' scaffolds for things like molecular-scale circuitry, protein-based factories, and quantum computers. Rothemund is currently working to extend the technique to 3D nanostructures."

Re:Slashdot gets the scoop again!

[Jace of Fuse!]

It will be even more exciting when you read it here again in a couple of days.

So its like ballon animals?

[CrazyJim1]

I can create a dog out of DNA!

Another article on the subject....

[NthDegree256]

I don't think the article on the Discovery Channel website [discovery.com] has any more information, but it does have my favorite quote on the subject..."In a typical reaction, he can make about 50 billion Smiley faces. I think this is the most concentrated happiness ever created."