Self-assembling Nano-ice Discovered -- Structure Resembles DNA

[kiki06]

Self-assembling Nano-ice Discovered -- Structure Resembles DNA

UNL chemist Xiao Cheng Zeng and his team discovered double helixes of ice molecules that resemble the structure of DNA and self-assemble under high pressure inside carbon nanotubes. This discovery could have major implications for scientists in other fields who study the protein structures that cause diseases such as Alzheimer's and bovine spongiform ecephalitis. It could also help guide those searching for ways to target or direct self-assembly in nanomaterials.