A NEW type of artificial DNA may form the basis of minuscule electronic devices.
Natural DNA is constructed using four bases, which form the “letters” of the genetic code. Now Masahiko Inouye and his colleagues at the University of Toyama in Japan have used DNA synthesis equipment to stitch together four new artificial bases inside the sugar-based backbone of a DNA molecule (Journal of the American Chemical Society, ).
The artificial DNA is more stable than natural DNA, which may make it a good candidate for turning into molecular electronic wires, able to conduct electrons along their length.…
