What Gives DNA Helix Its Double Shape?
Editor’s note: WRAL Local Tech Wire recently added more sources for news, including stories, photos and graphics produced by the news services of various universities. Such stories are labeled as UniversityTech and with the appropriate source. By adding stories and information from collegiate news services, LTW is enhancing significantly its coverage of scientific and research efforts at regional universities where many of tomorrow’s discoveries are being made and the foundations of new companies are in the process of being created. DURHAM, N.C. — Researchers at Duke University’s Pratt School of Engineering have uncovered a missing link in scientists’ understanding of the physical forces that give DNA its famous double helix shape. “The stability of DNA is so fundamental to life that it’s important to understand all factors,” said Piotr Marszalek, a professor of mechanical engineering and materials sciences at Duke. “If you want to create accurate models of DNA to study its interactio
