Making the DNA Melt Curve More Accurate

A yellow rectangle with pink edges is an example of DNA origami.

DNA is not only the blueprint of life, it has become the backbone for making tiny structures that can be inserted into the human body to diagnose and treat disease. In particular, researchers are setting their sights on a technique known as DNA origami, in which they meticulously assemble hundreds of strands of DNA to build a Lilliputian collection of structures that could include drug delivery containers, biosensors and other biocompatible devices.

In efforts that promise to dramatically improve this process, scientists at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have now found a way to significantly enhance the accuracy of key information on how heat affects the stability of folded DNA structures.