peptides
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Self-assembling material could produce artificial veins
Most attempts at creating artificial veins don't come close to replicating organic processes, but researchers at the Queen Mary University of London might change that. They've developed a technique that makes proteins and peptides self-assemble into tubular shapes that could stand in as arteries, veins and similar structures. There's no 3D printing or moulds involved -- you only need to guide the material as it builds itself. It can even grow and heal, so you're not stuck if it needs improvements.
Peptide nanotube 'forest' coating could mean self-cleaning windows, more efficient batteries, Alzheimer's cure, world peace
We are rapidly coming to grips with the idea that there is nothing nanotubes can't do. They're boosting solar cell efficiency, hoisting more junk into space, and even providing an exceptionally light meal. Now they'll even clean your windows -- well, not your windows, but your future self's windows thanks to research at Tel Aviv University, where a team has created a way to grow a so-called forest of nanotubes out of peptides. This means they're exceptionally cheap to produce and, as they've been shown to repel dirt and water, they'll make an ideal coating for windows and solar cells. They can also act as a super-capacitor, increasing the output of batteries, and there's even hope that they could treat Alzheimer's disease. Yes, nanotubes certainly are the future -- prepare for obsolescence.
