{
  "id": 2627477,
  "title": "The dynamic duo: 'Weaving' hierarchical DNA materials with two classes of biomolecular nanomachines",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/22/the-dynamic-duo-weaving-hierarchical-dna-materials-with-two-classes",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-08-22T19:00:01.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Phys.org",
    "slug": "phys-org",
    "url": "https://phys.org/news/2026-08-dynamic-duo-hierarchical-dna-materials.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Biomolecular nanomachines, such as enzymes and molecular motors, are crucial for building complex materials in living systems. These nanomachines work together in a stepwise process, transferring energy and coordinating functions. However, replicating this process artificially has proven difficult. In a recent study, researchers led by Shogo Hamada from Tokyo's Institute of Science and professor Akira Kakugo from Kyoto University developed a system that forms DNA network materials through a bottom-up process driven by two types of biomolecular nanomachines: DNA polymerase and kinesin motors. The process begins with DNA polymerase amplifying DNA templates attached to microtubules via rolling circle amplification, creating long DNA strands on the microtubules. Kinesin motors, powered by ATP, then transport these DNA-carrying microtubules across a surface, consuming ATP to propel the filaments. When the gliding microtubules collide, the DNA strands on them come into contact and connect, forming a growing network of organized, fiberlike structures. The team found that motor activity is essential for network formation, with higher connectivity and structural complexity achieved by increasing microtubule density and DNA synthesis time. This study paves the way for creating dynamic, programmable materials that mimic the self-organizing nature of living systems, with potential applications in molecular computing and robotics.",
  "summary": "Biomolecular nanomachines, such as enzymes and molecular motors, are the workhorses behind the synthesis and organization of complex materials in life. Powered by chemical energy, they build, transport and organize biomolecules, allowing living systems to create and maintain highly ordered structures far from thermodynamic equilibrium.",
  "key_points": [
    "Researchers create DNA network materials using DNA polymerase and kinesin motors",
    "DNA polymerase amplifies DNA templates via rolling circle amplification",
    "Kinesin motors transport DNA-carrying microtubules, forming network structures"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}