References & Sources

Maze-like ratchet sorts biomolecules

A novel device that harnesses random jiggling of particles in a liquid can separate different cell-membrane proteins.

References:

Van Oudenaarden, A., and S.G. Boxer. 1999. Brownian ratchets: Molecular separations in lipid bilayers supported on patterned arrays. Science 285(Aug. 13):1046.

Further Readings:

Peterson, I. 1997. Chemical drivers for tiny Brownian motors. Science News 151(May 10):285.

Sources:

Steven G. Boxer
Stanford University
Department of Chemistry
Stanford, CA 94305-5080

Alexander van Oudenaarden
Stanford University
Department of Chemistry
Stanford, CA 94305-5080

From Science News, Vol. 156, No. 12, September 18, 1999, p. 189. Copyright © 1999, Science Service.