Limitations of Self-Assembly at Temperature One (extended abstract)

We prove that if a subset X of the integer Cartesian plane weakly self-assembles at temperature 1 in a deterministic (Winfree) tile assembly system satisfying a natural condition known as *pumpability*, then X is a finite union of doubly periodic sets. This shows that only the most simple of infinite shapes and patterns can be constructed using pumpable temperature 1 tile assembly systems, and gives strong evidence for the thesis that temperature 2 or higher is required to carry out general-purpose computation in a tile assembly system. Finally, we show that general-purpose computation is possible at temperature 1 if negative glue strengths are allowed in the tile assembly model

DNA Nanotechnology: A foundation for Programmable Nanoscale Materials

DNA nanotechnology is a materials design paradigm in which synthetic nucleic acids are used to program the structure and dynamics of nanometer-scale devices and materials. Driven by the convergence of decreasing DNA synthesis costs, advanced yet easy-to-use computational design and analysis tools, and, most importantly, a myriad of innovative studies demonstrating DNA’s extraordinary power to organize functional materials, DNA nanotechnology is spreading into diverse areas of traditional materials science. To further promote the integration of DNA nanotechnology into materials science, this issue of MRS Bulletin provides an overview of the unique capabilities offered by DNA nanotechnology, a set of practical techniques that make it accessible to a broad audience, and a vision for its future applications, described by international leaders in the field.United States. Office of Naval Research (Award N00014-16-1-2181)United States. Office of Naval Research (Award N00014-13-1-0664)United States. Office of Naval Research (Award N00014-15-1-2830)United States. Office of Naval Research (Award N00014-16-1-2506)United States. Office of Naval Research (Award N00014-16-1-2953)United States. Office of Naval Research (Award N00014-17-1-2609)National Science Foundation (U.S.) (Grant CMMI-1334109)National Science Foundation (U.S.) (Grant CCF-1547999)National Science Foundation (U.S.) (Grant CCF-1564025