Chemspy chemistry news and views

Polymers perform non-DNA evolution - Scientists have found that six polymer alternatives to DNA can pass on genetic information, and have evolved one type to specifically bind target molecules. They say that their work reveals both broader chemical possibilities for these key life functions and provides a powerful tool for nanotechnology and medicine. References: 1 V Pinheiro et al, Science, 2012, 336, 341 (DOI: 10.1126/science.1217622)
2 Z Yang et al, J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2011, 133, 15105 (DOI: 10.1021/ja204910n)