Triple DNA helix artwork featured on the cover of prestigious journal
In a beautiful fusion of science and art, two PhD students from iNANO at Aarhus University have created a stunning piece of folded paper art that now adorns the cover of the scientific journal, Advanced Materials.
Two dedicated PhD students at iNANO, Minke Nijenhuis and Emily Tsang, have spent countless hours folding paper and unleashing their creativity. The result is a stunning paper artwork featured on the cover of the renowned journal Advanced Materials on 5 October, 2023.
The artwork stems from groundbreaking research results recently published in the same journal with Professor Kurt Gothelf and others. The results show how they can manipulate DNA structures using a revolutionary method called triplex origami, which opens the door to a new era of gene therapy and nanotechnology.
Inspired by flower of DNA
Following the publication of the groundbreaking research findings, the researchers were invited to create a cover proposal for the journal. Minke and Emily immediately set about translating the context of their scientific discoveries into a graphical presentation.
”Creativity and curiosity are intertwined and both art and science can show the beauty of the natural world. The scientific method in our article is inspired by the art of paper origami and can be used to shape matter at the nanoscale. We demonstrated this by folding a flower shape from triplex DNA. In turn, we wanted to use paper art to show the beauty of triplex DNA,” says Minke about the inspiration for the artwork.
A symbol of innovation, tenacity and passion
The researchers received the happy news that the work was selected to adorn the cover and Aarhus University's professional photographers took on the unusual task of creating a high-resolution image of the paper artwork.
Minke and Emily have created something remarkable with their combination of science and art, and their story is a reminder of how magical creativity and research can be when they go hand in hand. "Their DNA triplex artwork isn't just a cover decoration; it's a symbol of innovation, tenacity and a passion for exploring the boundaries of scientific creativity," says Kurt Gothelf. "Furthermore, the opportunity to promote our research results on the cover of Advanced Materials is significant," he continues.
We look forward to seeing the opportunities that will open up in gene therapy and nanotechnology thanks to their innovative research.
Read more about the research results in the news here: https://inano.au.dk/about/news-events/news/show/artikel/folding-the-code-of-life-triplex-origami-opens-new-avenues-of-research
For further information, please contact
Professor Kurt Gothelf
Department of Chemistry
Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO)
Mail: kvg@chem.au.dk
Postdoc Minke A. D. Nijenhuis
Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO)
Aarhus University
Mail: m.a.d.nijenhuis@inano.au.dk