Man-made particles self-assemble like atoms Scientists have
created new kinds of particles, 1/100th the diameter of a human
hair, that spontaneously assemble themselves into structures
resembling molecules made from atoms. / Yufeng Wang/Yu Wang
Particles engineered to spontaneously self-assemble like atoms
forming molecules could give rise to new high-tech materials,
leading to better optical displays and faster computer chips,
researchers say. Scientists have crafted the new particles,
which are 1/100th the diameter of a human hair, by altering the
architecture of colloids, tiny particles suspended in liquids,
and which can be found dispersed in everyday items like paint,
milk, glass and porcelain. The work is detailed this week in the
journal Nature. Engineers have been limited in their ability to
manipulate these particles into new patterns that would form the
building blocks of new materials because colloids stick to one
another randomly; in science speak, they lack directional bonds,
or bonds that prefer