International
Scientists created DNA with 4 extra letters─── 11:38 Sat, 23 Feb 2019
Researchers developed a new type of DNA that is made up of eight letters, rather than the natural four.
A new study published in the journal Science this week reveals that scientists have recently molded a new kind of DNA into its elegant double-helix structure and found it had properties that could support life.
Aside from glimpsing alternatives for life in the cosmos, this eight-letter DNA strand also has applications here on our planet.
An eight-letter genetic alphabet will store more information and bind to certain targets more specifically.
Scientists call the new DNA "hachimoji" — meaning "eight letters" in Japanese.
