Japanese chemists say they have created the world's first DNA molecule made almost entirely of artificial parts, which could lead to improvements in gene therapy, nano-sized computers and other high-tech advances.

Scientists have tried for years to develop artificial versions of DNA in order to take advantage of its amazing information storage capabilities. Already, DNA has been used to create simple electronic circuits.

DNA uses just four basic building blocks, known as bases, to code proteins used in cell functioning and development. Other researchers have crafted DNA molecules with a few artificial parts.  Read More...