ScienceAugust 18, 2026
origami
or-i-GAH-mee
Definition
A technique of folding DNA strands into specific, complex three-dimensional shapes to act as functional mechanical components.
Etymology
Derived from the Japanese words 'ori' (folding) and 'kami' (paper), referring to the traditional Japanese art of paper folding that produces decorative shapes.
In the news
In this article, 'origami' refers to a structural engineering method used to construct a nano-sized helicopter rotor out of DNA, which allows researchers to observe the movement of molecules.
Miniature Rotor Made With DNA “Origami” Lets Researchers Watch Life's Essential Spin
Read the full article ↗IFLScience