DNA in nanotubes sorts molecules

From AlwaysOn:

"Cells are especially selective gatekeepers, allowing the right chemicals through the cell membrane at the right time. The ability to allow some molecules through the membrane while blocking others is useful in biotechnology and nanotechnology applications that require that specific molecules be selected or sorted.

Researchers from the University of Florida have made a synthetic membrane that recognizes certain biochemical molecules and allows them to pass through.

The method could be used to make biological sensors like those needed for genetics research, and to sort biological molecules, according to the researchers."