Call them micro-origami. Scientists at USC’s Information Sciences Institute (ISI) are folding tiny shapes together to form containers that can carry precise amounts of drugs for delivery. The research team cuts the shape on a flat surface first, creating a pattern with hinge areas to be folded. They next bend the hinges with magnetic force and submerging them in water, using water pressure and capillary forces to assist the folding process. They’ve also tried pyramids with different number of sides, cubes, envelopes, and other shapes. For the full story, check out http://www.isi.edu/news/news.php?story=193#.
