Materials scientist Markus J. Buehler explains the science behind structures and how musical compositions can be used to create better materials, if the underlying mathematics is appreciated.
Nature is rich in structure, which defines the properties not only of the tiniest pieces of matter, but of galaxies and the universe itself. That structure explains both the sound of music, and what is embodied in our DNA.
Our world consists of complex hierarchies of about 100 different chemical elements, and it is the arrangement of these elements into molecules that gives rise to the rich set of materials around us – from the sugar molecules in the food we eat to the oxides in the Earth's crust. In the living world, a limited set of building blocks of DNA (with four distinct letters) and amino acids (with around 20 distinct types) creates some of the most functionally diverse materials we know of, the stuff that builds our bones, skin and complex organs such as the brain.
The properties of a piece of matter are defined not by the basic building blocks themselves but by the way they are organised into hierarchies. This paradigm – where structure defines function – is one of the overarching principles of biological systems, and the key to their innate ability to grow, self-repair, and morph into new functions. Spider silk is one of the most remarkable examples of nature's materials, created from a simple protein spun into fibres stronger than steel.
As we begin to appreciate the universal importance of hierarchies, engineers are applying this understanding to the design of synthetic materials and devices. They can gain inspiration from a surprising source: music... (Click here to read more)
Nature is rich in structure, which defines the properties not only of the tiniest pieces of matter, but of galaxies and the universe itself. That structure explains both the sound of music, and what is embodied in our DNA.
Our world consists of complex hierarchies of about 100 different chemical elements, and it is the arrangement of these elements into molecules that gives rise to the rich set of materials around us – from the sugar molecules in the food we eat to the oxides in the Earth's crust. In the living world, a limited set of building blocks of DNA (with four distinct letters) and amino acids (with around 20 distinct types) creates some of the most functionally diverse materials we know of, the stuff that builds our bones, skin and complex organs such as the brain.
The properties of a piece of matter are defined not by the basic building blocks themselves but by the way they are organised into hierarchies. This paradigm – where structure defines function – is one of the overarching principles of biological systems, and the key to their innate ability to grow, self-repair, and morph into new functions. Spider silk is one of the most remarkable examples of nature's materials, created from a simple protein spun into fibres stronger than steel.
As we begin to appreciate the universal importance of hierarchies, engineers are applying this understanding to the design of synthetic materials and devices. They can gain inspiration from a surprising source: music... (Click here to read more)