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Scientists have been fascinated for decades with the ability of nature
to form self-assembled structures of various configurations. One such
configuration is the helix, a well-known secondary structure of DNA. However,
DNA is not the only biological system possessing a helical shape; helices
have been found in a variety of systems, one of which is bile in the gallbladder.
Specifically, these helical ribbons are precursors of gallstones, which
are found as a result of cholesterol crystallization in gallbladder bile.
We will discuss a variety of helical structures formed in gallbladder
bile and other model synthetic systems. We will also present possible
theoretical reasons for nature's self-assembly of helical ribbons. Finally,
we will address the reasons for and necessity of studying of these "crafty"
microsprings.
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