A closer look

Biologists looked at a deadly bacterial weapon designed to punch microscopic holes in human cell membranes and thought, 'We can totally use this.' By embedding this toxic nanopore into a synthetic membrane and running an electrical current through it, scientists can drag a single strand of DNA through the hole. As each individual genetic letter squeezes through, it blocks a highly specific amount of electricity, allowing a computer to read the genetic code in real-time.