Perfect Insulin Crystal
This spiraling hillock of material in a growing crystal of insulin shows
essentially perfect regularity. In most other types of crystals, interactions
between the steps along the side of the hillock, as well as competition
for dissolved material in the surrounding fluid, lead to bunching of
the steps - and imperfect crystals. Researchers hope that studying the
various mechanisms that result in perfect insulin crystals will provide
insight to the growth of crystals for improved microelectronics, medicines,
and various industrial applications.
