I thought this was pretty kewl. By changing the concentration of carbon dioxide or acidity in a solution, scientists were able to make self-assembling nano-materials form into flower-like structures, complete with leaves, stems,and vases.

Although the structures created in this study are just for show, the technique has potential for future applications. The folds of these 3-D microstructures pack a large amount of surface area into a tiny space--an important consideration for the production of chemicals that depend on catalysts, substances that speed up chemical reactions. The more surface area available, the more catalysts you can add--and the more efficient the reaction.