Nanotube Wires Self-Assemble (IMAGE) Rice University Caption Nanotube wires self-assemble under the influence of a directed electric field from the Tesla coil. The effect was discovered by scientists at Rice University, who call it Teslaphoresis. Credit Jeff Fitlow/Rice University Usage Restrictions For news reporting purposes only. License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.