Chains (1 of 2) (IMAGE) Rice University Caption DNA linkers serve as bridges between colloidal beads in a new experiment by Rice University scientists to study the physics of "bead-spring" polymer chains. They found the chains can be tuned for varying degrees of stiffness or flexibility. Credit Biswal Lab/Rice University Usage Restrictions None 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.