Groningen-based researchers designed an oscillating small molecule reaction that catalyses another reaction in the same system, Nature reports. This is the first time that such a complex synthetic system actually works. 

Even though oscillatory reactions are very common in living cells, creating synthetic variants is an art in itself. In this type of reaction, such as the iodine clock reaction, chemical reactions alternate, creating a wave-like (oscillatory) pattern. This can be seen, for example, in colour changes. Most oscillatory reactions are based on inorganic reactions. These are not really practical because you have to work in very acidic conditions. Another option is enzymatic oscillation, but the disadvantage is that enzymes are not easily adaptable.