http://physicsweb.org/articles/news/10/3/9/1?rss=2.0

organic molecule (a doublebond between two carbon atoms functions as the axle)

 

when activated by heat and light, the molecule turns things, like a small glass rod that is a few thousand times larger than the molecule turning it.

 

 

here is a picture

http://physicsweb.org/articles/news/10/3/9/1/060309

 

the macroscopic object being turned is floating on liquid crystal

 

I am not sure how new this is or how important. It may not be all that impressive---I don't know enough about this area to judge. Do you know of similar achievements in this area (single molecule motors)?

I am not sure how new this is or how important. It may not be all that impressive---I don't know enough about this area to judge. Do you know of similar achievements in this area (single molecule motors)?

 

WOW, good find Martin.

 

This is potentially very useful, driving tiny motors or such,

maybe even nanotechnology developments could be made from this.

 

I look forward to see how this develops as more research is done

 

Cheers,

 

Ryan Jones