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World’s smallest molecular machine: reversible sliding motion in ammonium-linked ferrocene

Researchers at Chiba University have created an electronically controllable sliding molecular machine using a newly modified ferrocene molecule. The discovery overcomes the challenge of stabilizing the fragile ferrocene molecule on a flat surface, enabling precise control of its motion through electrical signals.

SourceChiba University·JournalSmall·TypeExperimental study

MIT engineers design tiny batteries for powering cell-sized robots

The new battery can capture oxygen from air and use it to oxidize zinc, creating a current of up to 1 volt. It powers an actuator, memristor, clock circuit, and sensors, making it ideal for robotics and medical applications.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Robotics

Robots help put brakes on inflammatory diseases

A landmark study unveiled new automated diagnostic techniques, including liquid handling robots, to detect necroptosis in patients with ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease. The findings provide critical insights into how necroptosis contributes to various inflammatory diseases and offer practical methods for treatment.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalMolecular Medicine·TypeObservational study
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Self-assembling and disassembling swarm molecular robots via DNA molecular controller

A team of scientists from Tohoku University and Kyoto University created a DNA-based molecular controller that enables swarm molecular robots to assemble and disassemble autonomously without external manipulation. This technology marks a significant step towards advanced autonomous molecular systems.

SourceTohoku University·JournalScience Advances

Virginia Tech physicists propose path to faster, more flexible robots

Researchers discover a microscopic phenomenon that enables hydrogels to swell and contract quickly, improving the flexibility of soft robots. This breakthrough could lead to faster and more agile robots with applications in healthcare, manufacturing, and search and rescue operations.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalPhysical Review Letters
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Autonomous synthesis robot uses AI to speed up chemical discovery

Researchers at Universiteit van Amsterdam developed an autonomous chemical synthesis robot with integrated AI, outperforming human chemists in terms of speed and accuracy. The 'RoboChem' system can perform various reactions while producing minimal waste and delivering results quickly.

SourceUniversiteit van Amsterdam·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study

Multi-compartment membranes for multicellular robots: Everybody needs some body

Researchers at Tohoku University developed a method for creating molecular robots using artificial multicellular-like bodies made of phospholipids and synthetic surfactants. The technique allows for the assembly of micron-sized compartments that can combine to form heterogeneous structures with multiple functionalities.

SourceTohoku University·JournalLangmuir
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Purification of DNA nanostructures from hydrophobic aggregates

Researchers developed a simple purification method using surfactants to separate hydrophobic DNA nanostructures from aggregates, enabling the construction of artificial cells and complex functions in molecular robots. The purified structures retain their ability to bind lipid vesicle surfaces.

SourceKyutech·JournalChemBioChem

Tiny new climbing robot was inspired by geckos and inchworms

A tiny soft robot has been developed to help doctors perform surgery and search in hard-to-reach places. The robot uses ultraviolet light and magnetic force to climb on any surface, including walls and ceilings, without an external power supply.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalCell Reports Physical Science

Molecular robots work cooperatively in swarms

Researchers developed micro-sized machines utilizing swarming strategy for cargo delivery, outperforming single robots with efficiency of up to five times. The team created a swarm of cooperating robots that can divide workload and respond to risks, expanding potential uses for microrobots.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalScience Robotics·TypeExperimental study

Computerized, rolling DNA motors move molecular robotics to next level

Researchers integrated computer functions into rolling DNA motors, enabling them to sense chemical information, process data, and respond accordingly. The motors can be programmed to detect specific pathogens or DNA sequences, making them a potential technology for medical testing and diagnostics.

SourceEmory University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study

Deep-sea osmolyte finds applications in molecular machines

Researchers at Hokkaido University found that trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) can reversibly control the rigidity of kinesin-propelled microtubules, a crucial component of molecular machines. The study demonstrates a simple method to dynamically adjust MT property and functions.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalACS Omega·TypeExperimental study
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Mobile molecular robots swim in water

Researchers have created a microcrystal that utilizes self-continuous reciprocating motion for propulsion, enabling the microrobot to move itself sustainably in water. The microrobots exhibited different styles of propulsion and were affected by fin length, ratio, and elevation angle.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalSmall·TypeExperimental study

The makings of a crystal flipper

Researchers fabricate crystal that flips back and forth in response to lighting conditions, enabling complex task prosecution. The discovery sheds light on the arrangement of azobenzene molecules within the crystal, which plays a crucial role in initiating the periodic behavior.

SourceHokkaido University

Shape-shifting molecular robots respond to DNA signals

Researchers developed a molecular robot that changes shape in response to specific DNA signals, enabling biomimetic robotics and potential medical innovations. The tiny robot, about 1 millionth of a meter in size, consists of protein and DNA molecules.

SourceTohoku University·JournalScience Robotics

Molecular robots can help researchers build more targeted therapeutics

Researchers use molecular robots to identify specific cell populations, allowing for more targeted therapy. The technique could lead to better anti-cancer agents, arthritis drugs, and other treatments with fewer side effects.

SourceHospital for Special Surgery·JournalNature Nanotechnology
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

New molecular robot can be programmed to follow instructions

Researchers have developed a programmable molecular robot that can move between track locations separated by 6nm and choose among different branches of a molecular track. The robot uses a 'fuel hairpin' molecule to propel itself along the track and receive routing instructions, enabling precise control over its route.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalNano Letters

Spiders at the nanoscale: Molecules that behave like robots

Researchers have created autonomous molecular 'robots' made of DNA that can be programmed to follow a track, start, move, turn and stop. The development could lead to molecular systems used in medical therapeutic devices and reconfigurable robots.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature