The idea of manipulating molecules to
create microscopic machines or materials with unusual new properties has been around for years, but 2003 saw a flurry of breakthroughs.
Nanoengineers can even carve out molecular gears and levers that act
as microscopic machines; in theory, some materials could be self - repairing, and others could carry out tasks inside our bodies, like scraping plaque from artery walls.
«Exploiting the softness of nanomaterials gives us additional and unprecedented control mechanisms which may be employed when
designing microscopic machines,» Dr Royall explained.
For microscopic machines, however, developing a clutch which would operate at the nanoscale is much more challenging because, at microscopic length scales, different physics need to be considered.
[Book 3 of 4] Five characters seek survival and understanding as the world around them crumbles, dissolved to dust by The Ravagers,
microscopic machines with only one goal.Total destruction.They'll need their wits, courage, and strength to survive, for the Ravagers aren't the most destructive force they'll face.
It could find use in the construction
of microscopic machines and devices, which are prone to inter-molecular forces.
Microscopic machines that swim through the bloodstream to deliver drugs or perform minor surgeries have been a dream of scientists for decades.
Molecular turmoil, quantum craziness:
microscopic machines must operate in a world gone mad.