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Thursday, 18th June 2009 (1019 views)

Singapore scientists have used nanotechnology to create a new molecular gear.

The team at the Agency for Science, Technology and Research's Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE) believe the development could lead to the production of more complex machinery.

Nanotechnology - which often involves the use of gold - has been utilised to produce a gear measuring 1.2nm that can be controlled deliberately, enabling scientists to alter its movement and action.

"What we've done at IMRE is to create a truly complete working gear that will be the fundamental piece in creating more complex molecular machines," leading scientist Christian Joachim stated, adding that these may be no larger than "a grain of sand".

Elsewhere in the nanotechnology sector, researchers at Jila have formed non-stick gold surfaces and nanoposts made from the precious metal that can be used in the study of biomolecules and DNA, which will allow scientists to carry out "more precise" examinations.

 

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