UC Riverside nano-researchers have engineered a single molecule that walks a straight line on two feet:
The molecule – 9,10-dithioanthracene or "DTA" – has two linkers that act as feet. Obtaining its energy from heat supplied to it, the molecule moves such that only one of the linkers is lifted from the surface; the remaining linker guides the motion of the molecule and keeps it on course. Alternating the motions of its two "feet," DTA is able to walk in a straight line without the assistance of nano-rails or nano-grooves for guidance.
(Thanks, Ginohn!)
