DNA Walkers - Molecular Robots on the March
Researchers including our own Nils Walter have created and observed a molecular robot capable of many steps, and of making decisions where to step and how long to stay. As the robot walks on the substrate, it changes each piece by cleaving off a part. If it touches a spot that has been cleaved already, it does not linger as long. The end of the track glows red and captures the robot, letting the researchers know when it has completed its walk. The robot glows green, allowing for the researchers to see it better.
Links
- Paper appearing in Nature
- Nature's News & Views on this and an accompanying paper:
- The NSF press release
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Release Date:
05/14/2010