Tiny Lab-Made Motors Could Suck Pollutants From Air and Harvest Precious Metals (science.org) 16
Slashdot reader sciencehabit quotes Science magazine:
Tiny molecular machines make life possible. Spinning rotary motors generate the chemical fuel our cells need, miniature walkers carry nutrients, and minute construction crews build proteins. Now, chemists are getting in on the act by making even smaller and simpler versions of these biological machines.
In three studies, scientists report designing their own molecular pumps and rotary motors. The puny devices are not quite ready to make their real-world debut, but future versions could suck carbon dioxide from the air and harvest valuable metals from seawater. The new studies show it's possible to get teams of motors all working in the same direction and concentrate target chemicals in a confined space, a feat biology uses to sustain work.
"These are very important steps toward useful real-life molecular machines," says Ivan Aprahamian, a chemist at Dartmouth College who wasn't involved with the studies.
In three studies, scientists report designing their own molecular pumps and rotary motors. The puny devices are not quite ready to make their real-world debut, but future versions could suck carbon dioxide from the air and harvest valuable metals from seawater. The new studies show it's possible to get teams of motors all working in the same direction and concentrate target chemicals in a confined space, a feat biology uses to sustain work.
"These are very important steps toward useful real-life molecular machines," says Ivan Aprahamian, a chemist at Dartmouth College who wasn't involved with the studies.
Re: (Score:2)
I need to find my copy of Prey (Score:1)
Re: (Score:2)
Isn't it the height of arrogance to presume we're worth, coming after?
But What Happens Then (Score:2)
What's going to happen when these get into our bodies mitochondria and start collecting metals, CO2, and other assorted shit?
Grey goo (Score:2)
Yeah, a few of them won't be enough, but if we are clever and make them self-replicating, these little buggers can suck all of the carbon dioxide out of our atmosphere and rid the earth of troublesome creatures.
Re: (Score:1)
Labs that make shit like this need to be nuked from orbit now! Right along with ones that are working on a virus to spread "medicine!"
Sometimes an idea sounds good at first. Then others think about it in a way you didn't and see the BIG ASS PINK RAMPAGING ELEPHANT in the room.
"It's ok we'll keep in in the lab" Yeah right poindexter!
I cry for my children. Not for Humanity.
Re: (Score:1)
Idiot or Troll....
What are you.
Here take a look at this:
https://knowyourmeme.com/memes... [knowyourmeme.com]
Maybe you'll learn something.
Re: Grey goo (Score:2)
Horizon Zero Dawn, here we come!
The solution and the problem (Score:2)
As noted, that has a few potential downsides when it's made *autonomous*.
But necessary to get CO2 under control in any survivable timeframe
Next Generation? (Score:2)
[...] scientists report designing their own molecular pumps and rotary motors.
So the new follow-up to the Mazda RX-8 may be really tiny...
Harvest metals (Score:2)
Like the iron in your blood.