This animation shows the stretching and relaxing a single biological molecule using optical tweezers. The top bead is “tweezed” by a laser light and the bottom bead is fixed onto a pipette tip. A biological molecule (eg DNA) is tethered between the two beads and can be repeatedly pulled and relaxed, providing mechanical properties of the biomacromolecules at the single molecule level. This method can also provide very useful information about dynamic properties of biomolecules, which can shed light on protein folding, self-assembly, and protein-protein interactions. Animation courtesy of postdoctoral research associate Chenyang Tie, a member of Professor Joonil Seog’s Molecular Mechanics and Self-Assembly Laboratory at the University of Maryland.
A nanofactory is a proposed system in which nanomachines (resembling molecular assemblers, or industrial robot arms) would combine molecules to build larger atomically precise parts. These, in turn, would be assembled by positioning mechanisms of assorted sizes to build macroscopic (visible) but still atomically-precise products. A functioning nanofactory could create virtually any product at the cost of only the input raw material and energy. Video Rating: 0 / 5
From the videogame known as Sid Meier’s Alpha Centauri, this is the secret project video for The Nano Factory. Secret project details: Cost: 400 Prerequisite Technology: Industrial Nanorobotics Effect: Units can be repaired quickly and completely even when not in base squares. The cost to upgrade units is reduced by 50%. “Industrial Grade Nano-Paste, Planet’s most valuable commodity, can also be one of its most dangerous. Simply pour out several canisters, slide in a programming transponder, and step well away while the stuff cooks. In under an hour the nano will use available materials to assemble a small factory, a hovertank, or enough impact rifles to equip a regiment.” — Col. Corazon Santiago, “Planet: A Survivalist’s Guide” Ripped with HCl’s Wing Commander Movie Player: hcl.wcrevival.de
