About This Lesson
Self-assembly is common in nature, and enables life to function, from healing damage to changing shape. Now, researchers have developed a new way to mimic self-assembly in the lab, coaxing specially designed microscopic objects into small, gear-like machines. The building blocks are self-powered microparticles that propel after being activated by light. The researchers specially designed them to autonomously sense light gradients and navigate in light patterns. The result is a controlled self-assembly of seven of the tiny building blocks into a spinning microgear -- a "machine made of machines."
For more information:
Scientists Introduce New Way to Mimic ‘Machine of Machines’
https://ucsdnews.ucsd.edu/pressrelease/scientists-introduce-new-way-to-…
Provided by National Science Foundation/Antoine Audret
