Nobel prize: molecular machines

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SUMMARY

The 2016 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded for the design and synthesis of molecular machines, which are the smallest machines constructed from a few molecules. These machines face challenges due to thermal noise, which can also be harnessed as an energy source in certain scenarios. Notable examples include kinesin, a molecular motor powered by ATP, highlighting the intersection of molecular biology and nanotechnology. The discussion emphasizes the innovative nature of this field and its potential implications for future scientific advancements.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of molecular biology, particularly molecular motors like kinesin.
  • Familiarity with nanotechnology principles and applications.
  • Knowledge of thermal dynamics at the molecular scale.
  • Basic comprehension of the Nobel Prize's significance in scientific achievements.
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore the design principles of molecular machines in nanotechnology.
  • Research the role of thermal noise in molecular systems and energy harvesting.
  • Study the mechanisms of kinesin and other molecular motors in biological systems.
  • Investigate the advancements in MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) engineering related to molecular machines.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for chemists, biologists, nanotechnology researchers, and anyone interested in the cutting-edge developments in molecular machines and their applications in science and technology.

DrClaude
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The Nobel prize in chemistry for 2016 has been awarded "for the design and synthesis of molecular machines."

These are fascinating constructions made up of just a few molecules, so they are the smallest machines possible. It is far from trivial to get these things working, especially since thermal noise is important at that scale (although in some cases, thermal noise can be rectified and serve as a source of energy).

The popular scientific description can be found here: http://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/chemistry/laureates/2016/popular-chemistryprize2016.pdf

For a more in-depth description: http://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/chemistry/laureates/2016/advanced-chemistryprize2016.pdf

P.-S.: As always, Nature had beaten us to it, as there are molecules in living organisms that are basically molecular motors. The most striking example is kinesin, the "walking" molecule fueled by ATP:
 
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Congratulations to the three!

Prof. Feringa came to my university last year. Unfortunately, I was not in my country back then and I could not go see his lecture (Interestingly, I was in the Netherlands that time).

My major is not molecular machines, so I can't really say much about it, but it sure is interesting.
 
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Definitely fascinating subject.
 
Just ran into this thread and it needs to be bumped! Amazing!
 
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HAYAO said:
My major is not molecular machines,

lol I don't think it is exists, closest I can think of is nanotechnology or MEMS engineering.
 
The video made my mouth open as wide as it can. Literally.

The thing is we will never catch up with nature. We just follow what it does and try to replicate.
 
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One of the laureates, Ben Feringa, is a professor of "my" university (Groningen, Holland). A very down-to-earth and genuine guy, as far as I know him.
 
Greg Bernhardt said:
Just ran into this thread and it needs to be bumped! Amazing!
It had my head spinning for days.
There is a lot of "future science" embedded in this idea, IMHO.
 

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