They Walk. They Work. New DNA Robots Strut Their Tiny Stuff

wsj ^ | 5/12/10 | staff

[Nachum]

For the first time, microscopic robots made from DNA molecules can walk, follow instructions and work together to assemble simple products on an atomic-scale assembly line, mimicking the machinery of living cells, two independent research teams announced Wednesday.

These experimental devices, described in the journal Nature, are advances in DNA nanotechnology, in which bioengineers are using the molecules of the genetic code as nuts, bolts, girders and other building materials, on a scale measured in billionths of a meter. The effort, which combines synthetic chemistry, enzymology, structural nanotechnology and computer science, takes advantage of the unique physical properties of DNA molecules to assemble shapes according to predictable chemical rules.

[freedumb2003]

>>For the first time, microscopic robots made from DNA molecules can walk, follow instructions and work together to assemble simple products on an atomic-scale assembly line<<

Which means they are already more productive than most government workers and all legislators.

[roadcat]

It would be nice if these miniature bots could build new teeth! Looking forward to that day.

[Psycho_Bunny]

This will not end well.

[SF_Redux]

I agree

[thackney]

[marktwain]

This is a very big thing. Think cheap space flight, cures for nearly all diseases, prices of nearly all items falling, and the potential of extremely long life spans. Read “Engines of Creation” by Eric Drexler if you want to see where this is heading.

http://e-drexler.com/p/06/00/EOC_Cover.html

[Jack Hydrazine]

Hello Hal! Is that you?

[jdfromny]

See what you think. I don’t like. Even the music seems ominous to me:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqyZ9bFl_qg

[tet68]

See photo below.

.

[Moonman62]

They’ll do the work that Americans won’t do.

[Truth29]

What an exciting idea. In theory you could repair internal problems with an injection of programed molecular machines rather than traditional surgery as well as correct many other problems before they become critical.

[freekitty]

With our current world government; 99 percent of the people will not be allowed this. Only the l percent who think it is owed them.