Molecule-Size 'Nanocars' Gear Up for Microscopic Racing Event
Molecule-Size 'Nanocars' Gear Up for Microscopic Racing Event
By Edd Gent, Live Science Contributor | April 12, 2017 07:14am ET
In the late 1800s, France hosted the world's first competitive motor race, and now, the country will set the stage for the next revolution in motor sports: the first-ever "nanocar" race.
Four teams will race tiny vehicles made of a single molecule at The National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS) in Toulouse on April 28. The competition will be broadcast live on YouTube for fans of both motorsports and cutting-edge science.
Aside from putting on a spectacle, the competition is aimed at demonstrating the growing capabilities of so-called molecular machines. Three European academics won the 2016 Nobel Prize in chemistry for demonstrating the ability to design and build devices at the molecular level that work like traditional machines by converting input energy into mechanical work. [Magnificent Microphotography: 50 Tiny Wonders]
Several of the nanocars taking part in the race have a similar layout to conventional car designs, but others are mimicking the motion of things as varied as caterpillars, hovercraft and windmills. Christian Joachim, a senior researcher at CNRS and director of the NanoCar Race, told Live Science the organizers were keen to maintain the innovative spirit of early motorsports.
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