NYU prof Nadrian Seeman, who won the Foresight Institute Feynman Prize back in 1995, has done it again. From Science Daily:

New York University chemistry professor Nadrian C. Seeman and his graduate student Baoquan Ding have developed a DNA cassette through which a nanomechanical device can be inserted and function within a DNA array, allowing for the motion of a nanorobotic arm. The results, reported in the latest issue of the journal Science, mark the first time scientists have been able to employ a functional nanotechnology device within a DNA array.

“It is crucial for nanorobotics to be able to insert controllable devices into a particular site within an array, thereby leading to a diversity of structural states,” explained Seeman. “Here we have demonstrated that a single device has been inserted and converted at a specific site.”

He added that the results pave the way for creating nanoscale “assembly lines” in which more complex maneuvers could be executed. [Emphasis added.]

The story has a diagram, but I could use a video in order to really visualize what has been built.

I believe Dr. Seeman’s patent rights may be held by Nanoscience Technologies, Inc. Just in case you’re interested! —Christine

This entry was posted on Wednesday, December 13th, 2006 at 5:19 PM and is filed under Artificial Molecular Machines, Bionanotechnology, Intellectual Property, Investment/Entrepreneuring, Molecular Nanotechnology, Nanobiotechnology, Nanotechnology, Productive Nanosystems, Research, Robotics. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.