Molecular Machines

Recently, light has been able to induce mechanical work from a single molecule for the first time ever. Scientists in Munich, Germany made a polymer molecule stretch and contract upon the addition of light, and measured the amount of movement with a cantilever. They suspect that this type of mechanical energy may be helpful in the future to power something as small as a battery, yet have dreams of powering larger things. The molecule reportedly streched a distance of 1.4 nm. The affects of the light on the molecule are relative to the wavelength of the light. The process is not yet efficient, nor is it used in devices. However, one day it may play a large role in worldwide energy production.