Subscribe now

Life

Motor made from bacteria parts is one of the smallest ever built

The natural motors that power tail-like appendages in bacteria seem to have a single evolutionary origin, allowing parts from different species to be combined to create a tiny new engine

By James Woodford

17 October 2024

An illustration showing the natural motor of a bacterium

RAMON ANDRADE 3DCIENCIA/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

A living motor made by combining different parts from bacteria is one of the smallest ever built, and could one day power tiny robots.

Many types of bacteria are propelled by natural motors that power the rotation of tail-like flagella. These rotary pumps, known as stators, are among the world’s oldest and smallest wheels, being thought to have evolved billions of years ago.

Read more

Evolution is evolving: 13 ways we must rethink the theory of nature

Every bacteria species with this kind of pump…

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox! We'll also keep you up to date with New Scientist events and special offers.

Sign up

To continue reading, subscribe today with our introductory offers

Unlock this article

No commitment, cancel anytime*

Offer ends 15 January 2025.

*Cancel anytime within 14 days of payment to receive a refund on unserved issues.

Inclusive of applicable taxes (VAT)

or

Existing subscribers

Sign in to your account

More from New Scientist

Explore the latest news, articles and features

Popular articles

Trending New Scientist articles

1

DNA analysis rewrites the stories of people buried in Pompeii

2

Knots made in a weird quantum fluid can last forever

3

The complete guide to cooking oils and how they affect your health

4

Tom Gauld on getting things to work - or not

5

Chinese rover finds further evidence for an ancient ocean on Mars

6

Before the Stone Age: Were the first tools made from plants not rocks?

7

Conspiracy theorists are turning their attention back to HPV vaccines

8

Striking image shows well-preserved wreck of Shackleton’s doomed ship

9

Slick trick separates oil and water with 99.9 per cent purity

10

Cancer deaths expected to nearly double worldwide by 2050