Image of the Day: Nanobot Schematic

A magnetically controlled device could have applications in studies of cell biology and biophysics.

Written byThe Scientist
| 1 min read

Register for free to listen to this article
Listen with Speechify
0:00
1:00
Share

Schematic of a helix-shape nanorobot moving through a living cellMALAY PAL

For the first time, scientists have inserted a helix-shape nanorobot inside a living cell and successfully manipulated it with magnetic fields. Ambarish Ghosh, a biophysicist at the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore, and colleagues designed the robots to be controlled with small magnetic fields that do not disturb the cells. They reported their findings this week (April 10) in Advanced Materials. The robots revolve in concert with a rotating magnetic field, and their helix-shape “tails” drive them forward as they turn.

M. Pal et al., “Maneuverability of magnetic nanomotors inside living cells,” Advanced Materials, doi:10.1002/adma.201800429, 2018.

Interested in reading more?

Become a Member of

The Scientist Logo
Receive full access to more than 35 years of archives, as well as TS Digest, digital editions of The Scientist, feature stories, and much more!
Already a member? Login Here
Illustration of a developing fetus surrounded by a clear fluid with a subtle yellow tinge, representing amniotic fluid.
January 2026, Issue 1

What Is the Amniotic Fluid Composed of?

The liquid world of fetal development provides a rich source of nutrition and protection tailored to meet the needs of the growing fetus.

View this Issue
Skip the Wait for Protein Stability Data with Aunty

Skip the Wait for Protein Stability Data with Aunty

Unchained Labs
Graphic of three DNA helices in various colors

An Automated DNA-to-Data Framework for Production-Scale Sequencing

illumina
Exploring Cellular Organization with Spatial Proteomics

Exploring Cellular Organization with Spatial Proteomics

Abstract illustration of spheres with multiple layers, representing endoderm, ectoderm, and mesoderm derived organoids

Organoid Origins and How to Grow Them

Thermo Fisher Logo

Products

Brandtech Logo

BRANDTECH Scientific Introduces the Transferpette® pro Micropipette: A New Twist on Comfort and Control

Biotium Logo

Biotium Launches GlycoLiner™ Cell Surface Glycoprotein Labeling Kits for Rapid and Selective Cell Surface Imaging

Colorful abstract spiral dot pattern on a black background

Thermo Scientific X and S Series General Purpose Centrifuges

Thermo Fisher Logo
Abstract background with red and blue laser lights

VANTAstar Flexible microplate reader with simplified workflows

BMG LABTECH