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.
Every bacteria species with this kind of pump…