Scientists build an electric motor from a single molecule; an ancient Archimedes screw inspires a machine that can reverse its rotation

Scientists have developed an electrically powered molecular motor inspired by the ancient Archimedes screw. The machine uses flowing electrons to rotate a single molecule, with voltage polarity controlling its direction. Published in Nature, the study also reveals that molecular rotation can increase electrical conductivity by up to 100 times. The findings could advance molecular electronics, spintronics and microfluidics, although researchers say further work is needed before practical applications become possible.