Molecular architects: how scientists design new materials

Nano-architects design materials that can work together at very tiny scales, like these interlocking gears made of carbon tubes and benzene molecules. [[https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b6/Fullerene_Nanogears_-_GPN-2000-001535.jpg NASA]]</span>When Thomas Edison wanted a filament for his light bulb, he scoured the globe collecting thousands of candidates before settling on bamboo. (It was years before people were able to make tungsten work properly.) That's our traditional way of getting materials. We picked up stones for axes, chopped wood for housing and carved tools out of bone.