Microtechnology

From dog sleds to horse-drawn carts, animals have been pulling vehicles for thousands of years. Now, scientists in Tokyo have made what might be the smallest version ever, designing microscopic vehicles that can be pulled by single-celled algae.

Researchers at the Pohang University of Science and Technology have created a miniature solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) capable of powering drones for longer flight times, and which could be used to power everything from smartphones to cars in the not-too-distant future.

Tiny micrometer-scale "microgrippers" prove their effectiveness as surgical tools in conducting biopsies.