‘Simplistic’ molecular motor avoids complex synthesis

A new molecular motor, which is much simpler than many before it, can carry cargo across a surface without missteps or changes in direction. The simple motor avoids the complex synthesis associated with other molecular machines and, according to the researchers who created it, could inspire future nanosystems that could remove contaminants from surfaces, aid the construction of larger nanostructures or transport catalytically active species to specific locations.