A research group from the Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), led by Professor Jonwoo Jeong of the Department of Physics, has recently discovered a groundbreaking principle of motion at the microscopic scale. Their findings reveal that objects can achieve directed movement simply by periodically changing their sizes within a liquid crystal medium. This innovative discovery holds significant potential for numerous fields of research and could lead to the development of miniature robots in the future.
In their research, the team observed that air bubbles within the liquid crystal could move in one direction by altering their sizes periodically, contrary to the symmetrical growth or contraction typically seen in air bubbles in other mediums. By introducing air bubbles, comparable in size to a human hair, into the liquid crystal and manipulating the pressure, the researchers were able to demonstrate this extraordinary phenomenon.
The key to this phenomenon lies in the creation of phase defects within the liquid crystal structure next to the air bubbles. These defects disrupt the symmetrical nature of the bubbles, enabling them to experience a unidirectional force despite their symmetrical shape. As the air bubbles fluctuate in size, pushing and pulling the surrounding liquid crystal, they are propelled in a consistent direction, defying conventional laws of physics.
Sung-Jo Kim, the first author of the study, remarked, “This groundbreaking observation showcases the ability of symmetrical objects to exhibit directed motion through symmetrical movements, a phenomenon previously unseen.” He further highlighted the potential applicability of this principle to a wide range of complex fluids beyond liquid crystals.
Professor Jeong commented, “This intriguing result underscores the significance of symmetry breaking in both time and space in driving motion at the microscopic level. Moreover, it holds promise for advancing research in the development of microscopic robots.”
Reference: “Symmetrically pulsating bubbles swim in an anisotropic fluid by nematodynamics” by Sung-Jo Kim, Žiga Kos, Eujin Um and Joonwoo Jeong, 9 February 2024, Nature Communications.
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45597-1
This research has been supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF), the Institute of Basic Science (IBS), and the Slovenian Research Agency (ARRS).
Never miss a breakthrough: Join the SciTechDaily newsletter.
Follow us on Google and Google News.
7 Comments
Even if this truly is groundbreaking, not saying it’s not, you’ve used the term “groundbreaking” in your magazine so many times, in so many articles, that it’s lost it’s meaning and punch.
Also “gamechanging”.
Find out whear the United States government got all the money those polititions where throwing around everywhere. Some one got screwed like in a majore way. If not everyone that had an inharitance coming probably got screwed to. Thay screwed everyone in the hole country over. Not only by stealing thear money. But getting them into debt to the ones thay stolen the money from. That cielling debt dosent just pay for its self. Thay owe some poor basterd thear money.
They running you comments through a spell & grammar checking & you will sound much more intelligent.
Maybe you should learn how to spell before you criticize anything or anyone 🤷♂️
I am one that got ripped off. Because some idiots put in the constitution that royel blooded citisens money and everything can be emeulated by the U.S. government. The government is stairs that a royel blooded citisen will take over the hole U.S. government. Some other type of government or organization already inserected the U.S. government. So thay could Robb me blind. Of not only what I inharited but of what I also made by playing the stock market. When it collapsed. And everyone forfit thear stock market. And none of them realized it. Then thay started the pandemice. And I got ripped off my pay pal debit mastercard I played the stock market with. I even payed to protect my investments. And I’m not getting a penny of what I made. TRUMP BLEW MY PROFITS ON IMFOSTRUCTURE. Thay made me a nut leunatice insain person. And I’m stuck on depressed. And can’t do nothing can’t buy nothing can’t put nothing in my name. Help me!!!! Chang all of this so I can get my wealth!!! God damb it! !
The correct phrase is “Dag Nabbit!!”
This discovery in liquid crystals is fascinating! It could lead to innovative applications in technology. Excited to see future developments!