Coming soon: The ability to identify single molecules by weight
A new scale created by Michael Roukes and his colleagues at the California Institute of Technology can weigh items as small as a zeptogram (10^-21g), roughly the mass of a single protein molecule. The scale uses an extremely small vibrating blade made from silicon carbide. The blade is only 1000 nm long. By measuring the voltage of a wire attached to the blade, which vibrates in a magnetic field, researchers can determine the weight of whatever is placed on the blade.
The articles note that future devices that could even identify single molecules by weight, but to identify proteins by weight, the scales will have to become another 1000 times more precise, capable of weighing yoctograms (10^-24g), or individual hydrogen atoms. Just give it some time.
via BoingBoing via New Scientist
via Slashdot via BBC News
