Transcript:

There's a certain molecule that's a fundamental part of almost every living thing on earth, and a portion of the molecule spins when it undergoes a chemical reaction. Scientists say that this tiny spinner could be used as the engine of a molecular motor. I'm Jim Metzner and this is the Pulse of the Planet, presented by DuPont.

Carlo Montemagno, a professor at Cornell University, says that molecular motors have many potential medical applications. For example they could be especially effective in delivering cancer drugs to a specific site in the body. The technology could also be used to generate minute electrical impulses, which in turn could be used to help treat victims of paralysis.

"Somebody has an accident, like Christopher Reeves accident, a tragic accident like that, and all of the necessary features for him to breathe on his own are all present. All the muscles are there, all the connections for his muscles are there, but what's missing is the brain telling him to contract and to breathe based upon the chemical inputs. Suppose we make a device now, a living device. This device is a very simple computer, and what it does, it looks at dissolved oxygen, blood pH, or whatever, and from that information it sends a signal directly to a nerve telling him to breathe, how fast to breathe and how deeply to breathe. Those are the kind of things which I think this technology opens the door to begin to explore."

Professor Montemagno says that research on this molecular motor has moved faster than expected, but actual use in the human body is some years away. If you'd like to hear some of your favorite Pulse of the Planet programs again online, please visit our website at nationalgeographic.com. Pulse of the Planet is presented by DuPont, bringing you the miracles of science, with additional support provided by the National Science Foundation. I'm Jim Metzner.