Japanese researchers have created what they say is the first machine that utilizes both organic and inorganic parts. Although this was accomplished at the microscopic level, the implications are huge. It suggests that one day, there may be machines that basically run on sugar water.

The scientists harnessed a bacterium called "Mycoplasma mobile". This one micrometer (one millionth of a meter) life form can slide over surfaces relatively quickly, covering five times its own length every second.  Note that M. mobile follow any wall they encounter, putting the bacteria into what amounts to a "hamster wheel", consisting of a circular silicon track.  This track was connected to a cog 20 micrometers in diameter. The bacteria were chemically modified to make them spin the cog by crawling around the perimeter of the track, spinning it at two revolutions per minute.

Eventually, devices like this can be used to power micro-machines that might deliver drugs to very specific targets in the body. They may also eventually lead to new diagnostic methods. In the meantime, check out the Quicktime Movie below if you would be interested in seeing this microscopic marvel in action.

Download: [Mycoplasma Mobile in Action]