NPR

Microscopic Cars Square Off In Big Race

This car race involved years of training, feats of engineering, high-profile sponsorships, competitors from around the world and a racetrack made of gold. And it's invisible to the naked eye.
The Nanocar Race, which happened over the weekend at Le centre national de la recherché scientific in Toulouse, France, was billed as the "first-ever race of molecule-cars."

This car race involved years of training, feats of engineering, high-profile sponsorships, competitors from around the world and a racetrack made of gold.

But the high-octane competition, between physics and motor-sports, is invisible to the naked eye. In fact, the track itself is only a fraction of the width of a human

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from NPR

NPR3 min read
WNBA Teams Will Travel On Chartered Flights For The Next 2 Seasons, The League Says
Before, teams could travel on chartered flights during the postseason and for back-to-back games in the regular season. Many players said the change will make recovery easier and make them feel safer.
NPR2 min read
What's Past Is Present For Ukrainian Composer Valentin Silvestrov
The 86-year-old Kyiv native, living in exile in Berlin, has a new album of symphonic works that explores the idea of reminiscence.
NPR4 min read
Yes, Apple's New IPad Ad Is Ugly And Crushing, But Art Can't Be Flattened
The newest iPad ad depicts instruments, books and art supplies flattened into Apple's thinnest product ever. But anyone who owns and loves art in any form knows: The practicality isn't the point.

Related Books & Audiobooks