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A molecule that flips between two states without altering the way it binds to other molecules could bring molecular computing closer to reality. Researchers at IBM’s Zurich Research Laboratory applied a voltage across a naphthalocyanine molecule. That changed the orientation of two of its hydrogen atoms, but not its overall shape (Science, vol 317, p 1203). Removing the voltage prompted the atoms to switch back.

The latest version of Google Earth has a secret: it has a flight simulator program built into it, allowing users to pilot a light aircraft or an F-16 fighter jet from any airport to…

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