{
  "id": 1910354,
  "title": "Tiny robots powered by light can hunt down and collect bacteria",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/18/tiny-robots-powered-by-light-can-hunt-down-and-collect-bacteria",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-08-18T22:21:50.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ScienceDaily",
    "slug": "sciencedaily",
    "url": "https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/08/260816044850.htm"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Scientists have developed minuscule robots powered by light, capable of locating and gathering bacteria. At just 50 times the diameter of a human hair, these nanorobots are a significant step towards direct interaction with the microscopic world. The JMU research team, led by Professor Bert Hecht, created these microdrones using plasmonic nanoantennas that absorb and emit light in specific directions. By altering the polarization of incoming photons, the researchers can control the nanorobot's movement and direction. This innovative design allows the nanorobots to quickly turn 90 degrees, enabling them to efficiently scan and clean microbial environments. The robots can collect, transport, and release large numbers of bacteria, showcasing the potential of light for both observing and manipulating the microscopic world.",
  "summary": "Researchers have built microscopic, light-driven robots that can rapidly navigate through liquid, collect bacteria, and deposit them in chosen locations. These tiny “cleaners” could open new possibilities for manipulating cells and microbes with remarkable precision.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "ScienceDaily Health",
        "title": "Tiny robots powered by light can hunt down and collect bacteria",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/18/tiny-robots-powered-by-light-can-hunt-down-and-collect-bacteria-1915866",
        "published": "2026-08-18T22:21:50.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}