In all forms of life, molecular motors are indispensable for transporting molecular building blocks inside cells, for maintaining DNA, and for generating (muscle-based) motion. Only recently, mankind has developed the ability to build synthetic molecular motors and machines and to control these with light. In this project, researchers from various disciplines will join forces to unravel the design-principles of synthetic nanomachines, to design motorized nanoscale building blocks and to demonstrate the first light-controlled artificial muscles and conveyor belts. These discoveries enable mankind to pursue new applications such as in nanomedicine and in the design of adaptive, mobile, and self-healing materials.

All organisms on planet Earth are sensitive to the environment, but some more than others. While this phenomenon plays a key role in various fields of research, ranging from ecology to biomedical research into vulnerability to psychiatric disease, it is unknown how the more and less sensitive individuals differ in perceiving and prioritizing information from the environment. In this project, the researchers will use rat models to elucidate the underlying mechanisms at the behavioral and brain level.