Physicists have created a "nano-violin" so small that it could fit within the width of a human hair. This is not only good news for anyone feeling sorry for themselves – it also demonstrates the capabilities of a new nanolithography system that allows researchers to build and study nanoscale structures. It will help researchers identify new materials and methods to enhance future generations of computers.

The tiny violin is made of platinum and is just 35 microns (35 millionths of a meter) long and 13 wide. To put that into perspective, a human hair is typically around 17 to 180 microns in diameter, while the famous tardigrades – the adorable and tough microorganisms – are between 50 and 1,200 microns.

But before you think this will become the first step towards nano-bands or a prelu

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