Moving Symmetry?

We found a very interesting paper and corresponding video by researchers at the University of Regensburg that suggests that symmetry may even affect how molecules move in their surroundings.

Huh? How??

This video shows a copper complex that was used in the experiment. They found that,

The symmetry of the molecule determines where on the surface the compound absorbs, in which direction it moves, and whether and how much it rotates.

It's almost scary how much of an effect symmetry plays on materials. Not only does it have both physical and chemical implications regarding numerous characteristics of the material, but it can significantly affect how each individual molecule moves!

This highlights why studying symmetry is so important-- maybe symmetry can be the key to solving the world's mysteries...How poetic!