IBM Scientists First to Image the Anatomy of a Molecule

in the image of the pentacene molecule shown, I noticed that the carbon rings on the ends (rings 1 and5) are much lighter in color. From what I know of AFM, a color gradient implies surface depth. Is this suggesting that pentacene is not 'really' as flat as we would expect for such a highly conjugated aromatic system...?

Would anybody like to see a molecular change? No joke, type White Gasoline Vapor, read everything, including comments you will see when I discovered I had done a molecular change. Help me get the right audience, this could change the world.

Now this, is what i live for.

Is it also possible to scan other than flat molecules with this technique?

@ridelo Yes, we think so. It is actually what we are doing now. Besides pentacene we also did chlorine.

I'm waiting for a picture of a piece of DNA or a coiled up protein. ;-)
No, no, I mean you're doing a superb job. I don't understand the details but it's wonderful!

You can compare it with looking at the Earth from a satellite. We knew the Earth was a sphere before we had satellites. And we knew the shape of molecules like pentacene from chemistry, but now we can see it with our own eyes.

Stuff like this gives me hope for humanity.

Great job.

Congatulations to the scientists. I'm sure this will have many important uses for further advancement.

Mighty fine intelligent design!