Wednesday 17 June 2015

The Answer (May) Lie in the Soil


Interesting developments in that scientists, at Columbia University, have started to exploit small amounts of power from strange sources (http://www.theguardian.com/science/2015/jun/16/scientists-build-toy-car-propelled-by-evaporating-water). They have powered a miniature car and a flashing LED, harnessing the power of evaporating water. Even more strangely, they have developed an artificial 'muscle' (HYDRA) by sticking the spores from common soil bacteria, in a particular arrangement, to a tape. The spores greatly expand when exposed to water and shrink when dry, producing a spring-like movement. There seem to be lots of other possibilities for developing micro machines using these spores and water.

No comments:

Plants We Used to Use 469. Water mint

As with other mints, Water mint ( Mentha aquatica ) leaves, can be added as flavouring to cooking and drinks. They also produce a herbal &#...