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.
This blog may help people explore some of the 'hidden' issues involved in certain media treatments of environmental and scientific issues. Using personal digital images, it's also intended to emphasise seasonal (and other) changes in natural history of the Swansea (South Wales) area. The material should help participants in field-based modules and people generally interested in the natural world. The views are wholly those of the author.
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.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
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 ...
-
The UK government continue their quest to turn England's rivers back into sewers. They first facilitated the privatised water companies...
-
North Yorkshire's Drax electricity-generating station was an enormous coal-fired plant, later converted to burn 'biomass'. In ...
No comments:
Post a Comment