The scientists tested their approach by creating a generator that produces enough current to operate a small liquid-crystal display. It works by tapping a finger on a postage stamp-sized electrode coated with specially engineered viruses. The viruses convert the force of the tap into an electric charge.
Their generator is the first to produce electricity by harnessing the piezoelectric properties of a biological material.
The viruses are harmless - built to 'harness' physical stress in an object to gnenerate electricity
Power Produced
The amount of power this prototype generates isn't very much- it's only about one-quarter of what comes out of this AAA battery
* Lighting systems, powered by similar panels inside doors
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| Piezoelectric |
Their generator is the first to produce electricity by harnessing the piezoelectric properties of a biological material.
The viruses are harmless - built to 'harness' physical stress in an object to gnenerate electricity
 |
| Power Produced |
The amount of power this prototype generates isn't very much- it's only about one-quarter of what comes out of this AAA battery
uses
* In the future, they could be used to power everything from portable electronics like phones - powered by footsteps.
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| Virus |
