Electric bacteria found in the human gut
The diverse microbes that live in your gut keep turning up new surprises. Now researchers at UC Berkeley have found that some species of gut-dwelling bacteria can generate electricity.
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Electricity
Harvard's new organic flow battery uses a long-lived recipe of Biblical proportions
A team of Harvard engineers has been making strides over the past few years with organic flow batteries, and has now tested a new molecule that makes for the longest-lasting, high-performance organic flow battery so far.
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Flying spiders are tapping into global electric fields for takeoff
It’s long been thought that spiders were "ballooning" on silk parachutes thanks to the wind picking them up, but a new study has found that the creatures are actually making use of atmospheric electric fields instead.
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US regulatory thumbs up brings small modular nuclear reactors a step closer
The first small modular reactor (SMR) application has passed an intensive Phase 1 review by the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). The okay for NuScale Power means that plans can progress on a 12-module plant scheduled to go online in Idaho in the middle of the next decade.
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Spark experiments explore the art of electricity
Sean O’Connell is a jewelry designer and artist with an interest in the interactions between energy and matter. His spark experiments, currently being exhibited as part of the National Gallery of Victoria Triennial event, are amazing examinations into how electricity flows though materials.
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Hybrid solar cell captures energy from the sun and raindrops
As useful as solar energy is, it still has one major Kryptonite: gloomy weather. Now, a team of Chinese engineers has developed a hybrid solar cell that can produce electricity come rain or shine, using the triboelectric effect to harvest energy from the movement of raindrops on its surface.
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MIT's thermal resonator generates electricity from the air's daily temperature cycle
Energy is all around us – we just need to work out how to tap into it. Now a team from MIT has developed a device called a thermal resonator, which could essentially pull electricity out of thin air by taking advantage of gradual ambient temperature changes over the course of the day.
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New triboelectric nanogenerator generates electricity at the bend of a finger
Researchers have developed a triboelectric nanogenerator in the form of a small metallic tab that can generate electricity from simple body movements, such as the bending of a finger.
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Tesla to help roll out world's largest "virtual power plant" in Australia
Tesla is again partnering with the South Australian government, this time on the world’s largest “virtual power plant.” By installing solar panels and Tesla Powerwall batteries on thousands of houses, the system would allow homes to generate their own electricity and feed excess power to the grid.
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Cheap biomaterial can be tapped or squeezed for cleaner power
With their ability to generate electricity from mechanical stress, piezoelectric systems made from synthetic materials are great and all, but you know what might be even better? Piezoelectric systems made from natural materials.
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