The so-called “good” virus
Scientists from Berkley Labs discovered a good virus, aka
M13, that can convert mechanical energy into electricity through a process
called “piezoelectric”[1].
Sounds weird huh? While most of us are trying to kill off viruses, these scientists
are trying to find ways to use their replicable nature and energy into everyday
use. Though they are still in the very beginning stages of their research, the
M13 virus was able to produce enough energy comparable to a 1/4 voltage of a
common, AAA battery, which was enough to flash a number in a LCD display[2].
Is this technology going to spread like a virus?
This is interesting and all, but, will we end up with some
sort of swine flu? Aids? Or simply a cold? We wouldn’t want that… According to
research this M13 bacteriophage (type of virus) only attacks bacteria and is
harmless to humans[3].
So, let’s just figure out how this works.
The virus is contained in assembled post-stamp sized patches
and is connected to the device with electrodes. When pressure is applied to the patches, the viruses react converting
the mechanical energy from the viruses into electricity. And that’s when the
magic happens! This new breakthrough in Nanotechnology is now referred to as viral
electronics[4].
YUM!
A lot of research still needs to be done in order to allow
this technology to be taken to the market. However, this initial breakthrough
has received a lot of praise and attention in the scientific community. Surprisingly,
this Piezoelectric technology isn’t new, but it is the first of its kind to be
used with non-toxic materials that are also easily replicable[5].
Want to get scientific?
The Scientists
From left, Byung Yang Lee, Seung-Wuk Lee, and Ramamoorthy
Ramesh developed the "viral-electric" generator[6].
How is this Green IT?
How would you like a battery that constantly generates power
– on its own?! – and comes from natural resources? We sure would! Not only is
it better for the environment, but we hope that the disposal of it will have a
much lower impact in contaminating our environment.
Interesting idea, especially considering the small size. However, for the viruses to remain active and replicating, the bacteria would have to have a constant source of nutrition. I would assume the food source would have to be included in packaging, or be continually added to the device. I wonder if this could be developed on a larger scale and used as a generator? Or even developed into a major power source by utility providers?
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