Generators operate by virus

Recently, US scientists have developed a completely new way of powering devices including cell phones: using harmless viruses to convert mechanical energy into electricity.

Researchers at the US Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have created a generator using a virus called M13, a benign virus that only attacks the virus, converting mechanical energy into electricity. Enough to operate a liquid crystal display.

The generator works when the finger touches an electrode sized by a stamp covered with the M13 virus. M13 has the function of converting the motor into a power source for the device to operate due to piezoelectricity (the phenomenon of generating electricity when it is impacted by a mechanical force).

The M13 virus automatically divides itself into millions of copies within a few hours and is arranged in a certain order so that there is always a stable supply.

Research opens up the development of small devices capable of generating energy from everyday vibrations such as closing doors, climbing stairs.

References: Physorg