Renewable Energy from Evaporating Water

Posted by freedomforall 8 years, 11 months ago to Science
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"The team of researchers, led by Ozgur Sahin, started with an idea about how to utilize biological organisms to create a water-responsive structure. Indeed, rather than building a robot to respond to a series of if/then statements, nature already has plants programmed to do so.

The miniature car is able to propel itself along by using a bunch of soil bacteria spores attached to strips of plastic tape. The spores naturally expand and straighten when water is absorbed from the air and shrink when releasing that moisture when coming in contact with dry air."

All Comments

  • Posted by Owlsrayne 8 years, 10 months ago
    I have one better: Casimir Effect/Dynamic Casimir Effect. This a laboratory tested Effect. The idea is to use this for space propulsion but if a device could built to convert photons directly into useable electricity we wouldn't need biotic/abiotic fuels.
    Dynamic Casimir Effect: two mirrored plates at a micron space apart in a vaccuum; will accumulate photons from the vacuum (quantum mechanics involved).
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  • Posted by Herb7734 8 years, 10 months ago in reply to this comment.
    Hi, FFA:
    Course looks very interesting. I have read quite extensively on the subject, but I'll be sure to look in on it.
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  • Posted by Herb7734 8 years, 10 months ago in reply to this comment.
    Don't forget dark energy.
    Poor Albert. His brilliant thinking got stymied when he couldn't conceive of the weirdness of the universe that his mind conceived. He wound up trying to unprove himself in a way.
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  • Posted by johnpe1 8 years, 10 months ago in reply to this comment.
    when we capture dark matter and make it power
    our toaster oven, we'll be there. . kings of the universe. -- j
    .
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  • Posted by johnpe1 8 years, 10 months ago
    I wonder that the spores do not get tired of this
    process and die. . or hold onto the moisture and grow. -- j
    .
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  • Posted by waytodude 8 years, 11 months ago
    I think this is most interesting and can be useful in the future wither fossil fuels are abundant or not. As we explore our intellect and our universe a mode of motion will be most useful. The more modes of motion the further we can explore. If this power can be used efficiently and cost effective think how far we can go in our intellect and our universe. I for one am always looking for better renewable cost effective power sources.
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  • Posted by teri-amborn 8 years, 11 months ago in reply to this comment.
    My husband says: "The perfect make-out vehicle is an Amish buggy...because The horse knows it's way home!"
    He comes up with some real side-splitters!
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  • Posted by wiggys 8 years, 11 months ago
    has anybody shown this technology to 0. i am sure he would underwrite it with our tax dollars to the tune of billions. considering that oil gas and coal are with us for eons to come and at some point the efficiency of how we use them will increase they will never be replaced.
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  • Posted by Herb7734 8 years, 11 months ago
    That is waaay beyond the workings of my brain. However, I stand in awe of the very idea of this form of energy. What wonders will the human mind bring forth?
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  • Posted by $ Snezzy 8 years, 11 months ago
    I've got a cart that does that with just water and grass. Occasional oats.

    It's big enough to do Real Transportation, too.

    Added bonus is the autopilot. At least when heading home, it'll stay on the road and generally take the proper turns.
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