This Computer Made Completely From Algae Could Recharge Your Phones In The Future
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A computer that runs on algae? Yep, you read that right! A computer made from algae has been successfully operating for a year now, scientists say.
Scientists at the University of Cambridge have created a computer that is completely powered by algae, a new study published in the journal Energy & Environmental Science revealed.
PAOLO BOMBELLI
The first algae-based computer was built from a species of blue algae called Synechocytis that amasses electricity from the Sun through photosynthesis. The electric current generated from this algae is then "channeled into an electrode," which then was able to power a microprocessor, The Daily Beast reported.
The algae-powered computer is extremely small and was seated in a semi-outdoor environment where sunlight was available for year. Even at night, the algae computer was working. Why, you wonder? This algae is able to process food even in the dark.
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Also read: Indian Scientists Find New Species Of Green Algae, Largest Single-Celled Organism
Owing to its compact size and the ability to provide electricity, its creators think the algae-computer may be used as a power supply for campers. As the world deals with the shortage of lithium-ion batteries, such algae-based computers could come in handy.
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Paolo Bombelli, lead author of the paper, told The Daily Beast that he images a "future where this technology could be a source of power for small electronic devices located off-grid perhaps also in remote locations."
Also read: Indian Students Build Algae-Based Respirator To Save Us From COVID-19 And Pollution
In addition, Bombelli believes that "algae-driven charging stations" could be set up in remote locations to charge mobile phones if not cars.
What do you think about this interesting computer built from algae? Let us know in the comments below. For more in the world of technology and science, keep reading Indiatimes.com.
References
Tran, T. H. (2022, May 13). This Algae-Powered Computer Has Been Running for Over a Year. The Daily Beast.