Sometimes researchers draw their finest inspiration for their inventions from animals or insects, like the Namib Desert Beetle, which inspired the self-filling water bottle. British researchers have found a clever way to harvest energy while inside: by imitating moths. They’ve created a graphene-based solar cell that traps electromagnetic waves much like a moth’s eyes, making it one of the most energy-absorbent substances. With the right antennas, it could produce energy from not just sunlight, but any device that emits microwave or radio waves—meaning your smartphone could potentially help power your smartwatch. These solar cells would allow us to capture natural light and artificial light, which could be useful in places where the sun doesn’t always shine.
Solar cells inspired by moth eyes can harvest energy indoors
More of Today's Solutions
Elevate your tea experience: 5 innovative ways to improve your daily brew
While the classic simplicity of tea is always comforting, there's a world of flavors waiting to be explored. If you want to add some ...
Read MoreTransforming Tylenol: a sustainable path without coal tar or crude oil
Paracetamol, the omnipresent pain reliever found in countless households worldwide, may soon radically adjust its manufacturing method. For more than a century, this medicine, ...
Read MoreSuccessful gene-hacked pig kidney transplant shows promise in xenotransplanta...
A team at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston performed a breakthrough surgical accomplishment, transplanting a kidney from a gene-hacked pig into a 62-year-old man. ...
Read MoreUSDA implements new school meal standards to reduce added sugars
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced significant changes to school meal laws, including the first time added sugars will be banned on ...
Read More
