Cyborg cockroaches inch closer to reality, blame science

Few things on this planet are more indestructible than the lowly cockroach -- except, of course, a cyborg cockroach. That's what researchers at Case Western Reserve University are looking to create, and they're a lot closer than you may think. In fact, chemistry professor Daniel Scherson has found a way to harvest energy from the chemicals swimming within these insidious insects, meaning that they may soon be able to create robot cockroaches with a more reliable power source. To do this, Scherson and his team incorporated enzymes capable of converting a cockroach's food intake into electrons, which can then be funneled through a fuel cell to generate electricity. Unlike similar developments, Scherson's technique doesn't rely on an external source like light, movement or batteries. All you need is a cockroach and a steady food supply -- basically, a college dorm room.

[Image courtesy of The Life Files]

Cyborg cockroaches inch closer to reality, blame science originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 12 Jan 2012 05:37:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink The Huffington Post  |  PhysOrg  | Email this | Comments

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/12/cyborg-cockroaches-energy-power/

its a wonderful life rex ryan yule log ham recipes adrian peterson darlene love free kindle books