Name: Using nature to grow batteries
Uploaded: 2011-04-27T15:09:00Z
Duration: 10 min 8 s
Description: Inspired by an abalone shell, Angela Belcher programs viruses to make elegant nanoscale structures that humans can use. Selecting for high-performing genes through directed evolution, she's produced viruses that can construct powerful new batteries, clean hydrogen fuels and record-breaking solar cells. In her talk, she shows us how it's done.

Inspired by an abalone shell, Angela Belcher programs viruses to make elegant nanoscale structures that humans can use. Selecting for high-performing genes through directed evolution, she's produced viruses that can construct powerful new batteries, clean hydrogen fuels and record-breaking solar cells. In her talk, she shows us how it's done.

Using nature to grow batteries

Nature crafts materials like the abalone shell, which is 3,000 times tougher than chalk, by organizing matter at the nanoscale through genetic blueprints. Inspired by these processes, researchers have programmed viruses to assemble batteries, solar cells, and catalysts using non-toxic chemistry at room temperature. By harnessing billions of engineered viruses, they can select and evolve the best candidates for building advanced devices. These breakthroughs point to a future where biology helps create materials never before seen in nature.