Have you ever thought how much smaller batteries can be? A team led by MIT may have made a new record by
genetically modifying a virus.
They modified the M13 virus' genes so its outside layer, or coat, would bind with certain metal ions. They incubated the virus in a cobalt chloride solution so that cobalt oxide crystals mineralized uniformly along its length.
They added a bit of gold for the desired electrical effects.
The viruses formed orderly layers, the researchers reported.
The resulting nanowires worked as positive electrodes for battery electrodes, the researchers said.
It is quite scary what some people can do these days! On the plus side, this could be a big step forward towards increasing the portability of our devices!