Researchers from Northwestern University have developed new cell software that harnesses the energy generated by microbes living in the soil. This technology, based on microorganisms, can provide energy for underground sensors used in precision agriculture and ecological infrastructure. The cell software, which is the size of a standard paperback book, offers a potential alternative to batteries. Batteries contain toxic chemicals that are released into the soil, and their production poses issues with supply chains and electronic waste.
To test the new cell software, researchers used it to power sensors that measure soil moisture and detect touch, which can be useful in tracking passing animals. Additionally, they equipped the powered software with a small antenna, enabling wireless communication and data transmission to a nearby database using existing radio signals. Not only did the cell software work in both wet and dry conditions, but it also exhibited 120% higher efficiency than similar technologies.
The study will be published in today’s (January 12th) edition of the “Proceedings of the Association for Computing Machinery on Interactive, Mobile, Wearable, and Ubiquitous Technologies.” The research authors also provide all designs, tutorials, and simulation tools to the community for others to use and develop this cell software.
The research results demonstrate that it is possible to harness energy from the natural environment, such as soil, without the need for batteries. “We can extract this energy from the soil that farmers are already monitoring,” said Bill Yen, the lead author of the study. Microbe-based cell software can have broad applications in precision agriculture and environmental monitoring. It is a step towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly solution for powering low-power devices.
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