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Researchers Develop
Bionic Leaf for
Distributed Agriculture
As the global population continues
to rise, the planet is headed for a
food shortage, with some estimates
saying supply will have to double
by 2050 to meet demand. The
problem is much of the demand
will be in the developing world.
In response, Harvard scientists are
asking: What if soil could enrich itself through microbes
that boost crop yields? And what if those microbes were
themselves grown sustainably in compact, sunlight-fueled
bioreactors? Postdoctoral fellow Kelsey Sakimoto of the
Harvard University Center for the Environment is working
with chemist Daniel Nocera and synthetic biologist Pamela
Silver to tune Nocera and Silver’s bionic leaf to help forge
a new era of distributed agriculture. The bionic leaf is an
outgrowth of Nocera’s artificial leaf, which efficiently splits
water into hydrogen and oxygen gas by pairing silicon, the
material that makes up solar panels, with catalyst coatings.
The hydrogen gas can be stored on site and used to drive
fuel cells, providing a way to store and use power that
originates from the sun.
—phys.org
The Healing Power of Houseplants
Whether it’s a bland living room or boring workspace, potted
plants are a great way to jazz up interiors on a budget.
Interestingly, spending a bit of cash on some houseplants can
do wonders for you. A significant amount of scientific evidence
suggests being around greenery can stave off stress, elevate
mood, and improve cognitive functioning, among other
things. Houseplants have been shown to reduce stress and
anxiety, according to a study in the Journal of Physiological
Anthropology. Active interaction like touching and smelling
with indoor plants can reduce physiological and psychological
stress. Plants also improve the air quality in a home and act as a
natural humidifier. They also enhance cognitive skills, according
to a Texas A&M University study. If you keep potted plants and
flowers around your workspace, you can improve your creative
performance and analytical skills. Plants can also facilitate
healing by helping you feel calm.
—forbes.com
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