bacterial suspension tagged posts

Rendering of bacteria and viruses. The chaotic swarming effect of dense active matter such as bacteria can be organised to turn cylindrical rotors and provide a steady power source, according to new research. Credit: © Jezper / Fotolia

A team of scientists from Oxford University has shown how the natural movement of bacteria could be harnessed to assemble and power microscopic ‘windfarms’ – or other human-made micromachines such as smartphone components. The study uses computer simulations to demonstrate that the chaotic swarming effect of dense active matter such as bacteria can be organised to turn cylindrical rotors and provide a steady power source.

Researchers say these biologically driven power plants could someday be the microscopic engines for tiny, human-made devices that are sel...