ISRAELIS DEVELOPING ARTIFICIAL LEAVES WHICH CAN GENERATE ELECTRICITY; IOW: BIO-PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS

HAARETZ:

... researchers from Tel Aviv University (TAU) claim to have created a prototype of a photovoltaic cell by genetically engineering proteins that produce energy using photosynthesis. If successful, this would enable energy production on a commercial scale through the construction of "artificial leaves." The cells would even appear green, because of the wavelength of the light that they collect.

... The new photovoltaic device is based on a genetically engineered dry protein, photosystem I (PS I), created from bacteria that carry out photosynthesis.

... In the first stage, the researchers grew cells that can produce large quantities of the PS I protein. "We introduced genetic changes into bacteria so that the proteins they create can bond to a substrate bottom metal and be suited for use," Carmeli explained. The most complex stage involved placing the protein molecules on the substrate, all facing the same direction. Next, the surface was coated with a suitable conducting material. Electrical wires were then connected to the cells, which produced an electrical charge when exposed to light.

... The research is still in its early stages, and so far the team has only created a microscopic cell that produces a tiny amount of energy. ... it is too early to talk about the total cost of producing electricity on a commercial scale using the new method.

GEE: IF IT WORKS, THEN IT COULD OUT THE ARABS OUT OF THE ENERGY BUSINESS!

OH THOSE JOOOOOOZE!