Inspired by an abalone shell, Angela Belcher programs viruses to make elegant nanoscale structures that humans can use. Selecting for high-performing genes through directed evolution, she’s produced viruses that can construct powerful new batteries, clean hydrogen fuels and record-breaking solar cells. At TEDxCaltech, she shows us how it’s done. (Recorded at TEDxCaltech, January 2011 at Pasadena, CA. Duration: 10:26)
Watch Angela Belcher’s talk on TED.com where you can download it, rate it, comment on it and find other talks and performances from our archive of 900+ TEDTalks.
Photo: Dominick Reuter
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Theban Tonnesen commented on Nov 19 2011
I was thinking “Back to the Future” in saying that, but in technical terms I think it really would be called a flux capacitor. This could be a solution to the EV battery paradox. Since you can only fit about 400-500 watts of solar on a mid-sized vehicle’s surface; I’m hoping virus power can be surpass solar cells someday in the form of a vehicles continuous charging source….
Or perhaps a virus that creates a tremendous amount of heat when properly stimulated (instead of using dangerous radioisotopes) to fuel existing steam turbines and nuclear power plants. Now there’s a retrofit I’d like to see…
Theban Tonnesen commented on Nov 19 2011
Can anyone say flux capacitor?
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Gerry Mann commented on Apr 28 2011
Is it possible to engineer a virus to infect a host bacteria to eat the plastic waste in the oceans without otherwise harming the environment?
commented on Apr 27 2011
this is very interesting. is the age of biofuels approaching? let’s hope so! :)
commented on Apr 30 2011
Yes, let’s (hope that the age of biofuels is upon us)!
With Love and Gratitude,
Jeremiah