Virus power to the people!

Viruses consist of a small amount of genetic code encased in a protein shell, and have been manipulated to provide missing genes in gene therapy, which is the use of DNA as a pharmaceutical agent to treat disease. But there is some more good those misunderstood creatures have been found to be capable of doing: scientists at the Energy Department’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory say they have created a virus that generates electricity. The research is described as a first step toward using genetically engineered viruses to build devices that convert the body’s motion into electricity. Such personal power generators — compact, wafer-thin devices attached to clothing or inserted in shoes — could produce enough electricity to power cellphones or other small electronic gadgets. Piezoelectric generators are nothing new, but this is the first time that a biological material has been used for piezo generators, according to the researchers, who add that a virus offers several advantages over the inorganic, ceramic materials regularly used today. Ceramic materials can be difficult to work with and create toxic byproducts during their manufacture and use. By contrast, virus-based piezoelectric materials potentially offer a simple and environmentally friendly approach to piezoelectric energy generation. This looks promising, and it could soon be used to power a house if it ever gets that far.