Scientists at the University of Houston and Rutgers University are researching an interesting form of energy found in cells. Most of the energy used by a cell is produced by transforming ATP (adenosine triphosphate) into ADP (adenosine diphosphate). However, the movement and flexing of cell membranes can produce a voltage too.
Called flexoelectricity, scientists say it is like piezoelectric devices which produce voltage from mechanical energy, but much on a smaller scale. To date, they have been able to produce 90 mV, which is enough to fire a neuron or push ion transport across cells. So perhaps someday the machines will turn around and tap into the hidden voltage of people to operate their world. Beware. – Steve Terry, DTC HVAC & Refrigeration Instructor
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