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DNA electric circuit designed + Australia's battery engineering - C C - Feb 28, 2018

Scientists make DNA into electric circuit: study
http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2018-02/27/c_137001812.htm

EXCERPT: An American team has designed a DNA circuit capable of splitting and combining current, much like an adapter that can connect multiple appliances to a wall outlet. In the study, published on Monday in the journal Nature Nanotechnology, researchers made the iconic double-helix that carries the genetic blueprint for living forms into a tool able to transport charge more stably and efficiently than previous similar designs. DNA's properties of self-assembly and its ability to conduct electrical charge over considerable distance make it suited for applications including electronic circuits and nanorobots, according to researchers. "Splitting and recombining current is a basic property of conventional electronic circuits. We'd like to mimic this ability in DNA, but until now, this has been quite challenging," said co-author Tao Nongjian from Arizona State University....

MORE: http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2018-02/27/c_137001812.htm



Australia is innovating in battery technology
https://theconversation.com/charging-ahead-how-australia-is-innovating-in-battery-technology-90169

EXCERPT: Lithium-ion remains the most widespread battery technology in use today, thanks to the fact that products that use it are both portable and rechargeable. It powers everything from your smartphone to the “world’s biggest battery” in South Australia.

Demand for batteries is expected to accelerate in coming decades with the increase in deployment of electric vehicles and the need to store energy generated from renewable sources, such as solar photovoltaic panels. But rising concerns about mining practices and shortages in raw materials for lithium-ion batteries – as well as safety issues – have led to a search for alternative technologies.

Many of these technologies aren’t being developed to replace lithium-ion batteries in portable devices, rather they’re looking to take the pressure off by providing alternatives for large-scale, stationary energy storage.

Australian companies and universities are leading the way in developing innovative solutions, but the path to commercial success has its challenges. [Discussed: Australian alternatives, Research and development, Challenges facing alternatives)...

MORE: https://theconversation.com/charging-ahead-how-australia-is-innovating-in-battery-technology-90169