Researchers in Japan have developed a gel-based 鈥渟oft鈥� motor that could be
used to generate tiny amounts of electrical power, with the potential to run
micromachines. Yoshihito Osada and his colleagues at Hokkaido University filled
an absorbent strip of polystearile acrylate gel with alcohol and pierced holes
in the opposite faces of each end. When the strip was floated on water, the
alcohol escaped from the holes and spread out, forcing the strip to rotate at up
to 400 revolutions per minute. By attaching small magnets to each end of the
strip, Osada induced 0.2 microwatts of electrical power in a coil.
More from New Scientist
Explore the latest news, articles and features
Physics
Record-breaking, fast-spinning magnet could help uncover new physics
News
Environment
An unexpected feedback loop may be driving mega heatwaves
News
91色情片
Less than 4 minutes of vigorous exercise a day could halve your dementia risk
News
91色情片
Parkinson鈥檚 may be driven by ‘vicious cycle’ that disrupts brain waste drainage
News
Popular articles
Trending New Scientist articles