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![thegrazing:
“Living furniture” could power laptops and desk lamps
By Bridget Borgobello
Designers and scientists at the University of Cambridge have been collaborating on a project that demonstrates a potential future application of Biophotovoltaic (BPV) technology. Dubbed the Moss Table, the concept furniture piece was exhibited at this year’s Salone Satellite – a parallel exhibition of young designers that took place during the Milan Design Week last month. The idea behind the table is that energy generated from the moss during the day could be stored in a battery and later used to power the adjoining lamp in the evening. The research is led by Dr. James Moultrie of Cambridge University’s Institute for Manufacturing, who hopes to further develop the application for new BPV technologies.
The BPV technology is able to generate electricity by tapping into the photosynthesis of living organisms such as cyanobacteria, moss, algae and vascular plants. As the name suggests, the Moss Table incorporates an array of BPV devices which generate electricity from a cluster of moss plants. While the present amount of energy generated by the table is not enough to power the featured table-lamp, it is the envisioned goal of the project. However, the research group was able to illustrate how the same BPV technology is able to power small devices like a digital clock, by applying some of the units that operate inside the Moss Table.
How does it work?
During the process of photosynthesis, the moss releases organic compounds into the soil, which contains bacteria. The bacteria then break down these organic compounds, which they need to survive, liberating a bi-product that includes electrons. These electrons are captured by conductive fibers inside the Moss Table and put to use. The technology therefore harnesses energy which would otherwise be wasted.
At present the moss application can generate about 50 milliwatts per square meter (10.8 sq ft) and scientists anticipate that future devices may be able to generate up to 3 watts per square meter. With the development of low-energy consumption laptops that could operate at as little as 1 watt (such as the XO-1 by Quanta Computer), it is anticipated that the future Moss Table could power a laptop for over 14 hours. Down the road, the BPV technology could also give rise to a range of self-sustaining organic-synthetic hybrid objects that would meet our daily needs in a clean and environmentally-friendly way.
Music from plants
The Moss Table wasn’t the only exhibit at the Salone Satellite that featured organic plant life. Maltese designer Noel Zahra featured his Koishi concept, which enables users to listen to the music of a plant. “Something that I have always hated was the fact we look at plants and treat them as if they’re objects, pieces of furniture almost,” Zahra told Gizmag. “This product proves that even if most of the time plants are stationary, it doesn’t mean there isn’t any activity […] within them.”
Koishi works by observing the photochemical variances and impulses that are present within the plant, which are then in real time transformed into musical notes. Higher notes are used for stronger impulses and lower notes for weaker ones. Therefore the music played through the plant is produced instantaneously and no two plants can ever sound the same. “It’s more than just a pot, it’s an instrument; controlled by your plant,” says Zahra. “Imagine cooking to the sound of your basil plant in your kitchen.”
When asked what he would love to create a design for in the future, Zahra simply replied “telepathy” … and there is no doubt that Gizmag will be the first to let you know if he does!](http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m3gv7fnWkQ1qdyo6ko1_400.jpg)
“Living furniture” could power laptops and desk lamps
By Bridget Borgobello
Designers and scientists at the University of Cambridge have been collaborating on a project that demonstrates a potential future application of Biophotovoltaic (BPV) technology. Dubbed the Moss Table, the concept furniture piece was exhibited at this year’s Salone Satellite – a parallel exhibition of young designers that took place during the Milan Design Week last month. The idea behind the table is that energy generated from the moss during the day could be stored in a battery and later used to power the adjoining lamp in the evening. The research is led by Dr. James Moultrie of Cambridge University’s Institute for Manufacturing, who hopes to further develop the application for new BPV technologies.
The BPV technology is able to generate electricity by tapping into the photosynthesis of living organisms such as cyanobacteria, moss, algae and vascular plants. As the name suggests, the Moss Table incorporates an array of BPV devices which generate electricity from a cluster of moss plants. While the present amount of energy generated by the table is not enough to power the featured table-lamp, it is the envisioned goal of the project. However, the research group was able to illustrate how the same BPV technology is able to power small devices like a digital clock, by applying some of the units that operate inside the Moss Table.
How does it work?
During the process of photosynthesis, the moss releases organic compounds into the soil, which contains bacteria. The bacteria then break down these organic compounds, which they need to survive, liberating a bi-product that includes electrons. These electrons are captured by conductive fibers inside the Moss Table and put to use. The technology therefore harnesses energy which would otherwise be wasted.
At present the moss application can generate about 50 milliwatts per square meter (10.8 sq ft) and scientists anticipate that future devices may be able to generate up to 3 watts per square meter. With the development of low-energy consumption laptops that could operate at as little as 1 watt (such as the XO-1 by Quanta Computer), it is anticipated that the future Moss Table could power a laptop for over 14 hours. Down the road, the BPV technology could also give rise to a range of self-sustaining organic-synthetic hybrid objects that would meet our daily needs in a clean and environmentally-friendly way.
Music from plants
The Moss Table wasn’t the only exhibit at the Salone Satellite that featured organic plant life. Maltese designer Noel Zahra featured his Koishi concept, which enables users to listen to the music of a plant. “Something that I have always hated was the fact we look at plants and treat them as if they’re objects, pieces of furniture almost,” Zahra told Gizmag. “This product proves that even if most of the time plants are stationary, it doesn’t mean there isn’t any activity […] within them.”
Koishi works by observing the photochemical variances and impulses that are present within the plant, which are then in real time transformed into musical notes. Higher notes are used for stronger impulses and lower notes for weaker ones. Therefore the music played through the plant is produced instantaneously and no two plants can ever sound the same. “It’s more than just a pot, it’s an instrument; controlled by your plant,” says Zahra. “Imagine cooking to the sound of your basil plant in your kitchen.”
When asked what he would love to create a design for in the future, Zahra simply replied “telepathy” … and there is no doubt that Gizmag will be the first to let you know if he does!
(via theoccultmiscellany)
Posted on May 5, 2012 via the Grazing with 76 notes
Source: gizmag.com
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9 native flowers often mistaken for weeds
Wild beauties
To the untrained eye, many wild plants may look like weeds. These can vary from asters and goldenrods in Maine, to butterfly weed in Georgia. However, in the garden these same plants (mostly native perennials) are great performers that, with a minimum of care, will reward you for years to come. -
Currently taking Herbalism 101 offered through the Green Eyed Owl.
It’s about 2 hours long, so I honestly go through 20 minute intervals, take my notes, go about my day, and come back to it.
So far the course is purely medicinal, which is exactly what I wanted. I leave the spellcrafting aspects to my intuition mainly.
She knows her stuff.
The only inconvenience is that we use my husband’s business paypal and credit card, so I’m annoyingly marked down as “Michael” constantly.
Find it here. It’s the $15.00 one.
Like usual, I will review it later.
Posted on April 20, 2012 via Pagan(isms) with 13 notes
Source: paganisms
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(via thegardennymph)
Posted on April 19, 2012 via The Art Asylum with 6,464 notes
Source: suite148
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wildflowers in simpson park, hemet, california.
Amazing that the chia flowers in the bottom picture are thriving despite being surrounded by foxtails!
Posted on April 18, 2012 via terribad terrier with 4 notes
Source: dallasthedog
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Posted on April 15, 2012 via Mother Nature Network with 153 notes
Source: mothernaturenetwork
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Here’s this one’s fun write-up:
Fruits of Love: A Book of Lore and Magic is a zine about the folklore of three fruits in Western culture - the pear, the plum, and the apple. These fruits have represented different types of love in mythology and folk culture, and have a lasting impact in many stories and cultures. The synopsis of each fruit contains folk knowledge of the fruit and its archaic uses, as well as short modern magical ideas to incorporate the love energies of each of these fruits into your daily life.
All written content is my own! Hand-stitched. $10!
(via mythologynerds)
Posted on April 5, 2012 via SABRINABLOG with 42 notes
Source: etsy.com
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How to start a vegetable garden
We’ve got seven tips for how to begin planting and ensure a successful garden bounty this year.Posted on April 4, 2012 via Mother Nature Network with 234 notes
Source: mothernaturenetwork
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Posted on April 3, 2012 via with 1,003 notes
Source: thegardennymph
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Rosemary.Common names: Rosemary, rosemarin, romero, romarin, rosemarino
Latin name: Rosmarinus officinali
Family: Lamiaceae
Part used: Leaves, Roots
Commonly used forms: Essential oil (toxic, do NOT ingest), Dried
Side Effects: Excessive amounts may cause poisoningMedicinal Uses: Migraine, Digestion, Neuralgia, Rheumatism, Eczema, Mouthwash
Spell Craft: Protection from evil
Growing & Care
- · Rosemary plants grow to a height of 36 to 48 inches.
- · Rosemary plants should be spaced 18 to 24 inches.
- · Sow indoors in sunny location or under plant grow lights eight weeks before last frost. Rosemary propagates well via stem cuttings.
- · Seed germination period 15 to 25 days.
- · Rosemary grown outdoors prefers full sun.
- Average water needs. Water on a regular schedule, do not overwater
(via paganisms)
Posted on April 2, 2012 via Pagan Earth with 109 notes
Source: paganearthmoving
