Syracuse
University researchers use nanotechnology to harness the power of fireflies
(June 17, 2012) What do
fireflies, nanorods, and Christmas lights have in common? Someday, consumers
may be able to purchase multicolor strings of light that don’t need electricity
or batteries to glow. Scientists at
Syracuse University found a new way to harness the natural light produced by
fireflies (called bioluminescence) using nanoscience. Their breakthrough
produces a system that is 20 to 30 times more efficient than those produced
during previous experiments.