The next big development in energy could be just a step away, as long as that step is over a special electricity-generating slime.
Energy through slime, is this research out of Nickelodeon University?
We’ve known for a long time about ways to collect the kinetic energy from our movements and turn it into power.
There are airports, for example, that have special flooring that can turn all the foot traffic in the terminal into electricity which turns on the overhead lights.
That’s one way people can use the new slime developed by the team at the University of Guelph.
Put it under flooring, people walk on the flooring, that compresses the slime and generates power.
But it doesn’t stop there.
Another idea is that to add the slime to the cushions in a pair of shoes.
That could power electronics that could measure a person’s walk, possibly to track their steps or exercise, or to help with physical therapy or other medical needs.
The researchers came up with a lot of potential medical applications for their slime, from checking a patient’s pulse to helping the immune system respond to a cut or injury more quickly.
The slime is made of mostly natural substances; Interesting Engineering says that makes it highly biocompatible.
This is still a prototype, so there’s a lot of testing to do with the slime.
And it would go a lot faster if they didn’t have to keep dumping it on people who answer a question by saying “I don’t know.”
Starting Saturday in Phoenix, Arizona, it’s the World Championship Hoop Dance Contest.
More than 100 participants will showcase their hoop dancing skills over two days at the Heard Museum.
There will also be live music and plenty of Native American and southwest foods available.
In addition to teen and grownup competitions, there’s a Tiny Tots division for dancers five and under!
Walking could soon generate electricity with new slime that powers up when stepped on (Interesting Engineering)
World Championship Hoop Dance Contest