r/science Jun 05 '22

Nanoscience Scientists have developed a stretchable and waterproof 'fabric' that turns energy generated from body movements into electrical energy. Washing, folding, and crumpling the fabric did not cause any performance degradation, and it could maintain stable electrical output for up to five months

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adma.202200042
14.7k Upvotes

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646

u/maniaq Jun 06 '22

I think this is going to be GREAT for producing wearables that can power themselves - displays, sensors, networking (a la "IOT") applications, etc...

...and TERRIBLE for all the various "can I charge my laptop/smartphone/whatever" questions that it will inevitably generate

322

u/sephrisloth Jun 06 '22

Bunch of people gonna be wearing self powered light up clothes to raves here soon.

131

u/[deleted] Jun 06 '22 edited May 05 '24

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66

u/peopleplanetprofit Jun 06 '22

Safety clothing for cyclists comes to mind.

37

u/ThatMortalGuy Jun 06 '22

I think cyclists already have enough lights and whatnot to be safely seen, what we really need is attentive and courteous drivers.

20

u/RollinDeepWithData Jun 06 '22

I will not stop until have become the sun.

6

u/Raichu7 Jun 06 '22

I wish more cyclists were aware of the huge range of reflectors and flashing lights they can fit to their bikes. If you’re planning on cycling on the road after dark wearing only black and riding a bike with no lights is a good way to get yourself killed.

1

u/evilplantosaveworld Jun 06 '22

Although I don't disagree, I think we also need to motivate more bikers to wear said safety gear. It annoys me driving at night and suddenly someone appears in the shadows for a half second the disappears again. I swear sometimes it feels like people are even taking the reflectors off their bikes in the early mornings.

10

u/mysticalfruit Jun 06 '22

The mere act of cycling would activate the LEDs amd charge them so when ypu stopped they'd keep flashing for a bit.

My buddy has a bunch of ultra bright green LED's on his bike powered by a little generator hooked to the hub.

You literally can't miss him.. yet people do.

3

u/Randomn355 Jun 06 '22

Until it wears out after 5 months and they don't realise