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Cal researchers create 'energy-scavenging nanofibers,' look to energize your next A&F sweater
We've seen the magic of piezoelectrics before, but if a team of Cal Bears can really deliver, their spin on things will actually make a difference in the retail realm. Engineers at the University of California, Berkeley have concocted so-called "energy-scavenging nanofibers," which could one day be "woven into clothing and textiles" in order to convert into electricity the energy created through mechanical stress, stretches and twists. If everything works out, these movement-lovin' clothes could theoretically power your phone and / or PMP as you walk, and for those concerned with cost, we're told that the organic polyvinylidene fluoride materials use to make the nanofibers are easy and cheap to manufacture. Too bad there's no direct confirmation that PVDFs are machine washable, but hey, that's why you've got the local dry cleaners on speed dial.
