Peidong Yang, a chemist, synthesized artificial leaves which can photosynthesize. Currently, “the hybrid synthetic and biological system works, but not quite as well as Yang would like.” Although this is intriguing, I feel that we, as humans, are still far from perfecting this. In, “Major Advance in Artificial Photosynthesis Poses Win/Win for the Environment,” the article explains the process which creates the artificial photosynthesis. Major carbon dioxide levels have been heavily impacting the earth. “By combining biocompatible light-capturing nanowire arrays with select bacterial populations, the new artificial photosynthesis system offers a win/win situation for the environment: solar-powered green chemistry using sequestered carbon dioxide.” This means that these plants have the potential to help eliminate excess carbon dioxide as well as create more oxygen for the environment. Described in the quote above, this scientific process is quite intricate. Netburn believes that Yang has, “an awesome vibe,” and I agree. His motivation and aptitude to create are incredible!
I think this is an amazing discovery. These plants have the capability to help erase some of the mess that the human race has caused which is incredible! There are many people who are trying to help save the environment including, Suzanne Lee, a woman who is currently perfecting ways to grow your own clothes. These types of innovations will certainly help the environment remove pollution and carbon dioxide which will consequently lead to healthier surrounding as well as a healthier life.
Overall, after these inventions are operational, they will make vast improvements in our everyday lives. The lives of, not just people, but all the inhabitants of the earth will be affected in an extremely positive way. I can’t wait to see what the future of these technologies hold.
-Kira
Citations:
"Free Image on Pixabay - Environmental Protection." Free Photo: Environmental Protection. Web. 12 Oct. 2015.
"Grow Your Own Clothes." Suzanne Lee:. TED, 1 Mar. 2011. Web. 12 Oct. 2015.
"Innovator Under 35: Peidong Yang, 32 - MIT Technology Review." MIT Technology Review. Web. 12 Oct. 2015.
"Inorganic Chemist Peidong Yang, 2015 MacArthur Fellow." YouTube. YouTube, 28 Sept. 2015. Web. 12 Oct. 2015.
Netburn, Deborah. "MacArthur Grant Winner Peidong Yang Creates Artificial Leaves That Photosynthesize - He's Also Got an Awesome Vibe Http://t.co/CBwa6R4ZjJ." Twitter. Twitter, 29 Sept. 2015. Web. 12 Oct. 2015.
Netburn, Deborah. "MacArthur 'genius' Grant Winner Creates Artificial Leaves That Photosynthesize." Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles Times, 29 Sept. 2015. Web. 12 Oct. 2015.
Yarris, Lynn. "Major Advance in Artificial Photosynthesis Poses Win/Win for the Environment." News Center. 16 Apr. 2015. Web. 12 Oct. 2015.