Researchers from the University of Connecticut recently unveiled their latest invention, which is a long-lasting LED light bulb that makes use of salmon DNA.
Scientists added two different fluorescent colors to the DNA molecules, the dyes being spaced from each other at a distance ranging from 2 to 10 nanometers. After the colors were added, the DNA molecules are spun into nanofibers. The UV light that produces LED is then covered with DNA nanofibers.
David Walt, a chemistry professor at Tufts University, explained: "When UV light is shined on the material, one dye absorbs the energy and produces blue light. If the other dye molecule is at the right distance, it will absorb part of that blue-light energy and emit orange light." By changing the ratios of dyes, one can adjust the quality of light, for example turning cool white into warm white.
But just like all latest inventions, this one still requires more studying. Besides there is currently no information regarding how many lumens per watt the salmon DNA LEDs generate, which is why it is too early to say anything about longer life or improved light quality. More information is available here .

Advances in Carbon Nanotubes Could Lead to the Construction of Space Elevator

London, advances in carbon nanotubes could lead to the creation of a tether that could stretch over 22,000 miles into space and be used to bring cargo into outer space and back.
It is worth mentioning that the idea to create a space elevator is not new. But despite the fact that the idea was for the first time proposed at the end of 19th century, it has never been considered practical. This is because researchers were unable to find a material that would be strong enough to reach the outer space.
But things have changed with the discovery of carbon nanotubes, which are still in the development stage. In theory these nanotubes are strong enough to reach the outer space.
The proposal to use carbon nanotubes to create space elevators was proposed by Mark Miodownik, a materials scientist at King's College London. The announcement was made at the Royal Institution’s Christmas lecture.
In case researchers create a strong cable for space elevators, it would need to be maintained under tension by the gravity forces and outward centrifugal acceleration.
NASA said that it would offer $3 million over the next 5 years to study the idea and is currently developing scale models.
Miodownik also mentioned that though under development, carbon nanotubes are the first material that can really be used to accomplish their goal.