The New Biodegradable Battery
Scientist John Rogers of Illinois University has created a revolutionary biological device: a battery that can be safely implanted into humans. Roger’s initial research on the overall topic led him to the discovery of biodegradable silicon chips. These “melt in water” devises had the ability to accomplish tasks and communicate through radio. External power sources mostly pow-ered these chips which is troublesome when implanted in the body. By
designing a new implant battery, Rogers solved this critical problem. The battery can last about one day of use, and dissolves in about three weeks in the body. Specific concentrations of metals were placed in the battery to be biologically acceptable. This amazing feat was reported by Nature in March.
117
Element
Rediscovered
Can you name the 117th element? If you can, great job, but Ununseptium named uniquely by the IUPAC, or International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry, is actually a tem-porary and confusing name. One day it will join its neighbors with the trait of obtaining a pronounceable name. Why, though, is it lacking this privilege now? The super-heavy element, containing a whopping 117 protons, can only be synthetically produced for a few milliseconds before breaking down.
Recent activity at the GSI Helmholtz Center for Heavy Ion Research accelera-tor in Germany is making this near non-existent element more common. Soon the IUPACA will look over the findings to reevaluate the name. The actual accomplishment of creating the element is much more important than a name. Producing these atoms is a gateway to further elements. Chemists believe a high atomic number, stable super-element maybe possible and provide extraordinary possibilities.