Solar Powered Hornets!
Posted by Ryan on December 8th, 2010
Scientists have recently discovered that the exoskeleton of the oriental hornet (Vespa orientalis) contains special structures that trap sunlight and convert it to energy. Using an atomic force microscope they discovered that the yellow band on the abdomen was structurally different than the rest of their body.This is made from a series of oval-shaped protrusions, each containing a pinhole-sized depression. Each protrusion is just 50nm tall and interlocks with another…Essentially, say the researchers, they stop light being reflected off the hornet’s body. Instead the light is trapped, and harvested for energy.
[TreeHugger via Gizmodo]
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