# Bio-Powered Cell Phones M13 is a Genetically Engineered Virus that Powers Your Mobile By Wes Walcott | Published 2012-08-24 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ecofriendly-energy-cell-phone-science References: [techspot](http://www.techspot.com/news/48582-genetically-engineered-viruses-may-power-devices-of-the-future.html) & [scientificamerican](http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=bacteria-eating-viruses-may-power-cell-phones) In their ongoing search to find [eco-friendly sources of energy](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/efficient-energy-harvesting), scientists have devised methods to harness power from smaller and smaller living things, such as the M13 bacteriophage. Engineers at the [University of California](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/uci), Berkeley, have managed to generate electricity using an organic virus. Although the virus – known as the M13 bacteriophage – is active, there’s no need to worry about contracting an illness because it’s engineered to only attack a specific kind of bacteria. This means that, in the near future, you might not have to worry about finding an outlet to [charge your cell phone](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/anker-nano-magsafe). By relying on a property known as piezoelectricity, the M13 bacteriophage is able to convert mechanical energy, like curling your fingers to make a fist, into electrical energy, which can then be used to power electronics. When researchers attached a 1 square-centimeter film coated with the virus to a pair of gold electrodes, the film produced roughly a quarter of the energy produced by a single AAA battery – just enough electricity to display the number 1 on an LCD display. Although this might seem insignificant, the experiment proves that biomaterial piezoelectrics can be integrated into current electronic devices. The long-term goal of the research is to develop this technology and use it to make consumer products, such as cell phones, that can be charged while you walk. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.7/10 - Popularity: 12% | Activity: 31% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Biomaterials Piezoelectrics Integration:** Developing biomaterials piezoelectrics integration can lead to eco-friendly power sources for various electronic devices. - **Virus-powered Technology:** Utilizing viruses for alternative energy sources in technology has the potential to revolutionize the accessibility and availability of eco-friendly power. - **Walking Chargers:** The development of walking chargers has the potential to change the way we approach energy efficiency for electronic devices, making it convenient for people on-the-go. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Consumer Electronics:** The consumer electronics industry can explore the integration of biomaterials piezoelectrics and virus-powered technology to create eco-friendly and self-charging devices. - **Biotechnology:** The biotechnology industry can further research on virus-powered alternative energy sources for various applications in technology. - **Sustainable Energy:** The sustainable energy industry can explore and invest in utilizing virus-powered technology as an eco-friendly alternative energy source. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Battery-Free Health Wearables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/uci.md) - [Stretchable Sweat-Activated Yarn Batteries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yarn-battery.md) - [Crustacean-Based Batteries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crab-shell-batteries.md) - [Paper-Based Energy Storage](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paper-battery.md) - [Patch-Style Smartphone Power Packs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/battery-pods.md) - [Self-Powered Mobile Towers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mobile-towers.md) - [Wireless Charging Sanitisers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/picnic-uv.md) - [Crank-Powered Wireless Peripherals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mechanical-energy-harvesting-combo.md) - [Compostable Polymer Smartphone Cases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bellroy-bio-phone-case.md)