# Plant-Powered Radios ‘Moss FM’—The First Naturally Plant-Powered Radio By Itai Buenahora | Published 2014-03-18 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/www.trendhunter.com-plantpowered-radio References: [ideaconnection](http://www.ideaconnection.com/new-inventions/moss-fm-moss-powered-radio-08119.html) & [news.discovery](http://news.discovery.com/tech/alternative-power-sources/first-time-moss-powers-fm-radio-140310.htm) Introducing the peculiar plant-powered radio, created as an experiment by Fabienne Felder and Dr. Paolo Bombelli of the [University of Cambridge](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/uci). This emerging biophilic technology harnesses protons and electrons of [photosynthetic plants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plant-pulses), creating an electrical current. Ten connected pots work together as the “fuel cell,” which is enough power to enable radio play. This FM radio is powered up by [biological solar panels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3m-worktunes-connect-solar-hearing-protector) that incorporate the plant, thus creating the first functional moss-powered object. Currently, the moss pots are able to produce a potential of upwards of 4.5 volts, and although moss was chosen due to its value, Bombelli stated that this device will explore other plants and algae. It’s a beautiful thing when technology involves nature; perhaps we will all one day master gardening to keep the future of technology pumping. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.4/10 - Popularity: 16% | Activity: 47% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/gadgets) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Biophilic Technology:** Exploring the use of living organisms to power electronic devices, opening up possibilities for sustainable energy sources. - **Plant-powered Objects:** Utilizing the natural abilities of plants to generate electricity, enabling the development of eco-friendly products. - **Alternative Energy Sources:** Investigating innovative ways to harness renewable energy from unconventional sources, reducing reliance on traditional power grids. ### Who This Affects Most - **Renewable Energy:** Developing technologies that integrate living organisms as a means of generating sustainable energy solutions. - **Consumer Electronics:** Creating a new market segment for bio-powered devices, appealing to environmentally-conscious consumers. - **Agriculture and Gardening:** Exploring the intersection of technology and horticulture to revolutionize energy production and consumption. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Soil-Powered Light Sources](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/soli.md) - [Plant-Powered MIDI Sound Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/love-hultn-tegel.md) - [Compact Bio-Synth Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pocket-scion.md) - [Growth-Stimulating Electronic Soils](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/electronic-soil.md) - [Water-Powered Planter Smart Lights](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/planto.md) - [Mushroom-Core Audio Speakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mycoaudio.md) - [Algae-Powered Rover Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/robotic-rover.md) - [Garden-Inspired Smartphone Chargers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mini-moonlit-desk-garden.md) - [Moss-Powered Air Purifiers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/moss-air.md)