Inspired by Electric Eels, Researchers Develop Stretchy and Self-Healing Batteries
- Written by Kiara Fabbri Former Tech News Writer
- Fact-Checked by Justyn Newman Former Lead Cybersecurity Editor
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed a novel type of battery – soft, stretchable, and even self-healing – offering exciting possibilities for wearable tech, soft robotics, and even medical implants. Their findings were published on the 17th of July in the journal Science Advances.
Inspired by the electric eel’s ability to generate electricity, the team created jelly-like batteries with a layered structure that conducts electricity. These “jelly batteries” can stretch over ten times their original length without losing conductivity.
This innovation represents a significant leap forward, as traditionally, high conductivity and stretchability have been opposing properties in materials.
However the researchers were able to overcome this challenge by making these batteries from hydrogels, 3D networks of polymers that contain over 60% water. The secret lies in tiny molecules called cucurbiturils, which act like molecular handcuffs. These handcuffs create strong, reversible bonds between the hydrogel layers, allowing the battery to be stretched without falling apart or losing its ability to conduct electricity.
Whilst conventional electronics rely on rigid metallic materials with electrons as charge carriers, the jelly batteries use ions to carry charge, similar to electric eels.
Additionally, despite their softness, hydrogels are surprisingly tough. They can be squished and bounce back to their original shape, and even heal themselves after being damaged.
The key advantage of the jelly batteries lies in their soft, tissue-like properties, making them highly promising for future implants in the human body. Professor Oren Scherman , who led the research, explains , “We can customise the mechanical properties of the hydrogels so they match human tissue, […] Since they contain no rigid components such as metal, a hydrogel implant would be much less likely to be rejected by the body or cause the build-up of scar tissue.”
To see if these jelly batteries can truly live up to their potential in medicine, the researchers are planning next-stage experiments in living organisms. These tests will involve placing the hydrogels in living organisms to assess their safety and effectiveness for various medical applications.
Nintendo is Finally Launching a Joy-Con Charging Stand for Switch
- Written by Shipra Sanganeria Cybersecurity & Tech Writer
- Fact-Checked by Justyn Newman Former Lead Cybersecurity Editor
Nintendo announced the launch of its own charging station for Switch Joy-Con controllers on July 18, 2024. The charging stand will be available starting October 17, 2024, initially in Japan, Europe, and the US, according to Nintendo Life .
The two-way Joy-Con charger offers more flexibility than third-party alternatives from Hori and PowerA. The charging stand can charge two consoles simultaneously without needing them to be attached to the Switch handheld. It draws power from the Switch’s dock through the USB-C port or any other power adapter, and its vertical support can be removed for increased portability.
Charge your #NintendoSwitch Joy-Con controllers and Nintendo Entertainment System controllers with the Joy-Con Charging Stand (Two-Way) accessory, available October 17th. pic.twitter.com/ayNdvHTppL — Nintendo UK (@NintendoUK) July 18, 2024
The charger is compatible with Switch Family Computer controllers (Famicom), and per the screenshots shared on X/Twitter, it can also be used for Switch Online NES consoles.
According to the product description on the Japanese store site, the charging stand is recommended for gamers who want to charge their Joy-Cons while playing in portable mode, as well as for those who own multiple Joy-Cons.
“[It is] recommended for those who have multiple Joy-Cons, such as when you want to charge the number of Joy-Cons for everyone to play games such as the Mario Party series or Nintendo Switch Sports together,” the description reads.
The charging accessory is available for pre-order on Nintendo’s Japanese My Nintendo Store for 3,300 yen, approximately $21. Pricing for the charger in the US and European markets has not yet been announced.
First revealed on the company’s X/Twitter page, this two-way charging stand surprised the gaming community. Many users took to social media to comment on its release more than 7 years after the Switch’s launch, particularly with the Switch 2 expected to arrive after March 2025. “[Seven] years after launch and maybe a year off new consoles being launched is crazy,” said a user on X.
According to IGN , the launch of the new charging stand may be driven by Nintendo’s strategy to extend the lifespan of the Switch and keep the console relevant, until the release of its successor in 2025 ( rumored ). This is underscored by the upcoming game titles for the Switch in 2024, including The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, and the new Mario & Luigi: Brothership.
