Science Sundays: The Lotus Effect
I’m already starting to slack here (though at present I am writing for myself so that would invariably happen), but I have decided some recurring themes would add some uniformity and give me incentive to post. As a pretty forward thinking atheist (I will write the thorough why later – it seems atheists, too, are subject to writing their anti-testimony), I am naturally intrigued and influenced by science pretty regularly. However, thanks to being really fucking awful at math, science and I have a pretty casual relationship. I’ll give it a call when I’m caught in a daydream, looking for some immediate satisfaction to blow my mind, but I can’t commit to it. Even if animals and large insects really interest me. (That sounds wrong). Anyway, I’ve decided to share something really interesting (that may or may not have anything to do with a current event) every Sunday that pertains to scientific study, ability, facts, or research in general. This week, I learned about The Lotus Effect.
In video form:
What it is: The Lotus Effect got its name sake because the leaves of the lotus plant (and some other plants and insect wings) carry a high water repellency, as exhibited by the video. Its surface tension causes liquids, dirt, and other substances to bead up and is like a self-cleaning mechanism of the plant. Yes, sure, OCD in plants almost. This effect is of a great importance for plants, not for keeping them clean but as a protection against pathogens like fungi or algae growth. This discovery has lead to product development and research by nanotechnologists.
That was all my paraphrasing of wiki, by the way.
A fake alternative is on the way.
For me, a simpleton, it’s just really awesome to look at. And makes you wonder, why, if there’s a god with this intelligent design capability he gave it to leaves rather than our eyes, you know?
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I actually worked for a short while with a German nanotechnology company developing something similar. The real capabilities aren’t fully realized yet, but for now: coating seeds in it actually protects the seed from many insects and other problems which increase crop delivery, every surface in a hospital can be treated which will sanitize all tools and equipment, significant reduction in oil used in cars as well as an increased life for the engines as the nanotubes can fill divots and wear and tear in gears. There are a thousand other uses, but those are the main three being looked in to.
Fan of the blog, keep it up