"The Secret Life of Water: E = H2O"
Prof. Gerald H. Pollack Department
of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle
School children learn that water has three phases: solid, liquid and
vapor. But we have recently uncovered what appears to be a fourth
phase. This phase occurs next to water-loving (hydrophilic)
surfaces. It is surprisingly extensive, projecting out from the
surface by up to millions of molecular layers.
Of particular significance is the observation that this fourth phase
is charged; and, the water just beyond is oppositely charged,
creating a battery that can produce current. We found that light
recharges this battery. Thus, water can receive and process
electromagnetic energy drawn from the environment — much like
plants. The absorbed light energy can then be exploited for
performing work, including electrical and mechanical work. Recent
experiments confirm the reality of such energy conversion.
The energy-conversion framework implied above seems rich with
implication. Not only does it provide an understanding of how water
processes solar and other energies, but also it may provide a
foundation for simpler understanding natural phenomena ranging from
weather and green energy all the way to biological issues such as
the origin of life, transport, and osmosis.
The lecture will present evidence for the presence of this novel phase
of water, and will consider the potentially broad implications of
this phase for physics, chemistry and biology, as well as some
practical applications for engineering.
Host:
Prof. Eshel Ben Jacob, 03-6425787
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