Microscopic 'sunflowers' for better solar panels

(Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard) Scientists from Harvard's Wyss Institute have harnessed magnetic fields to control the molecular structure of liquid crystal elastomers and create microscopic three-dimensional polymer shapes that can be programmed to move in any direction in three-dimensional space in response to multiple types of stimuli, including light and heat. The applications of this technology include message encryption, responsive solar panels, and smart buildings.
Source: EurekAlert! - Biology - Category: Biology Source Type: news