This year, scientists have achieved remarkable feats that have the potential to transform our future in extraordinary ways.
One such achievement is the creation of microscopic machines known as nanobots. After a long period of research, scientists have also succeeded in inventing a small molecular battery like Betavolt Battery. Similar to the remarkable inventions of the previous century, this century has also seen numerous incredible discoveries that are changing the world. Scientists have been tirelessly working day and night to improve our lives and transform the world.
Among the significant inventions of this century, some outstanding achievements have been made this year. Here, we provide information about three major inventions.
Nanobots Technology
The human body is very complex. Despite the experience of doctors, there are many surgeries that pose numerous difficulties. For instance, there are surgeries near our ears involving a parotid gland, which, if affected by a tumor, can be very challenging even for experienced doctors.
If a small nerve in the face is mistakenly cut during such a surgery, it can paralyze the patient’s face. Similar risks are present during thyroid surgeries. If the recurrent laryngeal nerve that controls our vocal cords is accidentally cut, the patient may lose their ability to speak permanently.
Humans are prone to making mistakes, and such errors can happen to anyone. This is why medical professionals have been striving for years to develop methods for minimally invasive treatments. Recently, as part of these efforts, scientists have created nanobots that can be sent into the body via medication to target and destroy tumors in the thyroid without the need for surgery.
Also Read: Reimagining Digital Well-being: The Mission of the Center for Humane Technology (CHT)
Advanced Nanobot Fusion
Scientists have further advanced the technology of nanobot fusion to develop new treatment methods. They loaded sperm cells with a toxic anticancer drug called Doxorubicin Hydrochloride and sent them to the targeted area using iron oxide-based, magnetically controlled nanobots. These anticancer sperm cells acted as suicide machines to destroy cancer cells.
This development primarily eliminates two major side effects of anticancer drugs. Previously, these drugs would also damage surrounding healthy tissues and lose their potency when diluted by body fluids, reducing the effectiveness of the treatment.
With this technology, we can send our own sperm cells on a suicide mission to combat cancer cells, addressing both issues. Therefore, this has become an extremely effective drug delivery method.
How It Works?
The Betavolt Battery works at the conversion of energy procured from radioactive materials like tritium or nickel-63 by way of beta decay. These isotopes decay and in the process emit beta particles; these are high energy electrons. Electron anti-particles called beta particles collide with a semiconductor material to produce electron and hole pairs. The flowing of these electrons produces direct current whereby this has the potential to provide power.
Mechanism
Radioactive Isotope Decay: Beta particles are produced from the decay process.
Energy Conversion: Beta particles interact with a semiconductor material then interact with an atom causing the atom to produce electron-hole pairs.
Electricity Generation: This causes the movement of electrons and in the process creating electrical energy.
Power and Durability
Power: The Betavolt Batteries have low power compared to a normal battery; however, they do not fade easily and have a rather long life cycle.
Durability: These batteries can last for decades because the decay of radioactive isotopes is slow. The battery life spans from 10-20 years or more depending on the isotope being used .
Testing Results
Efficiency: The experiments that have been conducted on Betavolt Batteries have indicated that it is has the capacity to provide high energy density. Which make it useful in situations where there is need for long lasting source of power which is easy to maintain.
Safety: Extensive testing is conducted so as to ensure that these batteries are safe to use, in case of damage the radioactive materials are contained.
Complications and Benefits
Complications:
- The problems connected with utilization of radioactive materials which are either dangerous or regarded as a potential threat to the environment and human health by the existing regulations.
- Lesser power as a compared to the regular batteries.
Benefits:
- Long lifespan and reliability.
- Minimal maintenance required.
- This is constant power supply, which is preferable or desirable if the load is in an area that is difficult to access.
Future Revolution of Betavolt Battery
Betavolt Batteries have the potential to revolutionize various fields, including:Betavolt Batteries have the potential to revolutionize various fields, including:
Medical Devices: Supplementing the pacemakers and other IMDs.
Space Exploration: To power long-term missions including spacecraft and satellites for energy requirements.
Remote Sensors: Sustaining the sensor with a view to making sure that they stay functional all the time in extreme conditions.
Altogether, it is stated that a Future of Betavolt Batteries is prospective in the field of demand for durable and long term power supply. Owing to the issues with safety and both certified approval and accreditation to test these ideas in a practical scenario. They are likely to act as a revolution in energy storage and electric power supplies.
FAQs
What sets Betavolt apart from traditional batteries?
Betavolt batteries work using radioactive decay instead of chemicals for the production of electricity. This makes lithium-ion batteries have a much longer life span and they do not require frequent maintenance as compared to other common battery types.
Yes, safety is an important factor that is taken into consideration while designing of Betavolt batteries. They release low quantities of beta radiation which is worse than gamma radiation. Due to a small amount of radioactive material used and possible shielding, they can be utilized in household applications.
How Many Watts per Kilogram Can Betavolt Batteries Deliver?
Current prototypes produce only 100 microwatts of power, though the power range is expected to be scaled up to 1 watt in future models. This output is suitable for low power application, but further study to achieve higher power application is necessary.
What Are the Environmental Impacts of Betavolt Battery?
First of all, Betavolt batteries are eco-friendly. Once their useful life is over, isotopes turn into stable material which eradicates the issue of pollution.
How Long Will it Take for Betavolt Batteries to Reach the Market and Popular Consumer Products?
As for inorganic pilot testing, mass production for consumer applications is still on the horizon at Betavolt. But the possibilities of integration into medical devices and aerospace technology are around the corner.