Bacterial nanowires
Bacterial nanowires are like tiny tunnels that some bacteria can create to share electricity with other bacteria or surfaces.
Just like how we need wires to connect our devices to electricity, some bacteria need to share electricity to survive. They use the little tunnels created by bacterial nanowires to transfer electrons (the things that make up electricity) to other bacteria or surfaces.
These tunnels are really small, like the size of a hair strand. And they're made up of special proteins that the bacteria create to build them. Imagine building a mini subway tunnel, but instead of trains, tiny particles of electricity are zooming through it!
Scientists are really interested in studying bacterial nanowires because they could help us create new ways to generate energy or clean up the environment. Pretty cool, huh?
Just like how we need wires to connect our devices to electricity, some bacteria need to share electricity to survive. They use the little tunnels created by bacterial nanowires to transfer electrons (the things that make up electricity) to other bacteria or surfaces.
These tunnels are really small, like the size of a hair strand. And they're made up of special proteins that the bacteria create to build them. Imagine building a mini subway tunnel, but instead of trains, tiny particles of electricity are zooming through it!
Scientists are really interested in studying bacterial nanowires because they could help us create new ways to generate energy or clean up the environment. Pretty cool, huh?