No, not computer viruses—I'm talking bacteria and viruses.
Boffins at MIT have discovered that a genetically modified
version of the M13 virus can actually increase the efficiency of
solar cells, to as much as a third greater efficiency. This
means converting sunlight to electricity wouldn't take so darn
long, and perhaps even eke more electricity out of mother
nature's rays, as well. Fooling around with viruses at the
microscopic level is only a tiny process, but has extraordinary
benefits. In fact, MIT's researchers have only added 0.1 per
cent extra weight to the finished solar cells, but as Professor
Belcher says, "a little biology goes a long way." [MIT via
PhysOrg via Inhabitat]