Creating artificial leaves may not seem like a major step forward to the average person, but these light weight material that is capable of creating oxygen through light and carbon dioxide absorption. Just like real leaves these ones are capable of producing oxygen through photosynthesis, but unlike real leavse these synthetic ones can operate efficiently in zero-g environment. Thanks to that the ability to explore the universe is one step closer to being possible.
This new synthetic material created by Julian Melchiorri, a student at the Royal College of Art, made the material with the initial purpose of putting in rooms or on buildings to produce extra oxygen. While it is more than capable of doing that, and maybe one day we will be seeing building interiors filled with the Sig Leaf, a major function of it can be in space travel.
For astronauts to survive in space they need oxygen, but when weight is a major factor in both the cost and performance of getting into space, they can only bring so many of the life sustaining gas. Bringing along living plant life has never been a great option since they do not survive in the zero-g environment well enough to be helpful. The light weight Sig Leaf on the other hand is more than capable of working in space.They can be added to the space craft in addition to the oxygen tanks, allowing the astronauts to pack less of the heavy canisters.
Aside from space travel they also offer the opportunity to increase people's health. Oxygen is required for scores of functions that our bodies keep going to stay alive. Just like having house plants, these Sig Leaves will be able to add extra oxygen to their environments. Improve our immune systems, slow the aging process of our cells, alleviate tiredness, and many more beneficial health benefits.
These wonderful little leaves are currently on display at the Royal College of Arts in London, England.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
