Improved Piezoelectric Material
Piezoelectric materials generate a voltage when compressed, and expand when a voltage is applied to them. This unique effect holds lots of value for generating electricity from everyday motion such as walking and pushing buttons. Unfortunately, the power generated by this material is extremely small, and very few practical applications have been made which are powered by piezo-based generation.
This new material improves both the form and the electrical output of piezoelectric materials, putting them one step closer to lots of real world applications. Instead of the typical thin, fragile strip of crystals, this new material is flexible and robust, capable of performing in a wide variety of conditions. While it will probably not be the market busting breakthrough that piezo enthusiasts such as me are looking for, its a great step in the right direction, and keeps the flame of hope alive that the (practical) walking-powered human computer is not too far away.
http://blog.wired.com/wiredscience/2007/12/micro-fiber-com.html
