But first, let me take a selfie!
Image: Twitter/LondonZooLondon Zoo welcome the world’s first plant-powered selfies, in a scientific trial that could change the conservation in the wild.
The trial which aims to develop a way of using plants to power camera traps and sensors to monitor remote habitats has been successful after today's trials.
This discovery could provide an alternative to batteries or solar panels to monitor remote locations such as rainforests for data to help experts understand climate change and habitat loss.
Earlier this year, Zoological Society of London (ZSL) scientists installed the microbial fuel cells in London Zoo’s Rainforest Life exhibit.
After spending the summer growing, Pete the fern, has begun taking its own selfies at an “astonishing” rate, according to the team.
Pete is currently taking photos every 20 seconds.
London Zoo technology specialist Al Davies said he has been “working so well we’ve even accidentally photo-bombed him a few times”.
“Seeing Pete’s first selfie was an incredible moment for the ZSL team who have spent months monitoring and supporting his growth at ZSL London Zoo’s Rainforest Life exhibit.
“Plants naturally deposit biomatter as they grow, which in turn feeds the natural bacteria present in the soil, creating energy that can be harnessed by fuel cells and used to power a wide range of vital conservation tools remotely, including sensors, monitoring platforms and camera traps.
“Most power sources have limits – batteries must be replaced while solar panels rely on a source of sunlight – but plants can survive in the shade, naturally moving into position to maximise the potential of absorbing sunlight – meaning the potential for plant-powered energy is pretty much limitless.”
