From Abalone Shell to Powerful Battery—Angela Belcher [Video]

How many of you know what abalone is? It's a small to large-size sea snail that's quite a delicacy and used in many dishes. The abalone shell can be quite beautiful but, as discovered and presented by Angela Belcher, it can also be quite powerful. Via TedTalksDirector:

Inspired by an abalone shell, Angela Belcher programs viruses to make elegant nanoscale structures that humans can use. Selecting for high-performing genes through directed evolution, she's produced viruses that can construct powerful new batteries, clean hydrogen fuels and record-breaking solar cells. At TEDxCaltech, she shows us how it's done.

Enjoy the Ted Talks video in the panel to the right.

The iridescent inside surface of a red abalone shell.

Photo via wikimedia commons.