January 01, 2024
Scientists at the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT), Italy, and Leibniz Institute for New Materials (INM), Germany, have developed artificial seeds that can monitor soil temperatures. Scientists took inspiration from the structure of natural acer seeds to develop these artificial seeds. These soft robots, called Acer i-Seed, are eco-friendly and monitor the soil temperature using luminescence. They have been created using polylactic acid, fluorescent lanthanide particles and 3D printing technology. The temperature-sensitive lanthanide particles become luminescent on coming in contact with soil, enabling scientists to monitor soil temperatures. These artificial luminescent seeds can be dispersed over large areas using drones and will aid research in the field of agriculture.
Did You Know?
Soil is a finite resource and it takes up to 1,000 years for an inch of soil to form.
Image Source: leibniz-inm.de
REFLECTION: Advanced Agriculture
If you were to invent a product or technology that could improve agriculture, what would it be and how would it help?
