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Bionic mushroom that produces electricity created by team of scientists, 2 of Indian origin

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Bionic mushroom that produces electricity created by team of scientists, 2 of Indian origin

A team of researchers at Stevens Institute of Technology, Manu Mannoor, Sudeep Joshi and Ellexis Cook have engineered an artificial symbiosis between button mushrooms and cyanobacteriato produce electricity.

The scientists used 3D printing to attach clusters of energy-producing bugs to the cap of a button mushroom.

The fungus provided the ideal environment to allow the cyanobacteria to generate a small amount of power.

The authors say their fossil-free “bionic mushroom” could have great potential.

As researchers the world over search for alternative energy sources, there has been a sharp rise in interest in cyanobacteria, said a BBC report. These organisms, widely found in the oceans and on land, are being investigated for their abilities to turn sunlight into electrical current.

One big problem is that they do not survive long enough on artificial surfaces to be able to deliver on their power potential.That’s where the humble button mushroom comes in.The fungi provide the bacteria with viable surface on which to grow as well as nutrients to stay alive.

This fertile fungus is already home to many other forms of bacterial life, providing an attractive array of nutrients, moisture and temperature. The researchers developed a clever method of marrying the mushroom to the sparky bugs.

Using a special bio-ink, the team printed the bacteria on the cap of the mushroom in a spiral pattern. They had previously used an electronic ink to embed graphene nano-ribbons on to the surface of the fungus to collect the current.

Shining a light on the structure activated the bacteria’s ability to photosynthesise, and as the cells harvested this glow they generated a small amount of electricity known as a “photocurrent”.

“We are looking to connect all the mushrooms in series, in an array, and we are also looking to pack more bacteria together,” Sudeep Joshi was quoted as saying by BBC.

“These are the next steps, to optimise the bio-currents, to generate more electricity, to power a small LED,” he said.

The researchers believe that the idea could have potential as a renewable energy source.

“Right now we are using cyanobacteria from the pond, but you can genetically engineer them and you can change their molecules to produce higher photo currents, via photosynthesis,” said Sudeep Joshi.

“It’s a new start; we call it engineered symbiosis. If we do more research in this we can really push this field forward to have some type of effective green technology,” BBC quoted him as saying.

The study has been published in the journal Nano Letters.

Gadgets

Zepto launches quick delivery of iPhone, iPad, and Apple products in India

Zepto partners with Apple to provide 10-minute doorstep delivery of iPhones, iPads, AirPods, and more in select Indian locations, competing with Blinkit and Swiggy Instamart.

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Zepto now offers quick delivery of Apple products in India

Zepto, the quick commerce platform, has announced its partnership with Apple to offer doorstep delivery of iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, AirPods, and other Apple accessories in India. The collaboration aims to provide instant access to premium Apple products, with deliveries promised in under 10 minutes.

Zepto expands Apple portfolio with latest devices

According to an official statement from Zepto, users in select locations can now order Apple’s recently launched iPhone 16E, AirPods 4, and the latest iPad models. The initiative aligns with the platform’s strategy to expand its electronics category, following its recent launch of quick deliveries for Vivo smartphones and Asus accessories in key Indian cities.

Speaking on the development, Abhimanyu Singh, Business Head of Electronics at Zepto, highlighted the growing demand for Apple products on the platform. He revealed that over one million users searched for Apple items in the past month, with a 35% month-on-month increase in searches.

Discounts, EMI offers, and availability

Zepto is offering various incentives, including launch discounts, no-cost EMI plans, and special offers on bank card payments. Customers can also avail of coupon-based and mobile wallet discounts to reduce costs further.

While the service is currently limited to select cities, it positions Zepto in direct competition with Blinkit and Swiggy Instamart, which also offer quick delivery of Apple products. Additionally, BigBasket has begun delivering iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus in partnership with Croma Electronics in cities like Bengaluru, Delhi NCR, and Mumbai.

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Gadgets

Google Pixel 9a launch today: What to expect from Google’s latest offering

Google Pixel 9a is set to launch today, bringing an upgraded camera, a bigger battery, and a powerful Tensor G4 chip. Expected to be priced around ₹50,000 in India, this device could shake up the mid-range market.

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Google Pixel 9a, Pixel 9a price in India, Pixel 9a specs, Pixel 9a features, Google Pixel launch, Pixel 9a camera, Tensor G4, mid-range smartphones

The highly anticipated Google Pixel 9a is set to launch today, March 19 in the US (March 20 in India), promising to be a game-changer in the mid-range smartphone market. With a powerful processor, impressive camera setup, and a long-lasting battery, the Pixel 9a is expected to give tough competition to other devices in its price bracket.

Camera, processor, and other key features

Google’s Pixel series is known for its camera capabilities, and the Pixel 9a is expected to continue that tradition. The device may feature:

48MP primary camera with a 13MP ultrawide lens, forming a dual-camera setup.

13MP selfie camera for high-quality front-facing shots.

Google Tensor G4 chipset, paired with 8GB LPDDR5X RAM and storage options of 128GB and 256GB.

It has Titan M2 security chip for enhanced privacy and data protection.

6.3-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate for a smooth visual experience.

Design, durability, and battery

The Pixel 9a is expected to follow the Pixel 9 series design language, featuring a smaller camera bump. Some other notable features include:

IP68 rating for water and dust resistance.

Gorilla Glass 3 protection for improved durability.

Available in Iris, Obsidian, Peony, and Porcelain colors for the 128GB model, while the 256GB variant will come in Iris and Obsidian.

A massive 5,100mAh battery, the biggest ever in a Pixel device, with 23W wired charging and 7.5W wireless charging.

Expected pricing in India and the US

With recent smartphone pricing trends becoming unpredictable, Google Pixel 9a’s price is expected to be a key factor in its success. Reports suggest a price tag of around $500 in the US, while in India, it could be priced at just over ₹50,000, similar to its predecessor, the Pixel 8a (₹52,999 for 128GB). Some leaks even hint at a sub-₹50,000 pricing, making it a strong contender in the mid-range segment.

With the official Pixel 9a launch just hours away, more details on pricing and availability will soon be revealed. Stay tuned for updates as Google unveils its latest mid-range smartphone.

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Gadgets

Zepto to deliver Apple products within 10 minutes

This announcement follows closely on the heels of competitor Blinkit, which recently began its rapid delivery service for Apple products, including MacBook Airs, iPads, and AirPods, in select metropolitan areas across India.

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Zepto, the innovative quick commerce platform, has taken a significant leap forward by unveiling a comprehensive selection of Apple products in its electronics category. With the addition of renowned items such as iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, AirPods, and an array of accessories, Zepto is poised to enhance its competitiveness in the premium electronics sector. This strategic move expands its offerings to over 5,000 stock-keeping units (SKUs) available from diverse sellers on the platform.

This announcement follows closely on the heels of competitor Blinkit, which recently began its rapid delivery service for Apple products, including MacBook Airs, iPads, and AirPods, in select metropolitan areas across India.

In response to the escalating demand for immediate access to high-quality gadgets, Zepto aims to position itself as a go-to destination for consumers seeking high-end electronics. The company has reported a notable 35% month-over-month surge in the number of users actively searching for Apple products.

“Our partnership with Apple allows us to offer a broad array of cutting-edge technology, making it more accessible and revolutionizing the buying experience for premium gadgets,” said Abhimanyu Singh, business head of the electronics division at Zepto. He highlighted the increasing consumer interest, stating, “In just the past month, over a million users have searched for Apple devices—whether it’s the latest iPhone 16E, AirPods 4, or iPads—indicating a strong appetite for quick access to premium tech.”

Singh added that this expansion is not just about adding products; it is about enhancing the overall shopping experience. “With our sellers bolstering their collaboration with Apple, we’re redefining what it means to shop for electronics, ensuring the process is faster, more convenient, and seamless. We are grateful to our sellers for making this possible,” he noted.

Overall, Zepto proudly showcases a diverse catalogue of more than 45,000 products, spanning categories such as groceries, electronics, beauty items, and toys, serving customers across nearly 50 cities in India. With its commitment to excellence, Zepto continues to set new standards for quick commerce in the high-tech market.

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