Scientists working on possible hydrogen energy made an amazing discovery lately. Efforts to harness sunlight were twice as effective when they mimicked the shape and texture of a black butterfly’s wing. I don’t understand the physics, and I maybe misstating some of this, but this discovery seems to have very hopeful implications for solar if not for hydrogen energy. We need water more than we need energy, so I’m not sure about that, but this story certainly is a reminder in parable that our survival may depend on ending our efforts to master mother nature and, instead, on harmonizing our existence to her.
“Scientists long have known that butterfly wings contain tiny scales that serve as natural solar collectors to enable butterflies, which cannot generate enough heat from their own metabolism, to remain active in the cold. When butterflies spread their wings and bask in the sun, those solar collectors are soaking up sunlight and warming the butterfly’s body.”