- CONSIDERATION -
SAFETY
The instrument is very safe to conduct
experiments for scholars, university students, high school students, and even younger ages. It is completely insulated by verified materials. However, although the instrument itself is safe, experimenters should be careful in managing the instrument. Don't put watery substances near the instrument or else it will affect the data.
CAPACITOR
CONTROLLING
We also need to make sure to put the voltages applied to the capacitor terminals in correct polarities: positive with positive, negative with negative. Incorrect polarisation will break down the insulating layer and lead to permanent damage to both the capacitor and data collector.
EXPERIMENT CAUTIONS
There are several things to consider before conducting experiments with the instrument. As the object of the experiment is a living thing, especially a plant, we need to be aware of "photosynthesis" and their "biological rhythm". Majority of the plants are active during the daytime, and not during the nighttime. Therefore, we need to be consistent on collecting data on exact same time, same duration, and same location with given conditions: humidity, temperature, ventilation.
POTENTIAL
PROBLEMS
As this instrument contains a metallic capacitor to store electricity, we would have a possibility to get an error while collecting data.
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Also, since the voltage and current inside the plant is weak, it is difficult to measure the entire electricity flowing in the plants.
WHY THIS PROJECT IS IMPORTANT
One of the reasons that I've decided to go through this research and create a new instrument is to give an alternative view of bioengineering. Most of us think bioengineering as taking a piece of gene out of the cell and replacing with another. As you've explored my website, it's actually not always about cutting genes!
On the real field outside, there are much more things to concern such as expense, ethical issues, ecosystem destruction etc. However, as long as we come out of the box of thinking, scientists and we can develop infinitely! Instead of conducting experiments on a large number of mice, pigs, and monkeys for medical discovery, we might find an alternative solution by using plants and their natural energy.
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Although finding organic information from plants is a minor portion of bioengineering, this also indicates that there are various of other ways to find different things from the nature that can benefit human and the environment at the same time. Good news, isn't it? :)