Water mediated dielectric polarizability and electron charge transport properties of high resistance natural fibers.

Recent studies showed that silk and human hair fibers develop thermoelectric properties at optimal water, temperature and light conditions. The nature of charge carriers and the role of water in mediating charge conduction in these fibers is an unexplored issue. By studying four different classes of natural fibers, viz.

Soft magnetic memory of silk cocoon membrane.

Silk cocoon membrane (SCM), a solid matrix of protein fiber, responds to light, heat and moisture and converts these energies to electrical signals. Essentially it exhibits photo-electric and thermo-electric properties; making it a natural electro-magnetic sensor, which may influence the pupal development. This raises the question: 'is it only electricity?', or 'it also posses some kind of magnetic memory?' This work attempted to explore the magnetic memory of SCM and confirm its soft magnetism.

Harvesting electricity from human hair.

Electrical conductivity of human hair is a debatable issue among hair experts and scientists. There are unsubstantiated claims that hair conducts electricity. However, hair experts provided ample evidence that hair is an insulator.

The role of photo-electric properties of silk cocoon membrane in pupal metamorphosis: A natural solar cell.

Silkworm metamorphosis is governed by the intrinsic and extrinsic factors. One key intrinsic factor is the temporal electrical firing of the neuro-secretory cells of the dormant pupae residing inside the silk cocoon membrane (SCM). Extrinsic factors are environmental like temperature, humidity and light.