-- Bruce Explains his Research to Congressional Offices

Business magazine Forbes reported May 24 that ASPB Member Barry Bruce of the University of Tennessee has made a revolutionary discovery that distinguishes him as one of “ten people who could change the world.”

Forbes reported, “Bruce and his colleagues poach particles from photosynthetic plants or bacteria and form them into so-called "nanoclusters" on small assemblages of metallic platinum. These photosystems produce very high-energy electrons that can be siphoned off for direct electrical power or used to stimulate the production of hydrogen atoms, usable as fuel in anything from cars to homes.

“The system is far preferable to conventional photovoltaic solar power systems, because it doesn't require the complex manufacturing process of solar cells, which uses a number of toxic and limited materials. And since the photosynthetic particles are easily harvested--Bruce extracts them from garden-variety spinach using a standard kitchen food processor--it should be a lot cheaper,” the Forbes article continued.

The article noted that this approach is also more sustainable than most other energy production systems. Forbes labeled Bruce a “Revolutionary” for this discovery in which he is “growing electricity.”

Forbes story

Bruce and ASPB public affairs staff visited April 19 with Congressional offices in the Tennessee delegation. Bruce explained to Congressional staff his research on growing electricity supported by the National Science Foundation. Bruce also discussed other research projects he is conducting. Bruce urged support for research supported by NSF, USDA and DOE. Bruce met with Congressman John Duncan (R-TN) and his staff; with Committee on Science and Technology Chairman Bart Gordon’s (D-TN) committee staff and personal office science staff; Sen. Lamar Alexander’s (R-TN) committee staff; and Sen. Bob Corker’s (R-TN) personal office science staff. On April 18, Bruce and ASPB listened to presentations from officials from NSF – Biological Sciences Directorate Assistant Director James Collins; USDA – CSREES Competitive Programs Deputy Administrator Anna Palmisano; and White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Senior Policy Analyst for the Life Sciences Jane Silverthorne -- as part of the BESC/CoFARM biological and agricultural science society coalition program