The electric eel is the biggest power-making creature on Earth. It can release up to 860 volts, which is enough to run a machine. In a recent study, a research group from Nagoya University in Japan found electric eels can release enough electricity to genetically modify small fish larvae. They published their findings in PeerJ - Life and Environment.

The researchers’ findings add to what we know about electroporation, a gene delivery technique. Electroporation uses an electric field to create temporary pores in the cell membrane. This lets molecules, like DNA or proteins, enter the target cell.

  • andrew_bidlaw
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    6
    arrow-down
    1
    ·
    11 months ago

    It can release up to 860 volts, which is enough to run a machine.

    A glass EV with fishtanks for eels drives into a purple sunset.

    • Big P@feddit.uk
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      4
      ·
      11 months ago

      “860 volts, which is enough to run a machine” is such a stupid non fact. “a machine” is such a broad category that it’s meaningless and voltage alone doesn’t give you enough information to make any sort of comparison.