Paper tags prevent theft, while algae protects against fire.
And now, British students are turning to natural materials such as charcoal to provide safeguards against wildfires.
Their patent-pending, pinecone-like sensor can be placed on the forest floor. If the surrounding temperature exceeds 80℃, wax in the ‘cone’ starts to melt.
Its heat is converted into energy by a small power unit. A high-frequency radio signal is then sent through an integrated antenna, and captured by radio masts within a radius of 50km.
Using weather and satellite data, AI determines whether to sound the alarm and involve the fire services. The cones, meanwhile, burn without causing environmental damage.
Elsewhere, plant-based surfactants are quick to bring peat fires under control.
