PCJ – Chapter 704 Creating Black Technology

Mei Qing had never given up on her research into in-vitro embryo cultivation technology. But now she had a new idea—though the difficulty of the experiment was quite high. She hoped that Zhang Jiaohua could join in.

“I think in-vitro embryo cultivation technology, aside from its applications in medicine, actually has great potential in new energy as well,” Mei Qing said.

“New energy?” Zhang Jiaohua asked in puzzlement.

“Biological systems are far more efficient at utilizing material energy than any existing internal combustion engine. If we can use in-vitro embryo cultivation technology to build a biological engine, then the world’s entire energy system would be revolutionized. Bio-energy will become the most promising energy source of the future world,” Mei Qing said excitedly.

“Bio-energy?” Zhang Jiaohua was stunned by Mei Qing’s bold vision. It was indeed a remarkable concept—if realized, it would truly usher humanity into a new era. “But how would bio-energy be harnessed?”

Mei Qing’s thoughts were clear: “In my research into human consciousness, I discovered that the energy properties of the human soul differ greatly from electricity. I believe there may exist a type of biological energy—bio-electricity—that we do not yet fully understand. If the signals in the human body are executed purely by electrical impulses, there are many phenomena we can’t explain. That leaves one possibility: another form of energy exists—bio-electricity. This form of bio-electricity is precisely one manifestation of bio-energy. If we can uncover the principle behind its generation and develop technologies to apply it, then this energy will soon be within our grasp.”

“Professor Mei, it seems you’re already quite confident in this project. Whether I take part or not probably won’t make much difference,” Zhang Jiaohua scratched his head.

“I’ve drafted the experimental plan, but there are many critical obstacles I can’t solve.” Mei Qing handed her plan to Zhang Jiaohua.

Taking a look, Zhang saw the plan was very detailed, though there were several blanks where she had left unsolved problems. This was, after all, a completely original experiment. There was no reference material available, and numerous technical hurdles needed to be overcome. Its difficulty was far greater than the earlier in-vitro embryo cultivation experiment.

This, however, was an area where Zhang’s experience shone—he had already pioneered that earlier project alone, breaking through every challenge.

After reviewing Mei Qing’s plan, Zhang quickly picked up a pen and filled in a few sections, solving several of her problems on the spot.

“As for the later challenges, let’s set them aside for now. Once we complete the first stage, we can slowly think about the rest. Oh, and call over Kong Fangzhou and Zhu Wanze—this project may need their help. We’ll likely need new reagents and new materials, and both of them have expertise in those areas.”

Mei Qing nodded. “If the first stage goes smoothly, the second stage’s obstacles may resolve themselves.”

Ever since joining Mei Qing’s earlier experiments, both Kong Fangzhou and Zhu Wanze had developed strong interest in modern science. When they heard she was tackling new energy research, they jumped at the chance.

“Professor Mei thinks this material will be a problem, but I don’t see it as one. What modern science can’t solve, our artifact-refining arts might handle. For example, conductors for bio-energy—I may have a way. Some of the low-level artifacts we forge can be controlled by ordinary people simply through thought. Isn’t that essentially channeling bio-energy from the body? The key lies in the runes we inscribe on them. The materials used to fill those runes might well be excellent bio-energy conductors,” Kong Fangzhou said, solving a major hurdle.

“I can work on the culture medium for bio-electric batteries,” Zhu Wanze added, taking care of another crucial challenge.

“If that’s the case, I think we really may be able to develop this technology,” Mei Qing said excitedly.

They then injected a special blue dye into a completely transparent worm. Transparent organisms exist in nature, but this particular transparent worm had been bio-engineered by Mei Qing’s team. The blue dye, created by Zhu Wanze, behaved like a neurotoxin—it spread only through the nervous system. Once inside the transparent worm, the dye diffused like roots through soil, eventually forming a dense blue mesh within its body.

“Look! This structure is exquisite—beautiful, even. And this is only what we see with the naked eye. Under the electron microscope, it’s truly spectacular,” Mei Qing said with a smile.

Under the electron microscope, the intricate web of blue filaments could be seen clearly, spreading throughout every part of the organism.

“Amazing… absolutely amazing!” Zhu Wanze was left speechless.

This engineered transparent nematode was astonishing. After modification, it had become a very unusual organism—it hardly needed food, because its cells had gained the ability to perform photosynthesis-like respiration in both light and darkness. Theoretically, as long as it had carbon dioxide and water, it could produce carbohydrates and convert all captured energy into bio-energy, which it could then transform into bio-electricity via a special internal mechanism. The conversion process involved virtually no energy loss. If the technology succeeded, such a device would only need water to keep running—since carbon dioxide is naturally present in the air. In fact, while storing energy it consumed CO₂ and water, but in releasing energy it generated them. If those could be collected, even water wouldn’t need replenishing.

“This would be truly revolutionary technology!” Zhang Jiaohua exclaimed in awe.

“If we succeed, what would be the best field of application?” Mei Qing asked.

“That’s obvious—bio-batteries. But the energy we store as bio-electricity can’t be released through existing equipment,” she said.

“Then we’ll have to design our own power devices—engines, for instance. Though I’m worried about output power,” Zhang said with concern.

“Output power won’t be a problem. This energy is far too efficient, with extremely low loss. Once we succeed, power output won’t be a major challenge,” Mei Qing said with full confidence.