With the advancements of new developing technologies, new possibilities in all areas of expertise are being created.
The silk leaf is one of the new and upcoming scientific experiments that is said to bring oxygen in space.
A graduate from the Royal College of Art, Julian Melchiorri, developed the silk leaf in conjunction with Tufts University's silk lab.
According to Discovery News,
"Melchiorri was looking for a way to convert un-breathable carbon dioxide exhaled by astronauts into the stuff made for our lungs."
The leaf is created from a "matrix of protein extracted from silk and chloroplasts, the organelle that allows plants and algae to preform photosynthesis."
The silk lead works just like any other natural leaf: when provided with both sunlight and water it will produce oxygen.
Melchiorri has created "the first man-made, biologically functional leaf," according to CNET.
Although Melchiorri's idea of the silk leaf was first invented just for the inside of households, he now has bigger plans for his leaf on Earth.
"Large sheets of it could be used on buildings facades or as wallpaper to create more fresh air both indoors and out."
New possibilities have been thought of because of Melchiorri's creation. Going to Mars would be a huge step in space travel, but the idea of living on Mars has also been created due to the silk leaf.
The fact that plants and trees cannot grow in space has always been a factorable problem. The best alternative created would be the silk leaf because it would open so many new doors for space exploration.
Not only are space alternatives created because of the leaf, but there are many new possibilities right here on Earth.
Melchiorri wants to create a better breathing environment both indoors and outdoors, and soon with the silk leaf being produced, his dreams could become a reality.
