This 15-Year-Old's Science Project Will Light Up Your World

Who has the time for batteries these days?

Ann Makosinski, a 15-year-old high school student from Victoria, British Columbia, designed a flashlight that's powered entirely by body heat — specifically, heat produced from the palms of your hands

The device, which she calls "hollow flashlight," uses Peltier tiles to transform hand warmth into usable — and battery-free — energy. A typical light beam can last up to 20 minutes once it's produced

Makosinski was selected to bring her flashlight to the Google Science Fair on Sept. 21, where she'll compete with 14 other students, all hand-picked from across the world. The winner will receive a $50,000 scholarship and a free trip to the Galapagos Islands. Read more...