Paper Powers Disney's Futuristic E-Books

Interactive books could soon come with electronic components such as LEDs, electronic ink technology and audio clips powered by paper, according to Disney researchers.

The researchers sandwiched a piece of Teflon between two different conductors — silver-covered polyester and a sheet of paper printed with conductive ink —and rubbed the components together, creating a sort of printable paper generator. When the Teflon grates against the paper, it makes a charge that can power simple electronic displays. When the rubbing stops, so does the flow of electricity.