Patna, Nov. 28: Similarities between an iPod and a cellphone, computer hard drive and usages of rare earth elements were the talking points on the second day of the 5th Bihar Vigyan Congress today.

Dhruv Kumar Singh, a scientist with Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, delivered his lecture on " Rare Earths: Wonder materials for energy applications" talked about the various usages of rare earth elements.

"Rare earth elements are used in defence appliances such as guided missiles, unmanned drones, night vision goggles, laser range finders among others. They are used in environment friendly appliances such as solar panels and high efficient lightening and for commercial purposes. Rare earth elements are used in cellphone, iPod, computer hard drive, colour television," he said.

Pointing out that these elements are a great source of renewable energy, Singh said: "India should seriously think of harnessing benefits of rare earth elements to meet its energy demand. China has already shifted its aim from fossil fuel power generation to renewable power generation. India needs to take similar steps."

Singh also spoke on the photovoltaic technology, which helps to convert energy from sunlight.

Ramakant Pandey, a faculty in the biochemistry department of Patna University, A. Nath, principal investigator-cum-head of Research Centre, Mahavir Cancer Sansthan, B.K. Sharma, professor, department of electrical engineering, IIT-Patna and Nirmal Kumar, professor, department of civil engineering, MIT, Muzaffarpur, were the other speakers at the event.

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Focus on earth element use