MIT's new research center: Paper solar cells and other nanoscale innovation

The Eni-MIT Solar Frontiers Research Centerin Cambridge, Mass. was recently made official, and from the looks of things, there's already some incredible research going on inside.

One such innovation: the first paper solar cell, which paves the way for applying layers of nanomaterials to make thin-film solar cells from plastic, paper or metal foils.

CNET Green Tech blogger Martin LaMonica recently visited the National Science Foundation-funded lab with his camera to find out what new innovations scientists were working on.

In a photo gallery, here's a look at what he discovered during his visit -- including evidence that a certain Commander-in-Chief beat him to it.

This post was originally published on Smartplanet.com