Rough Nano-Wires Hold the Secret to Efficient Heat to Electricity Conversion

Gizmodo does a great job outlining an article from Nature magazine about a discovery which will lead to the ability to convert heat energy into electricity.  So many effective uses for this, I can imagine our vehicles, plants and buildings will be covered in nanofibers, and whatever offspring further research creates, to pull waste heat from every possible source.  Using attic heat to power AC would be a wonderful change if it means both cooling the attic air and increasing the efficiency of home energy use.