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DIY Living Computer Battery
An anonymous reader writes "Talk about a living battery/pollution clean up/environmentally friendly battery, this seems to fit all the buzz words. Researchers at UMass reported in the journal Science about their sediment battery. 'Derek R. Lovley, UMass microbiologist and team leader, explained how the team used water and sediment from Boston Harbor, a collection of mason jars, ordinary electrical wiring and sterile graphite electrodes to determine the science behind the mechanics of a simple, sediment battery. Using Desulfuromonas acetoxidans (a Geobacter bacteria) the researchers were able to produce enough electrical current to power a lightbulb or a simple computer.'" The linked article is low on details - post 'em in the comments if you have more information on related projects.
So now I can water cool my overclocked processor *and* power it from the creek near my house? Time to buy some garden hose extensions and some more power cables!
Of course, not all sediment has as many, ahem, "nutrients" as Boston Harbor sediment. . .
Do you still have to get a hepatitis shot if you fall in the harbor?
"The dinosaurs died because they didn't have a space program." - Niven
Did I just take the red pill?!
So this is the first step in turning us all in to batteries?
I've hit Karma 50 and gotten a Score:5, Troll... I win!
I can already imagine activists shouting: Free the Batteries!
Remember, be sure to water your computer battery at least twice a day.
Ah am not a crook! (\(-__-)/)
Great, the Cuyahoga River (Cleveland) catches fire and Boston Harbor sediment can produce power. How does this look good for American water supplies, again?
--
J Boylan
From the article:
Microbes are in the electron-generation business as well. Rather than generate extra electrons to move down a wire, microbes obtain electrons from organic material (sugars, proteins, fats)
Now we just have to find a way to convert human fat to electricity. A luposuction powered electic car. You get a body that you want, save the environment and stop funding the terrorist!
But now would that pave the road for the future world in Matrix?
I can't wait till they can use methane gas from bathrooms to power computers. It will kill two birds with one stone -
1 - cheap power from reusable sources (humans digestive systems)
2 - intake fans in bathroom will help with gas odors left in bathroom
I've got stuff living in my sock drawer that must be good for a decent size battery in the mega-Ah range I would say.
--My sig is bigger than your sig--
The ASPCB will be up in arms!!
its a Mac, innit?
*joke*
"To cover itself, the movie throws in a quick mention that the human energy source powering the machines is combined with a source of fusion. This is like getting on a 747 and having the captain explain in great detail that the plane is rubber band powered, then add that it also has four jet engines."
It was here. I dunno. Just made me think of that.
I read Neal Stephenson's Zodiac. I wouldn't be suprised if the answer to cold fusion couldn't be found in that muck at the bottom of Boston Harbor!
Read a good book lately?
Modest doubt is called the beacon of the wise. - William Shakespeare
..all those who use their armpits as a UPS. On second thoughts, keep them down.
Modest doubt is called the beacon of the wise. - William Shakespeare
It's all coming clear to me now.. Bush doesn't want to take Iraq's oil, they want to use all their sand for energy.
Trolling is a art,
dont forget to feed the battery.