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DIY Living Computer Battery

Posted by Hemos on from the potato-powered dept.

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.

8 of 127 comments (clear)

  1. The possibilities by Torgo's+Pizza · · Score: 5, Funny

    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!

  2. Boston Harbor Sediment by CaptainStormfield · · Score: 5, Funny

    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
  3. Living Battery? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    Did I just take the red pill?!

  4. Who needs oil? by after5 · · Score: 4, Funny

    Great, the Cuyahoga River (Cleveland) catches fire and Boston Harbor sediment can produce power. How does this look good for American water supplies, again?

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    --
    J Boylan
  5. And the second step is fusion? by machine+of+god · · Score: 5, Funny

    "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.

  6. Ah! That explains everything! by Chocolate+Teapot · · Score: 5, Funny
    Using Desulfuromonas acetoxidans (a Geobacter bacteria) the researchers were able to produce enough electrical current to power a lightbulb or a simple computer.
    That's why nerds never wash. They're not unhygenic, just extremely overclocked.
    --
    Modest doubt is called the beacon of the wise. - William Shakespeare
  7. Hands up by Chocolate+Teapot · · Score: 4, Funny

    ..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
  8. Note to myself by ConsoleDeamon · · Score: 5, Funny

    dont forget to feed the battery.