Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Microbes Pass Valuable Gas

Posted by michael on from the tiny-bubbles dept.

inimicus writes "Wired reports: 'With a reliable source of hydrogen, fuel cells can produce energy with water as the only byproduct.' The good news is that there's a functional prototype (measuring 0.7 square centimeters and less than 1 millimeter thick) that produces 1 microwatt of power -- approximately enough to power a digital wristwatch. Personally, I'm intrigued by the concept of powering my laptop with sugar-water..."

6 of 44 comments (clear)

  1. I just can't resist... by Ioldanach · · Score: 2, Funny
    I can just see myself in 15 years carrying around a laptop with a bacterial battery. "Oops, power's low, must be time to feed the laptop."

    Of course, when the battery dies, it really dies.

    1. Re:I just can't resist... by NanoGator · · Score: 2, Funny

      "Of course, when the battery dies, it really dies. "

      If my experience with a Tomogatchi is any indication, this technology will be a moneypit.

      --
      "Derp de derp."
    2. Re:I just can't resist... by dbrutus · · Score: 2, Funny

      According to the article, they're thinking about using this for implantable devices like pacemakers. Imagine the consequence of too little sugar in the bloodstream then. "I'm dying for a snicker's bar" indeed. B-)

  2. Sugar Water by j-turkey · · Score: 2, Funny
    Personally, I'm intrigued by the concept of powering my laptop with sugar-water...

    Why not -- I'm sure that when in coding-mode, most of us are already powered by sugar-water (insert favorite carbonated high-fructose corn syrup based beverage).

    --turkey
    --

    -Turkey

  3. Overclocking by bassburner · · Score: 2, Funny

    So if you wanted to overclock could you just dump in one of those giant Pixie Stix?

  4. Lego my Jolt! by QuantumWeasel · · Score: 2, Funny

    No way, man. Let those fuel cells run on vodka . But keep yer mits off my Jolt! I do not want to have to choose between feeding my laptop and feeding my aqueous caffeinated sucrouse habit. It won't be pretty! So just back away from the Jolt, ok?