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Urine Powered Battery Developed

Saeed al-Sahaf writes "Research investment into developing smaller and cheaper chips to process information in disposable health tests has been significant, but they were still reliant on an external power source. The researchers at Singapore's Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology think they have overcome this problem with their latest urine powered battery. From the article "The battery is composed of paper, soaked in copper chloride, sandwiched between layers of magnesium and copper. The whole thing, once laminated in plastic, is just a millimeter thick, and 6cm by 3cm in size." The breakthrough promises a cheap and disposable power source for home health tests."

286 comments

  1. Two words: RED DAWN by robyannetta · · Score: 4, Funny

    Don't bother pissing in the radiator. Now you can piss in the GAS TANK!

    --
    - Just my $0.02, take with a grain of salt, your mileage may vary.
    1. Re:Two words: RED DAWN by FragHARD · · Score: 1

      yeh, and the next thing you will see in the news if some guy gets trapped in sewer while trying to siphon with cutoff graden hose!

      --
      FragHARD or don't frag at all
    2. Re:Two words: RED DAWN by nocomment · · Score: 4, Funny

      Gives whole new meaning to a "leaking" battery.

      --
      /* oops I accidentally made a comment, sorry */
      /* http://allyourbasearebelongto.us */
    3. Re:Two words: RED DAWN by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Gives a whole new meaning to the words TRICKLE CHARGER...

    4. Re:Two words: RED DAWN by macdaddy357 · · Score: 1

      The guy who came up with this was sure a whiz!

      --
      How ya like dat?
    5. Re:Two words: RED DAWN by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      How would putting a liquid into a tank designed for a gas be of any use?

    6. Re:Two words: RED DAWN by Thomas+Shaddack · · Score: 1

      Is its performance piss-poor?

    7. Re:Two words: RED DAWN by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Don't do this, either!

    8. Re:Two words: RED DAWN by Seumas · · Score: 1

      Two words: COMBUSTIBLE PISS

    9. Re:Two words: RED DAWN by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Insightful

      But if the tank is designed to work with a gas, how can it work with a liquid?

    10. Re:Two words: RED DAWN by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      My ethanol added turbo piss is the best!!.

    11. Re:Two words: RED DAWN by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      In other news, (insert evil american corporation here) patents human piss.

    12. Re:Two words: RED DAWN by ArsonSmith · · Score: 1

      Oscifer, I has to drunk and druv. 'tis da only way I keep my tunk fool. hic!

      --
      Paying taxes to buy civilization is like paying a hooker to buy love.
  2. Next up: by WilliamSChips · · Score: 4, Funny

    Next up: Bullshit powered battery. John Dvorak would probably be able to fuel his entire home from the stuff he spews!

    --
    Please, for the good of Humanity, vote Obama.
    1. Re:Next up: by G-Licious! · · Score: 2, Funny

      Next up: Bullshit powered battery. John Dvorak would probably be able to fuel a small planet from the stuff he spews!

      Fixed.

    2. Re:Next up: by otis+wildflower · · Score: 0, Offtopic

      WHO RULES BARTERTOWN!?!?!

    3. Re:Next up: by bladesjester · · Score: 1

      That was pig, not bull :P

      With this one, we could hook it up to a few CEOs and we'd be set for life.

      --
      Everything I need to know I learned by killing smart people and eating their brains.
    4. Re:Next up: by Fatalis · · Score: 1

      gb2/4chan

      --
      Deus est fatalis
    5. Re:Next up: by Dr+Reducto · · Score: 1

      Next up: Bullshit powered battery. John Dvorak would probably be able to fuel a small planet from the stuff he spews!

      That's no moon, that's a space station!

    6. Re:Next up: by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      NO U

    7. Re:Next up: by adrianmonk · · Score: 1
      Next up: Bullshit powered battery. John Dvorak would probably be able to fuel his entire home from the stuff he spews!

      Being a geek, I would like to point out that, while your joke is funny, there is a technical point that needs to be made. And that is this: actually, you can generate elecricity from bullshit. Here's another article about it too.

      (Please note that I realize both of my sources are web sites that are mostly full of fringe nutcases. But, since they're different types of fringe nutcases, that filters out their bias and makes what they have to say perfectly valid. (Right?))

    8. Re:Next up: by Soul-Burn666 · · Score: 1

      4chan is serious business.

      --
      ^_^
    9. Re:Next up: by James+A.+D.+Joyce · · Score: 1

      I wholeheartedly endorse increasing Slashdot's noise-to-signal ratio by posting random 4chan and Something Awful catchphrases.

      --

      Ron dies in chapter 9 of book 7.
    10. Re:Next up: by Junior+J.+Junior+III · · Score: 1

      Why not? That's also how he's paying for it...

      --
      You see? You see? Your stupid minds! Stupid! Stupid!
    11. Re:Next up: by WilliamSChips · · Score: 1

      That fits so well with your sig...

      --
      Please, for the good of Humanity, vote Obama.
    12. Re:Next up: by Soul-Burn666 · · Score: 1

      Hey, if the editors allow themselves to do it, why can't the readers? ;)
      Not this specific story, but you know what I mean....

      --
      ^_^
  3. 6 cm X 3 cm?!? by merreborn · · Score: 1

    That'd make for one huge pregnancy test!

    1. Re:6 cm X 3 cm?!? by back_pages · · Score: 1

      "That'd make for one huge pregnancy test!" gasped both members of Slashdot's readership who are actually concerned with the size of pregnancy tests.

    2. Re:6 cm X 3 cm?!? by Omicron32 · · Score: 1

      Well generally women can't see where they pee, and so need a big target.

    3. Re:6 cm X 3 cm?!? by peculiarmethod · · Score: 2, Funny

      trust me, she _means_ to do that. I'd suggest a plastic bed cover and learning to like it.

      works for me.

      --
      ** "It's not my job to stand between the people talking to me, and the ones listening to me." -- Pego the Jerk
    4. Re:6 cm X 3 cm?!? by TooncesTheCat · · Score: 1

      How do you know if they can see it or not? After intense reviews of your toilet cams? :o

    5. Re:6 cm X 3 cm?!? by Omicron32 · · Score: 1

      No, anatomy classes.

  4. First Piss by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Funny

    First

    1. Re:First Piss by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      You fail it (as usual).

  5. Well by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I think its taking the piss.

    1. Re:Well by justsomebody · · Score: 1

      Cool, can you fill up my phone battery while you're at it? Please?

      On more serious terms:
      If urine energy would become too popular, we can expect worldwide beer shortage and families with more children opening energy farms.
      Unfortunatelly, there's no action without reaction

      --
      Signature Pro version 1.13.2-3 release 83.5 beta3try7 after-breakfast edition
  6. cool by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Funny

    this will be great for those car trips where my laptop's battery dies and I have to wiz at the same time.

    1. Re:cool by dotgain · · Score: 1

      And I have another excuse to drink beer!

  7. Pardon me by Aadain2001 · · Score: 4, Funny

    I'll be right back, I have to go fill up my laptop's battery....

    --
    Space for rent, inquire within
    1. Re:Pardon me by SeeTheLight · · Score: 1

      What if you miss and pee on the laptop?

    2. Re:Pardon me by WwWonka · · Score: 3, Funny

      Great...now Everready and Duracel are going to get into ANOTHER pissing contest over batteries!

    3. Re:Pardon me by Lemmy+Caution · · Score: 5, Funny

      What if you miss and pee on the laptop?

      Wouldn't be any worse than installing Microsoft Project.

    4. Re:Pardon me by Hatta · · Score: 2, Funny

      I'll be right back, I have to go fill up my laptop's battery....

      Awesome, now I have an excuse to take the laptop to the bathroom.

      --
      Give me Classic Slashdot or give me death!
    5. Re:Pardon me by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Oh, pardon me. I seem to have overfilled your laptop's battery.

    6. Re:Pardon me by Chuqmystr · · Score: 1, Funny

      And this is all going to lead up to a Windoze laptop you MUST piss on to keep it running. That's just brilliant :-D You've made my day /.

    7. Re:Pardon me by jez9999 · · Score: 1

      I don't think much of this technology, the developers are just pissing in the wind.

    8. Re:Pardon me by Blittzed · · Score: 1

      Dammit! I only just learnt "don't whizz on the electric fence" (the hard way). Now they want us to piss on electric stuff? I'm confused!

      --
      "They looked deep into my soul and assigned me a number based on the order in which I joined"
    9. Re:Pardon me by deathy_epl+ccs · · Score: 1

      Actually, I think installing Microsoft Project is better analogized by taking a gigantic dump in your laptop - pee isn't really all that offensive, after all.

    10. Re:Pardon me by Walt+Dismal · · Score: 1

      ((holding my hands over my eyes and NOT looking at what that Energizer Bunny is doing!))

    11. Re:Pardon me by Craig_P92669 · · Score: 0

      He probably meant Microsoft Works Badly.

      --
      http://xs4.xs.to/pics/04481/p556222.gif
    12. Re:Pardon me by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      or lotus notes.

    13. Re:Pardon me by ArsonSmith · · Score: 1

      "what are you doing in there?"

      "I'm filling my battery Mom."

      --
      Paying taxes to buy civilization is like paying a hooker to buy love.
  8. Technical Question. by tarquin_fim_bim · · Score: 4, Funny

    The whole thing, once laminated in plastic, is just a millimeter thick

    So how does a reasonably sized chap introduce his electrolyte?

    1. Re:Technical Question. by Hogwash+McFly · · Score: 1

      Battery, electrolyte. Electrolyte, battery.

      --
      Mother, do you think they'll like this sig?
    2. Re:Technical Question. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      "...researchers at Singapore's Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology..."

      'nuff said.

    3. Re:Technical Question. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Just have Taco fill it for you. He and Hemos could swordfight in there with enough room leftover for Zonk's head.

    4. Re:Technical Question. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Use KY

  9. Why don't we have hand cranks? by hellomynameisclinton · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Why don't they just give us a hand crank? They're more than efficient to power or charge all sorts of small electronics. All we need is a universal plug interface, and we can all be our own emergency backups.

    "Pee in this... and turn this."

    While they're at it, why doesn't my car have an emergency gear/wheel/crank system that I can connect ot my battery on cold days when my Jolapy won't start?

    1. Re:Why don't we have hand cranks? by robertjw · · Score: 1

      While they're at it, why doesn't my car have an emergency gear/wheel/crank system that I can connect ot my battery on cold days when my Jolapy won't start?

      There is no way you could crank enough to generate the power to start your car. You would be better off with a crank for the engine.

    2. Re:Why don't we have hand cranks? by temojen · · Score: 1

      Because it needs enough power to run the fuel pump, injectors, ecu, ignition coil, ignition system, oil pump, and turn the engine fast. Plus batteries & alternators are plenty reliable enough in most conditions, and less likely to break your arm on a backfire.

    3. Re:Why don't we have hand cranks? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      ...why doesn't my car have an emergency gear/wheel/crank system that I can connect ot my battery on cold days when my Jolapy won't start?

      Oh, I'd guess cold cranking power requirements in the range of 4.8KW or so puts yet another brilliant slashdot idea to rest in short order.

      You're certainly welcome to try it tho. You get a webcam and I'll sell tickets. This should be entertaining.

    4. Re:Why don't we have hand cranks? by badfrog · · Score: 1

      My dad had an old Model T with an actual engine starting crank. Do it wrong and it could backfire and break your arm. I wouldn't call it convenient either, unless you're some sort of armwrestling champion.

      Thankfully it also had the electric starter option.

    5. Re:Why don't we have hand cranks? by gardyloo · · Score: 1

      Why don't they just give us a hand crank?

          Huh. *I* was born with one. Probably most /. readers were.

    6. Re:Why don't we have hand cranks? by orasio · · Score: 1

      Please, stop whining.
      On Radioshack you can buy a hand crank operated radio.
      Buy it, strip the radio, and you have a hand crank generator.
      Build a generator yourself, it's not that hard, it involves magnets and copper wire.

      If what you want is standard hand cranks and plugs, and stuff, then it would have to be actually useful. Sorry , it isn't.

    7. Re:Why don't we have hand cranks? by robertjw · · Score: 2, Interesting

      My dad had an old Model T with an actual engine starting crank. Do it wrong and it could backfire and break your arm. I wouldn't call it convenient either, unless you're some sort of armwrestling champion.

      Actually I always thought hand cranks were very convenient. Never had a Model T, mostly tractors or stationary engines. You are correct that they can be dangerous, but that has very little to do with convenience. There are many things that are convenient, but not safe.

      Regardless, seems to me it wouldn't be hard to engineer a hand crank that is a little safer than the one on the old Model Ts. Something with a one-way clutch that can't pop back and hurt you. Maybe with a gear reduction so it's easier to turn. Many of the engines in modern cars are smaller than the old Model T engines and probably turn easier, so a crank could be a viable option.

    8. Re:Why don't we have hand cranks? by Murphy+Murph · · Score: 1
      Many of the engines in modern cars are smaller than the old Model T engines and probably turn easier, so a crank could be a viable option.


      I'm not sure the size of the engine has as much to do with it as the compression ratio.
      Looking quickly online the highest compression ratio I see quoted for a Model T is 4.5:1, while the lowest compression ratio for a Honda I can find is 9.3:1 (for the 1.3L engine found in the low end Civic CX.)
      --
      I dub thee... Sir Phobos, Knight of Mars, Beater of Ass.
    9. Re:Why don't we have hand cranks? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      because you can't pee and jizz at the same time..

      But imagine the extasy if you could... my god imagine being able to piss while orgasming? OMG... 30 seconds of bliss..

      someone needs to figure out how to do this and put it together in a penis hacks book

    10. Re:Why don't we have hand cranks? by robertjw · · Score: 1

      I'm not sure the size of the engine has as much to do with it as the compression ratio

      Absolutely, but there's no reason why a 1.3L Civic couldn't be built with an automatic compression release. I think it's more a matter of demand - nobody actually wants a hand crank to start their car.

    11. Re:Why don't we have hand cranks? by jlanthripp · · Score: 1

      I think the parent meant a hand-cranked battery charger. It might take an hour or so, but you could charge a weak battery to the point of being able to start your car with something like that.

      --
      "Alcohol, Tobacco, & Firearms" should be a convenience store, not a government agency.
    12. Re:Why don't we have hand cranks? by The+Creator · · Score: 1

      While they're at it, why doesn't my car have an emergency gear/wheel/crank system that I can connect ot my battery on cold days when my Jolapy won't start?

      It doesn't have one because you havent built one! Sheesh what kind of geek are you? :)

      --

      FRA: STFU GTFO
    13. Re:Why don't we have hand cranks? by Clod9 · · Score: 1
      1) You can easily crank enough power to start your car, if the mechanism allows you to store up charge over time instead of cranking the engine directly. I don't think the parent poster was describing a direct crank, because the phrase was "connect to my battery", not "connect to my crankshaft".

      2) It isn't really that much power, either. I can start my car if my battery is low by pushing it backwards up a very gradual hill for about 5 to 10 meters, then coasting and popping the clutch. I don't even break a sweat. Of course, I drive a Honda CRX HF, your mileage may vary (and is probably a lot lower).

    14. Re:Why don't we have hand cranks? by sharkey · · Score: 1

      Speaking only for myself, I find pumping it works better.

      --

      --
      "Outlook not so good." That magic 8-ball knows everything! I'll ask about Exchange Server next.
    15. Re:Why don't we have hand cranks? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      The first car I ever drove was a Standard Super 10, from 1956. It had a hand crank, useful when you have a nearly flat battery.

    16. Re:Why don't we have hand cranks? by LoRdTAW · · Score: 2, Informative

      There is one device that does it for primary or backup starting of diesel engines. It has a pull cord like a small gas engine and the first 10 pulls primes the spring and the 11th starts the cranking. It can crank engines up to about 14 liters in size if I recall correctly.

      I have started large trucks by rolling them as well but as for pushing them anywhere well thats not going to happen (I have managed once to push a smaller truck that weighed about 18000 lbs but only a few feet on level ground). I used my Tahoe to pull start a tractor (semi truck) but first un-coupled it from the trailer. Automatic transmissions are a bitch to roll start because you have to get the vehicle up to the torque converters lockup speed before the engine will begin to turn.

    17. Re:Why don't we have hand cranks? by uberdave · · Score: 1

      Wouldn't it just be easier to build in a backup battery? Have it charge while the car is in motion and only switch it in when the primary battery is drained.

    18. Re:Why don't we have hand cranks? by UnapprovedThought · · Score: 1

      How about an exercise bike that runs a generator that charges a bank of 12V capacitors? You then flip a switch to release the built up charge as you try to start the car? I think it should be possible for anything except a really big behemoth vehicle.

      Batteries produce less amps during cold weather. The distinction between cranking amps and cold cranking amps (CCA) may even be labelled on the battery itself. The CCA number is always lower. So, to start a car, all you need is a few more amps added in.

    19. Re:Why don't we have hand cranks? by the_xaqster · · Score: 1

      I can remember seeing an advert from the 60's for an adapter kit to add a hand crank to a mini. The idea behind this was that it made turning the engine over to do the tappets much easier. I don't think it would have been much use to start the car, as you had to turn the wheels to get at it.

      --
      I'm just here to regulate Funkyness
    20. Re:Why don't we have hand cranks? by nospam007 · · Score: 1

      >>Why don't they just give us a hand crank? They're more than efficient to power or charge all sorts of small electronics.
      ----------
      It's for small electronic throwaway lab strips to check your urine for sugar, THC, pregnancy or whatever.

      Hand cranks would make those just a little too heavy.

    21. Re:Why don't we have hand cranks? by robertjw · · Score: 1

      You can easily crank enough power to start your car, if the mechanism allows you to store up charge over time instead of cranking the engine directly.

      Easily is a relative term. It would take a long time to charge a car battery by hand like that.

      It isn't really that much power, either. I can start my car if my battery is low by pushing it backwards up a very gradual hill for about 5 to 10 meters, then coasting and popping the clutch.

      Two things, one you have a small car, not all of us can push their cars around. Of course, I can kick start my bike which is another matter alltogether. Also, 'isn't really that much power' is also a relative term. Depending on the grade of the hill and the mass of the car it could actually be a significant amount of power. If I remember my high school physics right it should be something like this:

      F=mA
      F=777Kg (weight of car) * 9.81 m/s2
      F=7622N

      J=Nm

      If that car drops 2 vertical meters after you pushed it up the slope:
      J=7622 * 2 = 15244J

      W=J/s

      If the car covers this distance in 3 seconds

      W=15244J/2s=7622W

      If we then convert this into electrical energy
      W=VA and solve for amperage where our voltage is 12v like a car
      A=W/V
      A=7622W/12V
      A=635amps - close to the charge a small car battery holds.

      Now these calculations make several assumptions including friction, air resistance, the gearing in the rear differential and transmission, etc... but the bottom line is a car rolling down a hill has a significant amount of power.

    22. Re:Why don't we have hand cranks? by Shotgun · · Score: 1

      Um...

      Make sure you buy cars with manual transmissions

      Park on a hill

      Never worry

      --
      Aah, change is good. -- Rafiki
      Yeah, but it ain't easy. -- Simba
    23. Re:Why don't we have hand cranks? by robertjw · · Score: 1

      Make sure you buy cars with manual transmissions

      Or a car with an old automatic transmission. The 50's cars had rear pumps in the transmission so they could be push started.

    24. Re:Why don't we have hand cranks? by hellomynameisclinton · · Score: 1

      Ooooohhhhhfffff.

      That hurts - I'll get right on it :).

  10. Great! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Funny

    Now I have a legitimate reason to piss all over the Compaq laptops at work.. No more awkward thinking up spur of the moment excuses

    1. Re:Great! by PunkOfLinux · · Score: 1

      Compaq sucks... Now all they need is an ass-rape powered generator. Windows users would never need to plug their computers!

    2. Re:Great! by zippthorne · · Score: 1

      remember to turn them off first. You wouldn't want to do a rendition of the classic board game from the Ren and Stimpy show.

      --
      Can you be Even More Awesome?!
  11. In the bathroom of a dive bar... by TheOtherAgentM · · Score: 4, Funny

    What's that smell?

    Absolute power!

    1. Re:In the bathroom of a dive bar... by blueturffan · · Score: 2
      Power corrupts

      Absolute power corrupts absolutely

    2. Re:In the bathroom of a dive bar... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Power corrupts

      Absolute power corrupts absolutely


      God has absolute power.

      God is absolutely incorrupt.

  12. Energy Drink? by ZellmoTheMagnificent · · Score: 2, Funny

    So, does that make urine an energy drink?

    1. Re:Energy Drink? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      yes it would...stay tuned for a new energy tax on water or any other branded liquid.

    2. Re:Energy Drink? by Psykechan · · Score: 1

      If they tax it without me having at least some sort of minor say-so in the matter, I'll just pee in the harbor!

    3. Re:Energy Drink? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I think they already did... those things are mostly disgusting.

  13. Piss off? No.... by BigWhiteGuy_27 · · Score: 3, Funny

    ...piss ON!

  14. Product Placement by burtdub · · Score: 1
    The New Bud-ergizer...

    It keeps going, and going, and going...

  15. Is it powered by urine? by Man+of+E · · Score: 2, Interesting

    I wonder if the power comes from the urine, or if urine is acting as an electrolyte that allows the energy stored in the "paper, soaked in copper chloride, sandwiched between layers of magnesium and copper" to be released.

    --
    Ceci n'est pas une sig
    1. Re:Is it powered by urine? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Who cares? YOU PEE ON IT!

    2. Re:Is it powered by urine? by tobirius · · Score: 5, Informative

      The urine is only the electrolyte, the chemical reaction would be: Mg + Cu2+ --> Mg2+ + Cu The battery would also work with pure water. But the whole thing won't be a very "clean" source of energy. Copper chloride is not good for your environment.

    3. Re:Is it powered by urine? by bladesjester · · Score: 1

      Pure (distilled) water isn't an electrolytic solution. Tap water might work, but not well since it doesn't have much chlorine in it.

      --
      Everything I need to know I learned by killing smart people and eating their brains.
    4. Re:Is it powered by urine? by jfengel · · Score: 1

      Why is it I never have mod points when somebody actually useful shows up? Thanks for the answer. Just for good measure, what are the electronegativaties and how much electricity do you get out of it?

    5. Re:Is it powered by urine? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Interesting

      I'd imagine that's why the paper is soaked in copper chloride.

    6. Re:Is it powered by urine? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Copper chloride is not good for your environment.

      Is copper chloride good for the environment on the planet you come from? ;)

    7. Re:Is it powered by urine? by FreakyControl · · Score: 1

      I also wonder if the concentration of the urine is a factor. What shade of yellow are they looking for?

      I bet they yelled uri-ka! when they developed it.

    8. Re:Is it powered by urine? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      The idea was to integrate the liquid being tested with the test equipment.

  16. Prior art by Rosco+P.+Coltrane · · Score: 5, Interesting

    I saw that once in a bar near LA: there was a urinal with a 3x3 square hole and the top half of a small paddlewheel behind it. A small sign advised that it was an electronic pissing contest machine, and that men who could turn the paddlewheel the fastest would win a free supersize softdrink (to play again no doubt). A bulb on top of the urinal would go brighter and brighter as the paddlewheel would turn faster.

    --
    "A door is what a dog is perpetually on the wrong side of" - Ogden Nash
    1. Re:Prior art by The+Ultimate+Fartkno · · Score: 4, Funny


      That was no urinal, son... that was a glory hole. Twenty bucks says that there was someone behind that hole dressed like the Gimp.

    2. Re:Prior art by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      And that's supposed to be prior art? The two things are nothing alike, you jackass.

    3. Re:Prior art by Rude+Turnip · · Score: 1

      Wilbur the GIMP? Wow, I didn't know open source was that prevalent in they gay community!

    4. Re:Prior art by mogwai7 · · Score: 1
      And that's supposed to be prior art? The two things are nothing alike, you jackass.
      Yeah. Obviously that lightbulb in the above system is powered by a bladder muscle, not urine.

      XP~
    5. Re:Prior art by One+Childish+N00b · · Score: 1

      Anyone know where the "-1, Really Didn't Want to Know" mod has got to?

      --
      Dealing with lawyers would be a lot less tedious if they all looked like Casey Novak.
    6. Re:Prior art by zlexiss · · Score: 1

      That probably just gets people to aim a little better...

  17. Trademarked: "UP Battery" by Henriok · · Score: 5, Funny

    The copy writing muse wispered to me.. These are going to be called "UP Batteries" Urine Powered...

    --

    - Henrik

    - when the Shadows descend -
    1. Re:Trademarked: "UP Battery" by deathy_epl+ccs · · Score: 1

      How convenient that when spoken, the name still works... the "You Pee" Battery.

    2. Re:Trademarked: "UP Battery" by stoofa · · Score: 1

      Isn't that just the beauty of slashdot, someone starts a pissing contest and we end up quoting Joyce.

      Christian Cook
      thinctanc.co.uk

    3. Re:Trademarked: "UP Battery" by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      It's my #1 battery!

  18. Pee in the cup? by cmeans · · Score: 1
    So now, every home health test will require you to pee first?

    Got to be a joke in there somewhere...

  19. Funnel by normal_guy · · Score: 1

    It better come with a funnel!

    --

    Linux: Free if your time is worthless.
    1. Re:Funnel by SeeTheLight · · Score: 1

      Isn't that only required for people with bad aim?

  20. Pshaw... by KhaymanUCSD · · Score: 1

    I've had a windows ME box that's been powered by feces for years...

    --
    Kneel before Sig!
  21. I don't know about you... by WxChem · · Score: 1

    Even if I could pee into this battery without making a mess of my hands (eeewwww!)... You would still have to dump it and clean it. I really don't think this pee-battery will make it in America w/o a dramatic culture change.

    ----
    WxChem
    Maker of the Nerd Test
    http://www.nerdtests.com/ft_nq.php

    1. Re:I don't know about you... by FLAGGR · · Score: 1

      Uh dude, RTFS. It's for home health tests that you have to pee on anyway, like pregnancy tests. So yes, since teen pregnancies is a big part of American culture already, this thing is a gold mine. :)

      p.s., your sig is lame.

    2. Re:I don't know about you... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      OK, so I'm not an expert on the manufacture and use of home pregnancy tests, but are they battery powered now? why? Is there a watch-style reading light included that I don't know about? A small heater to assist in the chemical reaction? Is there a little speaker that plays "ta da" or gameshow - buzzer sound on certain test results?

      Give me a battery that runs on blood, so that my diabetic buddies can check their blood sugar.

    3. Re:I don't know about you... by fbjon · · Score: 1

      What I'm wondering is, what kind of self-test requires chips and power to work? We already have pregnancy tests, and they already work to some extent. Is accuracy the target here?

      --
      True confidence comes not from realising you are as good as your peers, but that your peers are as bad as you are.
  22. Which makes it also by dmachleid · · Score: 1

    albeit indirectly, a beer powered battery.

    --
    9:48pm up 426 day(s), 6:01, 16 users, load average: 220.60, 138.45, 63.50
  23. Wow by Murphy+Murph · · Score: 5, Insightful

    So, let me get this straight...
    It's a battery.
    Shipped dry.
    Electrolyte added only when needed.
    How is this new?

    (It's not really urine powered anyway. Urine is just the electrolyte.)

    --
    I dub thee... Sir Phobos, Knight of Mars, Beater of Ass.
    1. Re:Wow by Humorously_Inept · · Score: 1

      Yep. Looks like they "invented" the Voltaic pile. I invented that in a ninth grade science project.

      --

      ~Someday, I hope to be an aspiring author.
    2. Re:Wow by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Not everything that is posted on slashdot is an invention announcement.

      Most technically oriented people don't like to admit it but 90% of the benefits that come with modern living were contributed by the marketers and the industrialists. Very few inventors manage to capitalize on their advancements and actually deliver product.

      I've very happy for you and what you did in your 9th grade science project, but if that's as far as it went then who really cares? In the pragmatic sense. If this new battery means I can cut my doctor visits in half, well that's something that has been commercialized and is actually benefitting someone.

    3. Re:Wow by tassii · · Score: 1

      Yeah.. they've dated them back to 200 BC

      http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/2804257. stm

      --
      "I drank what?" - Socrates
    4. Re:Wow by Angst+Badger · · Score: 4, Insightful

      How is this new?

      Near as I can tell, it's new like most everything else is new -- the folks who slept through basic science classes missed how simple galvanic cells work, and now they're surprised by PR from an engineering firm whose employees didn't sleep through science class.

      For those just tuning in now, Wikipedia has a nice explanation of this cutting-edge 1780 technology.

      For those inclined to experiment, stick a copper rod and an iron rod an inch apart in the dirt in your backyard, and piss in the space between them. Connect wires to the tops of the rods and then to a voltmeter. Wooooeee! You've got current. And you can recharge every time you need to pee.

      Of course, technically speaking, you aren't recharging anything. Rechargeable batteries involve a reversible chemical reaction, while a galvanic cell just slowly dissolves its anode and cathode in the intervening electrolyte. For the purpose of providing a feeble current to a disposable medical device, it's not a bad idea. The battery is, however, really old news -- like more than three hundred years old. It's the microelectronics that can take advantage of such weak currents that are the real news, but those aren't exactly at the bleeding edge, either.

      --
      Proud member of the Weirdo-American community.
    5. Re:Wow by Caseyscrib · · Score: 1

      Just out of curiousity, is that how disposable cell phone batteries work?

    6. Re:Wow by alfboggis · · Score: 1

      For those just tuning in now, Wikipedia has a nice explanation of this cutting-edge 1780 technology.

      Or maybe even cutting edge 250BC technology!

    7. Re:Wow by gandbacha · · Score: 1

      Yes this aint new at all!! Ask India! I have been observing a lot of fun being made on the topic, well keeping that aside, would like to point out that they are not the first one to discover this, as noted by angst badger. In India similar discoveries on converting urine to power have been made using cow urine a long long ago.

    8. Re:Wow by ndixon · · Score: 1

      Yeah, what's the big deal?
      It's a piece of piss.

      --
      Oh, how convenient: a theory about God that doesn't involve looking through a telescope.
    9. Re:Wow by Inthewire · · Score: 0

      Good job.
      Now convert, oh, anything to not starving to death.

      --


      Writers imply. Readers infer.
  24. ahh, finally by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    Some called my "yellow jar" collection strange. Looks like the joke's on you, people!

  25. This just in by Rosco+P.+Coltrane · · Score: 4, Funny

    Calvin becomes new Enron CEO. News at 11...

    --
    "A door is what a dog is perpetually on the wrong side of" - Ogden Nash
  26. It's all just for our convenience... by anicca · · Score: 2, Interesting

    Health tests my ass...more likely drug tests. Now it can wireless the data it senses to a handheld! They can have the cops waiting for you outside before you even know it...

    --
    A people that values its privileges above its principles soon loses both. Dwight D. Eisenhower
    1. Re:It's all just for our convenience... by meatflower · · Score: 1

      Moderate: +5 Paranoid

  27. Re:Condoleeza Rice joins GNAA by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I always knew she was trolling.

  28. For Real? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    or is someone just taking the piss?

  29. I Have A Feeling by kevin_conaway · · Score: 5, Funny

    This battery is going to take the pressure off the industry. It doesn't take a whiz to see that they're looking out for number one. Trust me, these guys are going to make a big splash very soon!

    1. Re:I Have A Feeling by sharkey · · Score: 1

      Ooohhh, why did I have all those anodes and cathodes and watermelon?

      --

      --
      "Outlook not so good." That magic 8-ball knows everything! I'll ask about Exchange Server next.
    2. Re:I Have A Feeling by superpulpsicle · · Score: 1

      I was laughing till I puked food all over my damn keyboard and monitor. Now I know better to not eat infront of slashdot.

    3. Re:I Have A Feeling by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      At least say you got it off The Simpsons (Last Exit to Springfield).

    4. Re:I Have A Feeling by bill_mcgonigle · · Score: 1

      Probably not. The performance of this new batter is reported to be piss-poor.

      --
      My God, it's Full of Source!
      OUTSIDE_IP=$(dig +short my.ip @outsideip.net)
    5. Re:I Have A Feeling by ArsenneLupin · · Score: 1
      I was laughing till I puked food all over my damn keyboard and monitor. Now I know better to not eat infront of slashdot.

      Try sticking two wires into the yuck, maybe it'll have enough juice to power your computer...

  30. Looking for longer battery life? by DaveM753 · · Score: 0, Redundant


    Drink more beer!

    More beer > more urine > more battery power!

    Woohoo! (hic)

  31. Logical extension: by GeneralEmergency · · Score: 4, Funny



    A Pee-Powered Peltier Six Pack Cooler!

    Ok, so the first two beers are warm. I could live with it.

    --
    "A microprocessor... is a terrible thing to waste." --
    GeneralEmergency
    1. Re:Logical extension: by bill_mcgonigle · · Score: 1

      Ok, so the first two beers are warm. I could live with it.

      Just make the first two Bud - you can use them to power the device.

      --
      My God, it's Full of Source!
      OUTSIDE_IP=$(dig +short my.ip @outsideip.net)
    2. Re:Logical extension: by Overzeetop · · Score: 1

      Human pee, clydesdale pee...I suspect - as you do - that it will work just fine with either.

      --
      Is it just my observation, or are there way too many stupid people in the world?
  32. BEST. URINAL CAKE. EVAR. by otis+wildflower · · Score: 0

    Talk about dick tack toe...

  33. Get rich quick! by DaveM753 · · Score: 1


    Make big buck$ with your kidney problem:

    To learn how, send $1.95 to:
    (blah, blah, blah)

  34. Let's do the math... by Pollux · · Score: 2, Insightful

    The whole thing, once laminated in plastic, is just a millimeter thick, and 6cm by 3cm in size...0.2 millilitres of urine the battery will provide around 1.5 volts, with a maximum power output of 1.5 milli-Watts

    So, let's get some facts...Jeeves says that normal humans feel the need to urinate when they hold 150 - 200mL of urine in their bladder. 200mL sounds decent for this math.

    200mL / 0.2mL per battery = 1000 batteries that can be charged on a normal fill of urine.

    1000 batteries * 1.5 mW per battery = 1.5 W
    1000 batteries * 1.5 V per battery = 1500 V
    1.5W / 1500V = .001 Amps = 1mA

    So, my own piss only has as much power as a spark of static electricity. Sorry folks, but it's going to take more than one run to the toilet to power your laptop.

    1. Re:Let's do the math... by robyannetta · · Score: 1
      Sorry folks, but it's going to take more than one run to the toilet to power your laptop.

      That's why frat parties exist.

      --
      - Just my $0.02, take with a grain of salt, your mileage may vary.
  35. Personal computer in bladder by mnmn · · Score: 2, Funny
    --
    "Give orange me give eat orange me eat orange give me eat orange give me you." -Nim Chimpsky
    1. Re:Personal computer in bladder by Omnifarious · · Score: 1

      That link was such a helpful exposition for the concept you were trying to explain.

  36. End of sentence missing by Tom7 · · Score: 3, Interesting

    The breakthrough promises a cheap and disposable power source for home health tests. ... that you pee on.

    1. Re:End of sentence missing by Vagrant · · Score: 2, Funny


      This can lead to new improved home pregnancy tests with flashing lcd displays and fancy ringtones!

    2. Re:End of sentence missing by atayarani · · Score: 1

      oh god... I can just imagine that now. When you get a positive result, it will start ringing with "Mama said knock you up."

  37. Almost perfect timing. by azav · · Score: 1

    Oh, how I could use an empty battery right now.

    Or 20.

    --
    - Zav - Imagine a Beowulf cluster of insensitive clods...
  38. Yeah, too bad you didn't make one... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    > Got to be a joke in there somewhere...

    too bad you didn't make one...

  39. Sigh.... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    In Soviet Russia, battery piss on YOU!

    1. Re:Sigh.... by VoidWraith · · Score: 1

      I've heard of plenty of Lead-Acid batteries pissing elsewhere...

  40. Wow! by geoffeg · · Score: 2, Funny

    Entire universities could be powered by frat boys as they piss on the lawn and walls after getting drunk.

    1. Re:Wow! by coastin · · Score: 1

      This is a great innovation. Next time I accidentally drop my i-pod in a public toilet I'll remember not to just flush it down...

      --
      I lost my sig...
  41. Gives new meaning to... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    "Don't whiz on the electric fence"

  42. Of course... by ultramk · · Score: 1

    you could then combine it with this system, and you'd have a... um... piss-powered and controlled PSP. (SFW)

    More of a "pee-ess-pee", I guess.

    (i like that they use a chick with a strap-on for the photos... makes the whole thing hotter, somehow)

    m-

    --
    You catch enchiladas by picking them up behind the head and holding them underwater until they don't kick anymore -VeGas
  43. Are they sure that it's urine powered? by ChiralSoftware · · Score: 4, Informative
    It sounds like it's using urine as an electrolyte. That's like a "potato battery", which again is just using the potato as an electrolyte, and is not getting any power from it.

    ----------------
    mobile search - try it on your phone

    1. Re:Are they sure that it's urine powered? by rubycodez · · Score: 1

      no, it's using urine as ammonium source for what pc board fab shops call "etchant replenisher": read all about it. As I said elsewhere, computer hobbyists don't etch their own boards anymore, or they would have recognized one electrode's reactions right off the bat.

  44. Perfect for the geriatric set by falken0905 · · Score: 0

    Perfect for the Senior set! Build these into their Depends or Serenity pee pads and they can power their hearing aid, ipod, etc. Being an aging geek and getting closer to 'the home' every day, maybe i'll see this in action

  45. Comment removed by account_deleted · · Score: 2, Funny

    Comment removed based on user account deletion

  46. Waiting for the inverse by convex_mirror · · Score: 1

    While this is all well and good, I'm waiting to add power to my bladder so that I will be able to achieve a captain planet (water)-like pressure with which to vanquish Duke Nukem.

  47. I have kidney disease... by timster · · Score: 1

    ...you insensitive clod!

    --
    I have seen the future, and it is inconvenient.
    1. Re:I have kidney disease... by Master+of+Transhuman · · Score: 1


      I have seen the future, and it is incontinent.

      --
      Richard Steven Hack - This sig is TOO GODDAMN SHORT TO DO ANYTHING USEFUL WITH! MORONS!
  48. Diapers by MarkCollette · · Score: 1

    They should make diapers with this, so when your baby pees itself, you'd know to change their diaper before they have to cry.

    Oh, and blue LEDs would like up on their crotch, because that would be cool, or err wierd.

    1. Re:Diapers by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Better yet, when the baby pisses itself, it will get an electric shock. Quick, easy toilet training. They need a similar technology for streets in San Francisco.

      heh.. ironic, I just noticed the word-in-the-image anti-script picture has the word "flowing".

  49. Except... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
    The only difference is... The electrolyte is powering it! So, it's being powered by urine!

    Just because it's an electrolyte doesn't mean it's not powering it right?

    What other device gets power from urine?

  50. Wrong by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Informative

    1 battery outputs 1.5 mW / 1.5V = 1mA

    theoretically you could get 1A at 1.5V by wiring them in parallel, OR 1mA at 1500V by wiring them serial, both outputting 1.5W of power.

    1. Re:Wrong by Humorously_Inept · · Score: 1

      Mod parent up. Grandparent is seriously flawed. Kirchoff is rolling in his grave!

      --

      ~Someday, I hope to be an aspiring author.
    2. Re:Wrong by all204 · · Score: 1

      Beat me to it. Errr

    3. Re:Wrong by Omnifarious · · Score: 1

      I was noticing the error as well. I was disappointed that the article didn't say how much work (watts*time) could be extracted from a particular volume of urine. Though I would imagine that it might very well vary a lot.

    4. Re:Wrong by Greenisus · · Score: 1

      Dr. Welch?!?!?!

    5. Re:Wrong by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I guess I need more caffeine because I don't see how your numbers or calculations differ from the gp.

    6. Re:Wrong by the_real_bto · · Score: 1

      Ummm, all you did was restate and verify what the grandparent originally posted. 1000 batteries * 1.5 mW per battery = 1.5 W check. 1000 batteries * 1.5 V per battery = 1500 V check. (for batteries in series) 1.5W / 1500V = .001 Amps = 1mA P (watts) = V (volts) * I (amps). Therefore I = P/V. check. The grandparent post's calculations are correct.

    7. Re:Wrong by the_real_bto · · Score: 1

      The grandparent post's math is fine. Your post doesn't contradict the gp, it supports it.

      1000 batteries * 1.5 mW per battery = 1.5 W
      check.

      1000 batteries * 1.5 V per battery = 1500 V
      check.

      1.5W / 1500V = .001 Amps = 1mA
      P (watts) = V (volts) * I (amps). Therefore I = P/V.

      The grandparent post's calculations are correct.

  51. beer? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    In other news: Government makes it legal to drink & drive if the car is UP (urine powered)

  52. So now... by game+kid · · Score: 1

    ...we will see spam for More Piss, More Power with BL4DD3R En14r63MeNT??2?

    --
    You can hold down the "B" button for continuous firing.
  53. I can see it now... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    The "potty power system" - Just piss in this little funnel, and presto - more power for your laptop and cell phone....
    What will they think of next.....

    I wonder how much power you can out of 100 people pissing in the pot....? has anyone published the specs on this?

    J

  54. I'll wait ... by rowama · · Score: 2, Interesting

    until the next model; the one that incorporates crystalized urea. Then "just-add-water" will work. If they can do it this way, it will be much more acceptable, IMHO.

  55. In other news... by jzeejunk · · Score: 1

    Prices of beer increase amidst high oil prices as one of beer's by-products is a viable oil substitute.

    --
    sarchasm
  56. Piss On This.. by nurb432 · · Score: 1

    No wait, seriously: What chemical component is it converting? The ammonia? The acids?

    The concept isn't hard to believe, but the story isn't overflowing with hard facts..

    --
    ---- Booth was a patriot ----
    1. Re:Piss On This.. by shawb · · Score: 1

      Nothing in Urine is converted. The urine acts as an electrolyte between sheets of copper and magnesium. Actually, urine doesn't even act as the electrolyte, the copper chloride impregnated in the paper does. The urine just dissolves the copper chloride and completes the circuit. Distilled water could be used here just fine.

      --
      I'll never make that mistake again, reading the experts' opinions. - Feynman
  57. I'm a bit skeptical by JourneyExpertApe · · Score: 2, Insightful

    I'm afraid this post will get lost in all of the pee-pee jokes, but what the hell. I don't see what function urine serves in these batteries. I didn't think urine was all that energetic. The article says these things can output a maximum of 1.5 mW at 1.5 V, so why not just use a tiny alkaline battery? A very tiny battery could be produced for a few cents and they have shelf lives of several years. I just don't see why you need to involve urine at all (other than the fact that it gets your research in the news). What am I missing?

    --
    If you can read this sig, you're too close.
    1. Re:I'm a bit skeptical by Beardo+the+Bearded · · Score: 1

      It acts as the salt bridge for the anode and cathode. I also didn't see the point until I read the article.

      The idea is to have non-powered devices like pregnancy tests and diabetic testers that don't cosume power until you use them.

      I don't know how they'll get a computer-operated pregnancy test down to the price of a multi-pack of dipstrips, but hey, I'm not the one pissing away a government grant.

      Yuk, yuk. I'm so funny.

      --

      ---
      ECHELON is a government program to find words like bomb, jihad, plutonium, assassinate, and anarchy.
  58. It already exists by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
  59. Volt Cola by parasonic · · Score: 0

    As disgusting as this whole concept is, at least I know why Beavis spazzes out and turns into Cornholio whenever he drinks Volt Cola.

  60. piss-take? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    If it wasntnt april 1st, I would think someone was taking the piss.

  61. Super name... by Linker3000 · · Score: 1

    My laptop runs on a You Pee Yes.

    --
    AT&ROFLMAO
  62. Prior Art: UPN by Prototerm · · Score: 1

    After broadcasting Star Trek Enterprise, it is truely the Urine-Powered Network

    --
    "My country, right or wrong; if right, to be kept right; and if wrong, to be set right." --Senator Carl Schurz (1872)
  63. Finally, Dog-Powered Street Lights by ScentCone · · Score: 4, Funny

    Just my bigger male bird dog alone should be able to light up my block at night, and he's very accurate.

    --
    Don't disappoint your bird dog. Go to the range.
  64. Nerds now have an excuse, by jimmydevice · · Score: 0

    to smell like piss.

  65. My brothers got to take a leak. by mbrewthx · · Score: 1

    A new job for the Mckenzie Brothers, if they don't accept the job with the fire department.

    --
    __________ Leave me alone I'm compiling a RPG II program on my S/36...Thanks to metamucil I'm a Regular Meta Moderator
  66. Hold on a second... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I have to recharge my cell phone,

    aaah,

    There you go,

    now, you were saying?

  67. It can be done. by hellomynameisclinton · · Score: 2, Interesting

    If you can rig up a system to spin the alternator (by re-mounting the alternator and using a jacked-up wheel with a belt for a flywheel), you can generate the ~14 volts needed to charge a 12V battery (charge voltage must be higher than discharge voltage - I won't explain that here, look it up), and with no fancy tools, you can recharge the battery enough for a start-up within a couple hours.

    That's with NO special tools. If there was a crank system designed into the car, efficiency would increase so much (you also wouldn't have to remount the alternator) that you could get the car started with 10-15 minutes of cranking (and one hell of a tired arm).

    The biggest problem with the ad-hoc system is that modern alternators require a starting voltage across their inner coil in order to BEGIN charging (again I won't explain here), and without a special system, you would be relying on residual battery voltage for the alternator start-up. If it was planned for, the crank would start by juicing the inner coil, then transition to spinning the alternator once the coil is charged and feeding back into the car's battery.

    With all due respect, not knowing the solution does not mean there is no solution.

  68. There goes the investor's money by FunWithHeadlines · · Score: 1

    Now watch them just piss their financing away...

  69. application by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    the question of sanitation is important: NOTE: if using near open wounds, festering sores, rashes, recent cuts, abrasions, lesions, PARTICULARLY ON THE HANDS, pee with extreme caution. Battery works only if assembly is complete.

  70. Coming soon, to eMachines... by ankhcraft · · Score: 1

    Instead of plugging your laptop in, now you plug yourself in

    --
    ...
  71. P Cells by ackthpt · · Score: 2, Funny
    The whole thing, once laminated in plastic, is just a millimeter thick
    So how does a reasonably sized chap introduce his electrolyte?
    and 6cm by 3cm in size.

    And to think I was worried before about having a uroscopy...

    should we call it bladdery acid?

    --

    A feeling of having made the same mistake before: Deja Foobar
  72. Perfect for PeeDAs? by Werkhaus · · Score: 1


    Or are they just taking the piss?

    Seriously, this could be quite useful. It is just using the urine as an electrolyte, but a cheap disposable home all-in-one urine chemistry test would piss all over the competition.

    1. Re:Perfect for PeeDAs? by Dunbal · · Score: 2, Interesting

      It is just using the urine as an electrolyte

            Hmmm, dunno about the chemistry on that one, but I do know a bit about urine. pH is around 5 but varies greatly. It contains:

            Water (obviously)
            urea (not an electrolyte - (NH2)2-C=O )
            electrolytes including potassium, bicarbonate, chloride, ammonium, calcium, a bit of sodium (if your kidney is working right, otherwise a lot of sodium), and traces of everything else.

            I wonder how the battery actually works. Any chemist figured this one out?

      --
      Seven puppies were harmed during the making of this post.
  73. Wizz on my cell phone? by PhYrE2k2 · · Score: 1

    "Hey Jerry, could I put you on hold for a second, I have to take a wizz on my cell phone if you're going to be more than a few minutes."

    --

    when you see the word 'Linux', drink!
  74. Ob SCO by ackthpt · · Score: 1
    Next up: Bullshit powered battery. John Dvorak would probably be able to fuel his entire home from the stuff he spews!

    Now we have some idea what keeps SCO going...

    McBride wouldn't have to pay a light bill for the past couple years, further makes money exporting power to the grid.

    --

    A feeling of having made the same mistake before: Deja Foobar
  75. Incredible by empaler · · Score: 1

    On the first page of comments there was 90% jokes, a few nerdy comments, and that's it.

    Seriously, consider how useful this could be for humanitarian organizations - an inexpensive, quick test that can detect illnesses... That's great.

    That's the first thing I thought when I read the summary.
    Everyone else seemed to think "LOLZ! He almost said penis!"

  76. Name sounds a little familiar... by PavementPizza · · Score: 1

    The Iraqi Information Minister is into Slashdot and "watersports" now? Well, good for him.

    "Who are in control, they are not in control of anything - they don't even control themselves!"

    --
    Viper is the preferred editor of the Emacs operating system.
  77. Conversations about urine-powered batteries by JeffHunt · · Score: 1

    "You say that you drained the battery?"
    "No, I said that the battery drained ME!"

    --

    "It was hell!" recalls former child.

    1. Re:Conversations about urine-powered batteries by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Sounds like they had that conversation in Soviet Russia...

  78. Water-Sports-Powered Vibrators, Anyone? by Master+of+Transhuman · · Score: 1


    Imagine the uses!

    New Business Plan!

    1) Make battery.
    2) Piss!
    3) PROFIT!!!

    --
    Richard Steven Hack - This sig is TOO GODDAMN SHORT TO DO ANYTHING USEFUL WITH! MORONS!
    1. Re:Water-Sports-Powered Vibrators, Anyone? by Dunbal · · Score: 1

      Not to mention:

      1) Make battery.
      2) Piss!
      3) PROFIT!!!
      4) Buy beer with the profit
      5) goto step 2

      --
      Seven puppies were harmed during the making of this post.
  79. Damn by eno2001 · · Score: 1

    Now people won't be able to say that someone is "pissing it all away" when they will really be "pissing it all back".

    (You see, I have this thing. It's called a sense of humor. As warped and cracked as it may be, it sets me leagues apart from those who don't have one. Mod appropriately.)

    --
    -"...bad old ideas look confusingly fresh when they are packaged as technology" - Jaron Lanier (Digital Maoism on Edge.o
    1. Re:Damn by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Mod pompous asshole down. Fucktard.

    2. Re:Damn by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Awww... did the poor widdle AC troll get his feelings hurt? Life must really suck without being able to tell what's funny and what's not. Right now you certainly seem funny in a very ironic way.

    3. Re:Damn by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      It would have been "mod parent up" if not for the last paragraph.

  80. Which begs the question... by cbrichar · · Score: 1, Funny

    ...where do you want to go today?

    1. Re:Which begs the question... by MikeTwo · · Score: 1

      Mod Parent up... that is painfully funny.

  81. The good news... by stubear · · Score: 1

    ...for most geeks is the port to recharge their laptop battery won't be much bigger than the current 1/8" headphone jacks.

  82. deploy cheese shields by griff199 · · Score: 0

    Guy next to you on the plane: "I think my laptop's running out of juice".

    Stand up and declare "Urine luck!" and let the recharging begin!

    (You were warned)

  83. Ouch! by psychofox · · Score: 1

    I'm sorry, but have you ever tried pissed on a battery before? Electric current through my schlong is something I can do with...!!!!

  84. Imagine a Beowulf Cluster of these... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Ugh... sure would smell HORRIBLE, and yet somehow underpowered...

  85. next time I test my excrements by Atreide · · Score: 1

    next time I test my excrements, will I need to urinate on it ?

    --
    The world belongs to those who get up early. - I'm far from being the king of Earth then :-(
  86. Gives new meaning to the expression... by drjzzz · · Score: 1

    "you're in charge".

    --
    to err is human, to forgive is divine, to forget is... umm...
  87. Cool! by cparisi · · Score: 2, Funny

    Now I almost *never* have to walk away from the computer!

  88. Installation... by greylingrover · · Score: 0

    I hear installation is a relatively painless process except for soldering the charge indicator LED's to the, umm, fuel source.

    --
    --- Shoo-be-doo-be-do-wop-say-what-yeah!
  89. The article fails to mention by takeya · · Score: 1

    Exactly how is energy extracted from urine like this? What property of my pee is prone to chemically react?

    At any rate, if I can get an electric car powered by this, I'll be set for life. Just use the money saved on each gallon of gas to buy 2 mountain dews (some human fuel)

    1. Re:The article fails to mention by Dunbal · · Score: 1

      What property of my pee is prone to chemically react?

            I'm not a chemist, but I would say "not much", since I am a physician. Urine is pretty much just filtered blood, with essential stuff reabsorbed as much as possible, and concentrated according to the water needs of your body. A few ions are actively secreted by the kidney, but not at amazing concentrations. You'd chemically burn the tip of your penis off after you urinate, otherwise!

            I'm pretty sure the copper chloride soaked paper has a LOT to do with it. I too would be curious to know exactly how this works, though.

      --
      Seven puppies were harmed during the making of this post.
    2. Re:The article fails to mention by belmolis · · Score: 1

      My guess is that the urine just acts as the electrolyte. It doesn't have to be extremely acidic to be a usable electrolyte. Normal urine has a pH of around 6, but the pH can be as low as 4 or as high as 8. The main mechanism used by the body to maintain pH balance is the excretion of acidic or alkaline urine. Diet has a signficant effect. Vegetarians tend to have more alkaline urine, people who eat a lot of meat more acidic urine. Starvation and dehydration increase the acidity of the urine. Also, decreased respiration during sleep results in more acidic urine, so your wake-up pee is likely to be rather acidic. So remember, charge your batteries first thing in the morning. :)

  90. Electric Specimen Cup? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Is that anything like an electric fence? Ouch...

  91. no no no by chochos · · Score: 1

    This one's better suited for this thread: ALL YOUR PISS ARE BELONG TO US

  92. But does it run OSX86... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    ...or does it just run down your trouser leg?

  93. A dive bar? by deft · · Score: 1

    "What's that smell? Absolute power!"

    Actually, if you're ina bar, thats 'ABSOLUT' power you are using ;)

    --

    There's nothing Intelligent about Intelligent Design.
  94. Surely... by rbgemini · · Score: 1

    Surely this article is just taking the piss.

  95. Look, this isn't new... by Junior+J.+Junior+III · · Score: 1

    I've been powering my clock for the past 20 years with a potato. A FRICKIN' POTATO!

    Or however you spell it. Damn Quayle, ever since him that word's given me uncertainty. And /. doesn't have a spellcheck function. Or editing@!@#$

    --
    You see? You see? Your stupid minds! Stupid! Stupid!
  96. Urine Powered? by webhead74 · · Score: 0

    Now that's a real pisser!

  97. Well... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    ...ain't that a pisser?

  98. First Device by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    The first device will be a battery-powered hand washer.

  99. Why don't we just have a by Nybble's+Byte · · Score: 0

    beer powered battery and skip the middle man?

  100. finally! a way to power my robot girlfriend! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    to keep her full of energy, i'll give her a golden shower!

  101. Upgrades? by chinton · · Score: 1

    So, where do I go to get my ThinkPad retrofitted with a catheter?

  102. Couch potatoes rejoice!!! by lcllam · · Score: 5, Funny

    Great! Now I don't even have to get off the couch to change the batteries in my remote anymore. And as a side benefit, I don't have to *share* the remote anymore.

    1. Re:Couch potatoes rejoice!!! by josepha48 · · Score: 1
      Man gets electrocuted while pissing into battery .. story at 11pm..

      ROTFLOL.. I can see that headline...

      --

      Only 'flamers' flame!
      Does slashdot hate my posts?

  103. new problem by nealfunkbass · · Score: 0



    So, in the future...you could be stranded when your car won't start because you ran out of pee.

    --
    - Donny was a good bowler, and a good man.
  104. I guess, by Domza · · Score: 1

    You'd have to shake it to get the last drop outta it.

  105. Coppertop by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Hacksaw. Load up the copper-top and let's get the hell outta here.

    later...

    You piss in the blue cup and the story ends. You wake in your bed and you believe whatever you want to believe. You piss in the red cup and you stay in Wonderland and I show you how deep the rabbit-hole goes.

  106. new members by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Know what they say when you join the piss club?

    Ur - in!

  107. In related news... by NeuroManson · · Score: 1

    New York City instituted urine fueled batteries in their subway system, now the trains power themselves.

    --
    Just because you can mod me down, doesn't mean you're right. Shoes for industry!
  108. New pregnancy test by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    No need for chemical strips, and small, hard-to-read plusses and minuses! If light bulb attached to urine strip lights up, you're pregnant!

  109. Dangerous refill procedure by Punchinello · · Score: 1

    Make sure that sucker is discharged before filling. bzzzzzzzt! YEEEOWWCH!

    --

    Remember... ZG9uJ3QgZm9yZ2V0IHRvIGRyaW5rIHlvdXIgb3ZhbHRpbmU=

  110. In the 23rd century... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    "Scotty, I need more power NOW!!!"

    "I canna go ane faster Cap'n, I'm givin' her all I got !!!"

  111. electric fence by bombadillo · · Score: 1

    Wait, you mean one can actually now power the electric fence they are pissing on? Rednecks rejoice!

  112. This was bound to happen by serutan · · Score: 1

    With so many tech companies giving their employees free beverages, it was inevitable.

  113. Great for potty training by kanweg · · Score: 1

    Build this into a diaper. The baby will get an electrical shock when he starts to pee in his diaper. He'll soon learn to cry or run for the potty first, pee later. It is incredible

    Bert
    Kids used to be potty-trained a year earlier compared to this day and age with super-absorbent diapers. Those manufacturers create their own market, like drug-addicts, significantly adding to the amount of domestic waste produced.

  114. Quickest way to do slashdot posts by wilsoniya · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    1. Navigate to www.engadget.com
    2. Find cool story
    3. Google text of that cool story (as to mask the location where that cool story was first discovered)
    4. CTRL+A, CTRL+C
    5. Create new slashdot post, CTRL+V
    6. PROFIT

    Anybody else seeing a lot of slashdot/engadget mirror posts?

    --
    I can't remember the last time I forgot anything.
    1. Re:Quickest way to do slashdot posts by CSfreakazoid · · Score: 1

      Did you check the time on those posts, some went the other way.

  115. Come on now by FidelCatsro · · Score: 1

    That is just taking the piss...

    (and converting it into energy)

    --
    The only things certain in war are Propaganda and Death. You can never be sure which is which though
  116. Re:whoa by DigitalReality · · Score: 1

    Wow.

    So, Mr. Anon, either you are gay, or you are a homophobe who doesn't know he's gay. With that much imagery of gay sex, you have to be gay.

  117. Next one will be Farting by TarryTops · · Score: 1

    has a lot of potential as well! They have gotta do something with that.

    --
    Java Oracle Linux Enthusiast
  118. Re:whoa by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    What's it matter to you? Homophobe.

  119. Urine-powered batteries? They're taking the piss! by payndz · · Score: 1

    Duracell: We piss all over your new batteries!
    Researcher: Thanks!

    --
    You must think in Russian.
  120. What next? by renata.org · · Score: 1

    Probably their next step will be sperm-based batteries. That would make pr0n sites self-energizing!

  121. Are they taking the piss? by Mark+Gillespie · · Score: 1

    They must be...

  122. Yes, yes... by James+A.+D.+Joyce · · Score: 1

    ...but can it run Google Earth on OSX86 while coding AJAX using Ruby on Rails?

    --

    Ron dies in chapter 9 of book 7.
  123. Singapore on Slashdot! by cciRRus · · Score: 1

    Way cool! We're on Slashdot!

    --
    w00t
  124. ROFL! by far2smart · · Score: 0

    This story is REALLY taking the piss!

  125. Time to design new stickers... by millwall · · Score: 1

    Intel^H^H^H^H^H Urine Inside (tm)

  126. Profit & Health by MBHkewl · · Score: 1

    Profit :: So, now the goverment will build its own battery factory and use "OUR" urine to build batteries?! Ok poeple, here's the thing, you either cancel taxes or give us a share of that .. errm .. profit!
    Obligatory /.
    1) Piss
    2) ???
    3) Profit!!!

    Health :: Dr. Ki Bang Lee, lead researcher, sees a big market for the battery. He argues that it could easily be integrated into biochip systems for "healthcare diagnostic applications"

    Uhh, so a someone's faulty heart will be powered by someone else's pee? and that's a healthy approach?

    --
    Mod points are a dangerous tool. Abuse them wisely.
  127. At the counter... by Morky · · Score: 1

    Clerk: Duracel or Eveready? Me: I'll take the piss.

  128. More power! by RhettLivingston · · Score: 1

    Brings new meaning to "We need more power, Scotty!"

  129. Battery Tester by tconnell · · Score: 1

    Remember how you used to test 9 Volt batteries buy putting your tongue across the contacts... yeah you might not want to try that with this one.

    --
    "Truth is much too complicated to allow anything but approximations." -J Von Neumann
  130. No sighs of relief by beforewisdom · · Score: 1

    It is just a matter of time before Americans ( I am an American ) take this power source for granted and decide they need something like an SUV sized urine powered device. Soon after that we will not have enough domestically produced urine and we will attack some country with a lot of piss but not a lot of users, telling the world we are bringing freedom to them. People who stand up to say maybe we should only use enough things as our own piss can supply will be called hippies, communists and told to mind their own business.

  131. The ultimate time machine by eebra82 · · Score: 1

    It's inevitable. Now you can have your battery powered purifier. Basically, you can pee in that glass and the coal works will get to work. Think about it, you're out in the dry desert and you can't decide whether you want to pee or drink. Now you can do both!

  132. Re: silly computer geeks don't etch boards anymore by rubycodez · · Score: 1

    I'm surprised more slashdotters don't recognize one of the ways pc board etching is done: the ammonium ions allow the cuprous compounds to be water soluable. Do a googe for "ammonium copper chloride" and "pc etching" and you can see the wonders of how copper ions can dissolve metallic copper and how ammonium ions one way to keep cu+ in solution. The urine supplies ammonium ions.

  133. It works better if you drink a lot of beer by Xiaotou · · Score: 1


    You know... more electrolytes.

  134. Renewable by diorcc · · Score: 1

    Heh, yet another renewable energy source-- given we don't run out of water. Speaking of water, in the next 20 years its expected to get a lot more expensive. Start saving up now that its cheap :P Ewww, just thought they would surely think up of a device recycling your own "waters"... Kinda thinking about the Dune saga now.. :P

  135. Re:whoa by DigitalReality · · Score: 1

    Well, if you need to think that to make yourself feel better, you go on ahead.