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Breakthrough in Electricity-Producing Microbe

Posted by ScuttleMonkey on from the devil-in-the-dark dept.

University of Massachusetts researchers have made a breakthrough with "Geobacter," a microbe that produces electric current from mud and wastewater. A conservative estimate puts the energy output increase at eight times that of the original organism, potentially allowing applications far beyond that of extracting electricity from mud. "Now, planning can move forward to design microbial fuel cells that convert waste water and renewable biomass to electricity, treat a single home's waste while producing localized power (especially attractive in developing countries), power mobile electronics, vehicles and implanted medical devices, and drive bioremediation of contaminated environments."

8 of 177 comments (clear)

  1. I, for one... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Funny

    ...welcome our new shit-eating overlords?

    1. Re:I, for one... by CorporateSuit · · Score: 5, Funny

      We're talking about a microbe that can turn bullshit into electricity? I suppose this is the one way that Congress will give power back to the people....

      --
      I am the richest astronaut ever to win the superbowl.
    2. Re:I, for one... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Funny

      We're talking about a microbe that can turn bullshit into electricity?

      Yep. Think about it: This site alone gives as much back as it takes. Sites like Infowars and Freep suddenly become self-sustaining generators. Fox News reduces its carbon footprint to near-zero levels!

  2. Some of my favorites... by grasshoppa · · Score: 4, Funny

    - This story stinks!
    - The OP is full of shit!
    - I get shitty service on my phone now!

    I'll show myself out.

    --
    Mod me down with all of your hatred and your journey towards the dark side will be complete!
    1. Re:Some of my favorites... by morgan_greywolf · · Score: 4, Funny

      Bah.

      See, I knew we'd find a use for dark matter!

      --
      My blog
  3. In other news by michaelmalak · · Score: 5, Funny

    Obama calls for "regime change" in the Republic of Elbonia.

  4. this reminds me by hypergreatthing · · Score: 4, Funny

    Maybe it's time to evaluate 2 girls 1 cup for educational reasons...

    Then again maybe not

  5. Needs a new power unit by Drakkenmensch · · Score: 4, Funny

    How should we name the unit to represent Joules Per Flush? I vote for the Crapper.