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Scientists Implant Biofuel Cells Into Rats
RedmondChris writes "A team of scientists from Joseph Fourier University in France have successfully implanted biofuel cells into rats, generating 6.5 microwatts by harnessing the power of glucose. From the article: 'The device uses enzymes to harvest energy from glucose and oxygen found naturally in the body. Past attempts at using such a device in animals have failed because the enzymes have required acidic conditions or were inhibited by charged particles in the fluid surrounding cells. But Philippe Cinquin and his team from Joseph Fourier University in Grenoble, France, overcame these obstacles by confining selected enzymes inside graphite discs that were placed into dialysis bags. Glucose and oxygen flowed into the device, but enzymes stayed in place and catalyzed the oxidation of glucose to generate electrical energy.'"
Marty: Are you telling me that this sucker is nuclear?
Doc Brown: No, no, no, no, no. This sucker's electrical. But I need a rat to generate the 1.21 gigawatts of electricity I need.
After reading TFA, I was left wondering if this technique could be used to generate enough power to eliminate or reduce the need to replace pacemaker batteries.
Anyone consider the possibility of a device that not only produces energy from the body, but also uses up glucose? A device that conceivably could both help eat up Glucose and POWER a MONITOR to help see how the diabetic is doing??
I happen to be a highly insulin-resistant Type 2, and this was the first thing I thought of when I read this.
AMMalena (www.Malena.net) "The avalanche has already begun. It is too late for the pebbles to vote." (Kosh, B5)
Customer: Yes, I would like the biofuel cell package installed.
Store Rep: No problem... how much were you looking for?
Customer: I got one of those new holographic iGotta2HavIt's and about 15 pounds to lose....
Store Rep: You want the BF2000.... now of course you will also need the battery pack installed which is this 12 inch long unit we shove...
Customer: Does that come in black?
Store Rep: Lot's of people ask that... yes we do.
Remember: You will not be able to change the batteries on your iRat. There are no serviceable parts inside.
We'll be getting more of this magical product to market, as soon as Steve finishes playing his iPipe.
If your kids go missing, don't worry, Think Furry (TM)
--
Toro
rats undergo a series of scientific experiments through the ages. They'll be the first to get neural implants that highly increase cognitive function. They'll be the first to connect to the internet directly through the brain. Aliens might assume they are more intelligent than us on first glance. Sitting around reproducing, reaping the rewards of science while humans do all the gruntwork...
They have been planning this from the beginning.
The major advantage is that it becomes a plausible source of power for implanted devices. Health monitoring devices but also storage, computer interfaces, pretty much anything you can imagine. This sort of technology makes cyborg implants much more plausible.
Yeah, but how many watts can you get just by burning a pile of dead rats?
Poor means hoping the toothache goes away.
That was my first thought. This could bring Americans back from the brink of fat jokes and into the forefront of human-powered portable devices -- while slimming us down at the same time. Think about that! No change in lifestyle or habits, but you're thinner AND you don't have to plug your cellphone in ever again!
My second thought was "holy sweet shit I want a laser in my index finger"
... still waiting for this free-as-in-beer free beer I keep hearing about.