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Scientists Implant Biofuel Cells Into Rats

Posted by samzenpus on from the welcome-to-the-matrix dept.

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.'"

4 of 164 comments (clear)

  1. Enough power for a pacemaker? by hrvatska · · Score: 5, Interesting

    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.

  2. Diabetics by AMMalena · · Score: 5, Interesting

    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)
  3. It's funny to watch by Tibia1 · · Score: 5, Funny

    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.

  4. Re:Metabolism number two by Kreigaffe · · Score: 5, Funny

    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. :|