All living things depend on internal electrical systems to keep them alive, and researchers have discovered some unique properties that certain microbes have that might be quite useful to mankind. These microbes have to periodically give off an electrical discharge to keep important body functions working.
A type of bacteria called Shewanella Oneidensis that live in oxygen-free environments may be an exciting new power source for everything from lights to mobile phone chargers.
Researchers in Sweden have discovered the bacteria to have atom sized wires penetrating their cell walls acting like electrodes through which they discharge electricity.
The hope is that the built in ‘electrical outlet’ the bacteria have can be re-designed slightly so the electrical charges can be used to clean up oil spills and other pollutants.
It could take another decade or so to develop this animal based battery for practical purposes. Imagine bragging to your friends about how many million microbes you have under the hood … instead of just a few hundred horsepower.
Tags: future power source, microbes future power source, new energy source
