Prototype ‘Bladdery’ Powered by Urine

Science & Technology (alternative energy)

A while back we had the story on sheep urea reducing pollution in buses. Almost as long ago, tipster Angie A. gave us the nod about a battery that’s been developed, which can be fueled by urine. The Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (Singapore) was seeking a way to power portable medical test kits. They came up with a prototype battery that “produced about 1.5 volts, the same as a standard AA battery, and runs for about 90 minutes.” The electricity-producing chemical reaction can apparently also be activated by other so-called bio-fluids, such as tears, blood, and semen. Although not commercialised yet, the scientific community are already wide-eyed about the technology, suggesting it could be applied to laptop computers [a pee-see perhaps!], mp3 players, televisions, and cars. But that's way beyond what it was designed for - medical kits for remote areas — so let's get that working first, before we worry about Western gadgets. TH has come to this a little late, so you can now read WorldChanging’s take on it too. ::via The National Geographic