Researchers at the Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have created small bacteria-powered batteries by causing tiny microbes to sprout electrically conductive nanowires from their cell membranes.

"Earth appears to be hard-wired," said Yuri Gorby, staff scientist, in a PNNL press release. "The physiological and ecological implications for these interactions are not currently known," he said, "but the effect is suggestive of a highly organized form of energy distribution among members of the oldest and most sustainable life forms on the planet."

Although the batteries now produce very little power, PNNL scientist Jeff Mclean said that small changes in fuel cell design and culture conditions have already shown large improvements in the efficiency of the fuel cells. (photo DOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory)