Scientists Implant Biofuel Cells Into Rats 164
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.'"
Life imitates the movies.... (Score:4, Funny)
The Matrix (Score:3, Funny)
Yes, but how will we tax it? (Score:2, Funny)
If the carbon tax [slashdot.org] passes, do we tax it based on the amount of carbon in the glucose, or what???
Back To The Future (Score:4, Funny)
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.
Metabolism number two (Score:3, Funny)
Wow, a second metabolism for charging my cellphone/laptop/plug-in hybrid? Sounds great! I wonder approximately how many miles of range you could get out of a big mac? "Yeah I better supersize that sucker, i'm headed out of town this weekend!"
Only a matter of time (Score:5, Funny)
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.
Re:Diabetics (Score:5, Funny)
I can totally see a hypoglycemic person frantically fumbling through his pockets to turn on enough electronic gadgets to burn up all the extra glucose before it's too late.
"My netbook is going into power saving mode? NOOOOOO!"
Re:Metabolism number two (Score:3, Funny)
Coupled to internal LED safety lights? I hate bumping into naked people in dark alleys.
Re:Yes, but how will we tax it? (Score:3, Funny)
You should run for office in Massachusetts.
A message from Apple Computers (Score:5, Funny)
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
It's funny to watch (Score:5, Funny)
They have been planning this from the beginning.
Re:effects on the host? (Score:5, Funny)
Re:It's funny to watch (Score:2, Funny)
Re:Yes, but how will we tax it? (Score:3, Funny)
Re:A true renewable power solution (Score:3, Funny)
I'd hope that these power sources are hooked up to pacemakers or other bio-med devices... Current batteries are OK, but require surgery to replace.
Whereas these new batteries are OK, but require sugary to replace?
Re:Yes, but how will we tax it? (Score:3, Funny)
Re:Metabolism number two (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"
Re:These scientists, I tell ya. (Score:3, Funny)
I'd be more worried about what the scientists were doing in kids in the first place, but that's just me
Re:The Matrix (Score:3, Funny)
My hovercraft is full of humans.
Do you wayaahhnt... do you wahaant to come back to my Matrix? Bouncy bouncy!