Scientists harnass the power of pee

ABC Science Online ^ | Judy Skatssoon

[SteveH]

Scientists harness the power of pee

Judy Skatssoon

ABC Science Online

Urine batteries can't power laptops yet, but they could theoretically keep a digital watch working

A urine powered battery the size of a credit card has been invented by Singapore researchers.

A drop of urine generates 1.5 volts, the equivalent of one AA battery, says Dr Ki Bang Lee of the Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology.

He says the technology could provide a disposable power source for electronic diagnostic devices that test urine and other body fluids for diseases like diabetes.

These currently need lithium batteries or external power sources. But with this system, the body fluid being tested could power the unit itself.

[R. Scott]

Not exactly a new idea. The two centuries old Voltaic pile would work just as well with urine as with brine.

[R. Scott]

I must have been sleep peeing dam ambien and ripple

Soon to be called “The Kennedy Effect”?

[kanawa]

You're in the lead for best post!

[9999lakes]

Those taverns near campuses that always have clever names -- Like "The Library" or "Decarte's Clock". New Name -- "The Power Station". Every neighborhood tavern will have enviro-wackos protesting outside the doors.

ping

[mcshot]

I have some recollection of being "rippled" but the power I left behind had been lost. Wonder what the neighbors will think when I hook up battery connections to my septic tank - in an ambien moment, of course.

[Quix]

Great early morning belly laugh.

Thanks.

Sometimes, I think I'm too visually imaginative.

[9999lakes]

Homer Simpson can quit his job at the nuke plant, and "work" full time at Moe's.

[HEY4QDEMS]

You see Gilligan, the uric acid from your pee powers the radio.

[davisfh]

"A drop of urine generates 1.5 volts, the equivalent of one AA battery, says Dr Ki Bang Lee of the Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology."

Dang!! I could'a just electrocuted myself.

Interesting name that Ki Bang Lee.

[Farmer Dean]

That great environmentalist Al Gore will most likely have a business suit made entirely of these batteries.In that case,I will be willing to recharge his batteries any time he wants.

[Semper Paratus]

Whizz Bang Ping

[Celtic Conservative]

New energizer pee pee batteries:

They just keep going and going and going....

[BallyBill]

I consider this a "load of crap". ;-)

[PackerBronco]

In the not too distant future ...

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Man looks at his watch. "Oops, gotta go ..."

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[right-wingin_It]

This is an interesting article; but the quote is somewhat misleading. Volts are a measure of electromotive force -- not of the energy delivered. Different types of batteries have different voltages -- AA is a size not type.

Idiot Journalists ...could it be so bad to take one, just one, freekin' physical science before you cover science news??

Thanks USFRiend

[Valin]

Don't you mean IPOTTY?

[DainBramage]

Ipeedy

[DainBramage]

The Ipeed!

[capt. norm]

Not exactly a new idea. The two centuries old Voltaic pile would work just as well with urine as with brine.

What they don't seem to get is the fact that the electrolyte (urine) is not what gets used up. It's the sacrificial metal (zinc in the old timey batteries) that is consumed.

[arkady_renko]

Gee whiz...