Certain bacteria act like living wires, potentially powering your devices in the future.

Bacteria Could Someday Power Our Cell Phones · 5:01 · Video: SciShow · Watch at the source

In short: Some unique bacterial species possess the ability to harness and transport electrons. This video explores how these microorganisms function as biological conductors and why they might eventually serve as a sustainable power source for modern electronics.

Most organisms do not interact with electricity in this way, but specific bacteria have evolved to move electrons between locations. These microbes effectively operate as living wires, a capability that researchers are investigating for future energy applications.

By tapping into these biological processes, scientists hope to harness the natural electron-shuttling behavior of these bacteria. This could lead to new methods of generating power, potentially changing how we charge and operate our mobile devices.

Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.

Sources

To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/science-bacteria-could-someday-power-our-cell-phones.

How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.

General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.

Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?

Related

Finding something worth knowing…