Algae: Nature's Tiny Power Plant [video]

"Cambridge researchers have created a device that could replace millions of small disposable batteries with a much cleaner source of energy.

A team at the Department of Biochemistry has found a way to tap into the natural process of photosynthesis in algae and use it to generate continuous electricity 24/7 – without harming the organism at all.

Because it's powered by a living organism, this 'biocell' technology can keep producing electricity for as long as the algae remains alive. The record so far? Six years and counting...

This represents a completely new way to generate electricity that can continue operating, even when there's no light at all."