1. SCIENCE IN THE NEWS

2. In the Near Future, YOU might be an alternative fuel source…

3. Before you flush your toilet, consider this: Scientists in the Asian country of Singapore have created a battery powered by urine!

4. Urine Power The scientists were making computer “biochips” to test urine for diseases like diabetes. The problem was, they didn’t have batteries small enough to power the chips!

5. Biochips Diagnostic test kits, or biochips, commonly analyze the chemical composition of a person's urine to detect an illness. But small, efficient and inexpensive batteries to power the devices remained hard to find.

6. Light bulb! Then the researchers realized that the substance being tested with the biochips (the urine) could power the battery!

7. How can urine power a battery? Urine contains negatively charged particles called ions. Ions are capable of carrying an electrical charge, resulting when an ionically bonded solute is dissolved in a solvent. In solution ions can conduct electricity.

8. “Biofluid” Battery The battery consists of a piece of paper soaked in copper chloride, surrounded by two strips of metal and protected by a plastic covering. A drop of urine enters the battery through a tiny slit, and a chemical reaction occurs that produces electricity.

9. How much power does the urine have? The urine battery can generate the same energy as a regular AA battery (1.5 volts) and run for about 1.5 hours. Researchers say the power and lifetime of the battery can be improved.

10. Still more? Other body fluids such as blood, tears, and saliva can also create the same power! For example, one could power a cell phone with saliva during an emergency.

11. In the Future There are many applications for the biodegradable “biofluid” batteries. One day, the battery technology will be able to accomplish all sorts of things, such as powering laptop computers, televisions, ipods, even cars!