Researchers In Switzerland have successfully created a fungal device that can power small sensors, functioning as a "living battery."
It's part of fascinating findings from Empa, the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, that showcase the untapped power of the fungal community.
Empa's team noted that various kinds of organisms can produce pathogens, while others can provide medicines. When it comes to electricity, two types have been combined to turn nutrients into energy. The non-toxic, puck-shaped power-maker then safely "digests itself" after its work is complete.
Use examples include powering small sensors, or temperature monitors, for a couple of days, according to an Empa news release.
The fungi are combined with "ink" and formed into a battery using a 3D printer. The mind boggles. Find out more at https://www.empa.ch/
