A scientist at the Bristol Robotics Laboratory is developing the ultimate recycling program.

Dr. Ioannis Ieropoulos (pictured), an expert in harnessing power from unusual sources using microbial fuel cells (MFCs), is experimenting with a process that turns urine into a battery-charging mechanism.

"Using the ultimate waste product as a source of power to produce electricity is about as eco as it gets," Ieropoulos said in a statement.

The discovery — a "world first" — uses microbial fuel cells as an energy converter, turning organic matter directly into electricity via the metabolism of life microorganisms. In layman's terms, itty-bitty bugs — the same ones found in soil and human bodies for digestion — eat urine, then naturally produce electricity in small levels, able to provide only short charging cycles.

Still, Ieropoulos' system, which pushes urine through a cascade of MFCs, has managed to charge a Samsung mobile phone. The MFC power stack, so far, has even produced enough power to enable SMS messaging, Web browsing, and a brief phone call.

"One product that we can be sure of an unending supply is our own urine," Ieropoulos said. "The beauty of this fuel source is that we are not relying on the erratic nature of the wind or the sun. We are actually re-using waste to create energy."

For a closer look at the Ieropoulos's novel system, check out the Bristol Robotics Laboratory video below.

The scientist believes that his technology could be implemented in domestic bathrooms, in an effort to harness urine and produce sufficient electricity to power showers, lighting, toothbrushes and razors, as well as mobile phones.

Currently funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), the Gates Foundation, and the Technology Strategy Board, Ieropoulos said his team is also hoping to earn a subsidy to work alongside partners in the U.S. and South Africa to develop a smart toilet.

While this technology may be a scientific breakthrough, it's certainly not the first time cell phones have been in cahoots with human waste (aside from those messy instances a device is accidentally dropped into the commode).

Source: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2421914,00.asp

Now that's interesting!

But disgusting!!

If the phones using pepsi can be stopped from being developed, why wont this gross project be?
I can't imagine using a friend's charger, or carrying my own urine in a bag just to charge my phone. :\ its disgustingly gross! Ewwwww!!!