Scientists have managed to manipulate the bugs' metabolism to convert them into tiny powerhouses. It raises the prospect of astronauts using germs from the septic tank in their spacecraft as a power source.
Bacteria normally break down glucose to generate energy for cells.
This involves a flow of electrons, which the researchers have tapped into by adding a special chemical. Molecules in the chemical hijack electrons and shuttle them onto an electrode. Although low powered, the system could be used as a back-up for maintaining communications in space, he added. A secondary advantage is that because some of the bacteria's energy is diverted to producing electricity they do not multiply as fast as usual. A new image from NASA's Mars Global Surveyor spacecraft, currently orbiting Mars, shows a close-up view across the summit of Olympus Mons, the largest volcano known in our solar system.