Scientists Have Powered a Basic Computer With Just Algae For Over 6 Months - ScienceAlert

The method is intended to provide power for vast swarms of electronic devices.

"The growing Internet of Things needs an increasing amount of power, and we think this will have to come from systems that can generate energy, rather than simply store it like batteries," says Christopher Howe, a biochemist and (we assume) non-mechanical human.

Often they're so remote, or in such inconvenient spots, there's no easy way to pop in a fresh battery when they run down, or fix their power source should it degrade or break.

Creating a 'living' power source that converts material in the environment, such as methane, makes for a greener, simpler power cell that won't weaken as the Sun sets.

Algae could be the solution that provides a middle-ground option, acting as a solar cell and living battery to provide a reliable current without a need for nutrient top-ups. Already being explored as a source of energy for larger operations, algae could provide power for countless tiny devices as well.