Last year I looked at a device called the Row-Bot that aimed to clean up waterways by literally feeding on pollutants it found in the water.  It was a fascinating example of how things we would ordinarily regard as a waste product can be put to very valuable use.

Of course, this isnt an isolated invention, and there’s a growing number of projects that aim to utilize bacteria and other ‘waste’ products to power themselves.

Bacteria powered cities

For instance, a Parisian startup, called Glowee, believe that bacteria could provide a readily available way of powering lighting in our cities.

The process taps into the same biological processes that give squids their bioluminescence.  They have the ability to glow in the dark due to a special bacteria contained in their body, and the Glowee team grow these bacteria.  The bacteria is grown in special shells that are designed in particular shapes, so you might have a shell designed as a shop sign.

The project is at a very early stage, and at the moment the lights only glow for three days, and during this time it is presumably a permanent glow rather than when lighting is needed.

They’ve managed to secure some funding via the crowd, but nevertheless massive challenges are faced by the company if we are ever to see traditional lighting replaced by what are essentially bacteria food bags.

Maybe one to keep an eye on.  Check out the video below for more information on Glowee.