This graphic shows the basic setup for a microbial fuel cell. An MFC consists of an anode, a cathode, a proton or cation exchange membrane and an electrical circuit. Anode respiring bacteria cling to ...

Microbial fuel cells, as they're called, have been around for more than 100 years. They work a little like a battery, with an anode, cathode and electrolyte – but rather than drawing electricity from ...

The concept behind microbial fuel cells, which rely on bacteria to generate an electrical current, is more than a century old. But turning that concept into a usable tool has been a long process.

Microbial fuel cell (MFC) technology has received considerable attention in the field of wastewater treatment over the past decade. This technology can simultaneously generate electricity and treat ...

This article was taken from the November 2014 issue of WIRED magazine. Be the first to read WIRED's articles in print before they're posted online, and get your hands on loads of additional content by ...