Space bacteria found in British river could be new power source for the world

By Julian Gavaghan

Last updated at 11:52 AM on 22nd February 2012

• Using microbial fuel cell Bacillus stratosphericus generates twice as much electricity as other bacteria
• Could be used to power appliances in developing countries
  

Bacteria usually found orbiting high above the Earth have been found in a British river - and could be a new power source for the world.

The mysterious organisms, found in the the mouth of the River Wear, in Sunderland, can generate electricity using a special battery called a microbial fuel cell.

The Bacillus stratosphericus - usually found 20 miles above the Earth - is believed to have been brought to the surface by atmospheric cycling, which causes evaporated water rise into the stratosphere and then fall again.

FULL STORY: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2104727/Space-bacter...