Bacteria provide create energy

I found an article on BBC that discusses a potential new energy source (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-14976893). Researchers at Penn State University found out that certain bacteria can release extra electrons which can then be used to produce energy. I admit that I am not a biology or chemistry major, so I am not sure exactly how the science operates. However, the article says that fuel cells based on this model can used to harness electricity. This can be an effective response to today’s environmental situation because it provides needed invention in energy supply. The need for electricity and substances to power electricity is one of the biggest factors contributing to environmental degradation. I personally feel that since the rise, and stagnation, of solar energy not much progress has been made in the new energy source research (this just maybe due to my limited knowledge on the topic). In today’s world we are focused on innovation of methods we already have; however, I feel that invention can make much greater leaps in the right direction.

This article also shows me that research and scientific academia are still a viable source for the solution to our environmental problems. Much of the focus on the environment has been about the economy and government; however, I still believe that scientific research can contribute to how we address the problem. Science is at the core of measuring environmental impacts. Should it not also be at the heart of the solution.

I am cautiously optimistic about the fuel source suggested in the article. The idea seems great and if it works properly could be a real step forward. It could potentially provide an alternative to coal burning power plants or other conventional energy sources. However, the project is still in its infancy. Large scale testing has not been done and costs are still high. Researchers say that they are looking into ways to cut costs and make their product marketable. However, the example of solar energy has shown us that bringing down costs and marketing a product effectively can take a long time. I would also like to see more research behind the potential environmental impact of such cells. For example, what is the byproduct of these fuel cells? What is the environmental impact of creating these fuel cells? What is the lifespan of a fuel cell? I am glad that research on alternative energies is progressing, but there are still a lot of unanswered questions.