[url]http://www.latimes.com/technology/la-000102340dec27.story?coll=la%2Dheadlines%2Dtechnology[/url]
Unlocking the Power of the Body Electric
Scientists are working on tiny batteries that capture energy derived from motion and heat for military and civilian uses.
By Dave Wilson
American soldiers slogging though Afghanistan use constant radio communication, satellite navigation and night vision goggles. Today, a single grunt has capabilities and powers a battalion couldn't call on just a couple of decades ago.
But the gizmos that give a commando godlike abilities devour power. There was a time not so long ago when all an infantryman had to carry were a weapon and ammo. Now he's got to drag around a couple of pounds of batteries for stuff like his range finder.
Some servicemen have to lug a pack that tops 100 pounds, depending on the mission. When gear gets that heavy, the choice comes down to packing an extra AA battery or another couple of rounds for the rifle. There's only so much weight a man can carry before he looses his effectiveness as a soldier--and in many cases, a battery can be more important than a bullet. That is one reason so many researchers are trying to capture electricity derived directly from human bodies to power portable devices. Although much of the research has been aimed at military applications, low-end civilian uses for this technology will appear soon, perhaps even next year. And someday, the ability to self-generate power might help dramatically redesign many everyday things.
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