Hamsters in jackets harnessed for energy

The devices are strapped to the animals as they run on their cage wheels, capturing the biomechanical energy they release as they exercise.

Experts believe the technique could one day be used to capture power produced by humans.

Dr Zhong Lin Wang of Georgia University's Nano Research Group developed the flexible jackets, which are fitted with wires plugged into a nanogenerator that produces energy when they are bent and stretched.

In tests one hamster named Campbell's Dwarf produced small amounts of AC power – around one twentieth of the output of an AA battery.

Although it would take 1,000 hamsters to generate enough energy to power a mobile phone, Dr Wang said the technology could have practical applications when applied to larger animals and humans.

"We believe that this is the first demonstration of a live animal producing current with nano-generators," she told The Sun.

Dr Wang added that the technology could be ready to be fitted into clothes within five years. It would capture energy produced not only when humans are active, but also from smaller movements such as when people are sat at computers.

Someday maybe we could accually power our own devices.Might be nice to take a short walk and charge your cell phone for an entire day.

I see what they're trying to do.
Hamsters as a source of energy is just a cover.
First it's hamsters then it's...


Sneaky buggers...


But in all seriousness, I just don't see how the human body could produce "enough" energy to do anything including something as "simple" as charging a cellphone battery. Maybe for like five minutes worth of on time but... anything more? I suppose it'd also depend on the individual person using it - a person in better shape and more proactive would probably benefit from such technological advancements opposed to someone who... is a couch potato.

Then again... if they can fully maximize how much energy is actually made from even the most basic activity... it could inspire such lazy people to get out and about more - even if it's a walk around the block... something simple would significantly help someone who would otherwise not do even that much exercise.
Could have double uses - exercise = health & energy.

Oh geez, I didn't even think of that.
Now I can see the "solution" to poverty & homelessness...


Though... if it was me... and I was living on the street with nothing... I'd totally dedicate my body to producing energy for something greater like scientific/academic advancement, health & medical, etc. Or maybe they could offer X amount of $$$ to individuals who dedicate X amount of time (day, week, month, year) to be placed into a deep sleep and have their energy used for the rest of the world.
THANKFULLY I don't and hopefully will never have to make that "choice" but the latter would be tempting. "Can't afford college? Be put into an artificial coma for a month to have your body's energy harnessed and get a semester (up to 12 credit hours) free."

Who said they would have to pay you or offer any kind of reinbursement. I'm sure they already have thoughts on where they could get thousands of such sources and not have to have permission. I know some that believe it would be more costly to substain the life than there would be energy to harvest from it.