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The University of Massachusetts -Amherst discovers a new bacterial micro-organism which can power a battery. The micro-organism is Rhodoferax ferrirducens which feeds on simple sugars. In very simple terms, an electrode is dipped in the sugar solution and the micro-organism is added. The microorganism attaches to the electrode surface and starts to grow by utilizing and metabolizing the sugar. In the process, electrons are transferred onto the electrode surface and electricity is produced. Derek Lovley, a microbiologist, has been the leader of the research team. Research has been funded by DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency), the Office of Naval Research and the Department of Energy.