When I Die, I Want to Power Your iPod Posted on December 1st, 2009
No, the title of this article doesn’t come from Bono referencing U2’s music. It’s actually a scientific possibility that is being worked on by the Royal College of Art’s James Auger and Jimmy Loizeau.
Here’s the deal: when you die, the microbes in your guts don’t. They keep plugging away for days, even weeks if no outside influence like embalming fluid disturbs them. Right now, they’re helping you digest food. Later, after you’ve died, they help nature digest you.
Gross, I know, but hey, “death is part of life.“ Or something. Somehow, that sounded both philosophically deep and really Bill & Ted stupid at the same time.
Anyway, back on subject. These two designers have come up with a fuel cell that uses the gastric juices given off from a decomposing body to generate electricity. Their idea is to use the decomposing body to power a “memorial” light show (visions of Elvis come to mind) for the deceased. I say, harness that power and put it in the surviving family’s iPods. Way cooler.
It’s called the AfterLife Project. It’s being showcased in New York City.
Of course, if you’d rather keep the whole thing simple, there’s always quick lime and a shallow hole. BioSafe Engineering can help you out there. They have a device that uses lime, your carcass, and a steel cylinder. All that comes out is some flushable, inert fluid and bone fragments that can be given to the family as ashes (ala cremation).
Kind of makes that pine box look even less appealing. Doesn’t it?
Related posts:
- Star Trek Reality: Solar Power From Space
- Turning Waste Heat Into Power
- Venice to Use Algae for Power
