Really. See:
http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn16882-yeastpowered-fuel-cell-feeds-on-human-blood.html
It produces ~40 nanowatts which is enough for things like pacemakers.
This is actually a good idea. If the device lasts for a long time it
will have all of the advantages of a low power implanted cold fusion
device. For high power applications such as heart pumps (VAD) and
prosthetic arms, a cold fusion device would probably be better.
Although, come to think of it, chemical fuel in the body powers
natural heart tissue so that should be enough to power a mechanical heart pump.
They have not solved the problem of removing the yeast's waste products.
- Jed
