Bacteria generate ’blue energy’

A group of students at the University of Groningen are developing a revolutionary membrane for generating ‘blue energy’, electricity created from the ‘collision’ between salt water and fresh water. Currently, artificial membranes are used for this, but these break quickly and are expensive. The students are attempting to make a membrane from bacteria. The group will be competing in Boston this September in the annual International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) competition, where 280 student teams will present biological machines they have developed themselves. The Groningen students are seeking support for their project via the special crowdfunding website www.studenten.rugsteunt.nl .

The weekly online video magazine Unifocus highlights topics related to the University of Groningen in the fields of research and society, student life, teaching, policy and internationalization.