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People around the world produce an estimated 6.4 trillion litres of urine every year. BRL, a collaboration between the University of Bristol and the University of the West of England, want to make the most of this abundant resource. At the core of urine-tricity are microbial fuel cells (MFCs), which contain live microbes. When urine flows through an MFC the microbes consume it as part of their normal metabolic process. This, in turn, frees electrons. Electrodes within the cell gather these electrons and when they are connected to an external circuit a current is generated.

It is early days, but the work—which is being supported by a number of organisations, including the Gates Foundation—shows that urine could have the potential to make a significant contribution to renewable energy. It might also provide a commercial incentive to build more toilets—over 2.5 billion people around the world have no access to proper sanitation.

There’s money in them thar ‘nals.

Pee power (The Economist)

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One of the first DeLorean cars built in Belfast

The Irish Times reports:

Barrie Wills, a former purchasing executive at the failed DeLorean car plant in southwest Belfast, has issued an appeal for surviving employees of the company to come together for a 35th anniversary reunion next year.

…

“There are very few survivors from the company’s management left, and I’m sure it is the same for the shop floor staff, and we want to have this event before we all pop off,” said Mr Wills, who is now in his 70s.

Call for DeLorean workers to reunite in Belfast next year (Irish Times)

Pic: Belfast Telegraph

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Jim Fitzpatrick’s update of his iconic screen print poster based on Korda‘s image of Che Guevara.

Jim writes:

“Like many of my Jewish friends I am deeply shocked by the slaughter in the Gaza ghetto of so many innocents…I am posting this new CHE image in solidarity with the people of occupied Palestine.”

Jim Fitzpatrick (Facebook)

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