ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Microbial fuel cell

You know how batteries make things work by turning chemicals into electricity? Well, microbial fuel cells are a special kind of battery that use bacteria to create electricity.

These bacteria are tiny living things that eat things like sugar or waste, and as they digest them, they release electrons. These electrons can then flow through a wire and create electricity that we can use to power things like lights, phones, or even whole buildings!

Scientists are working on new ways to make these microbial fuel cells even stronger and more efficient, so they can help us save energy and protect the environment. In fact, some researchers are exploring the idea of using microbial fuel cells to clean up polluted water by using the bacteria to break down harmful chemicals and produce clean water and electricity at the same time. Pretty cool, huh?