Research by scientists in California and Jerusalem suggests an electric battery based on boiled potatoes could provide a cheap source of electricity in the developing world.
Findings published in the Journal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy say a treated potato battery generates energy that is five to 50 times cheaper than commercially available batteries.
The project was led by Professor Boris Rubinksky from the University of California at Berkeley.
A light powered by the battery is at least six times more economical than kerosene lamps often used in the developing world.
Researchers constructed the battery using zinc and copper electrodes and a slice of potato.
