Uploaded March 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago
On their own, out in nature, electroactive bacteria can create an electrical current, much like humans produce carbon dioxide when we breathe.
Harnessing this natural system, USU researchers in Biological Engineering are using these bacteria, and a little additional electrical input, to produce hydrogen — a clean energy resource.
Their working theory is that, if scaled up, this process could accompany a renewable energy input, like solar or wind power, and help generate the bacteria generate hydrogen. Then, when the renewable sources of power are inefficient, or inoperable, you could instead burn the collected hydrogen for energy.
In addition to this research, however, they're also looking at helping with sustainable agriculture too — with another bacteria that could help produce animal feed.
By feeding this bacteria food waste, like the by-products and scraps from cheese production, it can be grown and harvested as a single-cell protein source.
So hypothetically, you could have a system on a farm where you feed waste to it, and it can produce animal feed for cattle and animals.
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Since 1888, Utah State University established itself as a premier research institution known through the world for its intellectual and technological leadership. USU’s main campus is in Logan, plus 30 campuses throughout Utah. And as long as WiFi is available, you can be an Aggie anywhere through USU Online.
USU competes in 16 NCAA Division I sports. Our student section, the HURD, is one of the loudest and rowdiest in the nation. The diehards become True Aggies by kissing on the block “A” on Homecoming. Adrenaline junkies sled down Old Main hill between classes or rock climb outside. And everyone eats Aggie Ice Cream — even with a foot of snow on the ground.
#7 Best Bang for the Buck in the West - Washington Monthly
#8 Public University in the Nation - Washington Monthly
#11 Best Online Bachelor's Program - U.S. News & World Report
There’s a place for you at Utah State. Join us.
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USU is committed to a learning and working environment free from discrimination. For USU’s non-discrimination notice, see equity.usu.edu/non-discrimination.
On their own, out in nature, electroactive bacteria can create an electrical current, much like humans produce carbon dioxide when we breathe.
Harnessing this natural system, USU researchers in Biological Engineering are using these bacteria, and a little additional electrical input, to produce hydrogen — a clean energy resource.
Their working theory is that, if scaled up, this process could accompany a renewable energy input, like solar or wind power, and help generate the bacteria generate hydrogen. Then, when the renewable sources of power are inefficient, or inoperable, you could instead burn the collected hydrogen for energy.
In addition to this research, however, they're also looking at helping with sustainable agriculture too — with another bacteria that could help produce animal feed.
By feeding this bacteria food waste, like the by-products and scraps from cheese production, it can be grown and harvested as a single-cell protein source.
So hypothetically, you could have a system on a farm where you feed waste to it, and it can produce animal feed for cattle and animals.
–––––––––––
Since 1888, Utah State University established itself as a premier research institution known through the world for its intellectual and technological leadership. USU’s main campus is in Logan, plus 30 campuses throughout Utah. And as long as WiFi is available, you can be an Aggie anywhere through USU Online.
USU competes in 16 NCAA Division I sports. Our student section, the HURD, is one of the loudest and rowdiest in the nation. The diehards become True Aggies by kissing on the block “A” on Homecoming. Adrenaline junkies sled down Old Main hill between classes or rock climb outside. And everyone eats Aggie Ice Cream — even with a foot of snow on the ground.
#7 Best Bang for the Buck in the West - Washington Monthly
#8 Public University in the Nation - Washington Monthly
#11 Best Online Bachelor's Program - U.S. News & World Report
There’s a place for you at Utah State. Join us.
https://usu.edu/admissions/aggielife/
Follow Us
FB: facebook.com/UtahState
IG: instagram.com/USUAggielife
TW: twitter.com/USUAggies
USU is committed to a learning and working environment free from discrimination. For USU’s non-discrimination notice, see equity.usu.edu/non-discrimination.
