I’ve argued in the past that Israel’s portrayal in the media is extremely unfair given the aid it provides to nations suffering from disasters. But there are other ways that Israel helps less developed nations. Engadget tells us (via memeorandum):
Researchers in Jerusalem have just announced they’ve developed super simple, sustainable, organic electric batteries which are powered by treated potatoes. Their findings have just been published in the Journal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy, and detail uses of the batteries in the developing world where infrastructure is lacking. The apparently highly efficient battery is made from zinc and copper electrodes and a potato slice which has been boiled.
Yissum, the organization charged with licensing out technology developed at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem is making this technology available at no charge to the developing world.
Elder of Ziyon suggests another benefit:
“Electric Potato” would be a great name for a ’60s cover band.
I can’t wait to hear “Incense and melted butter.” :-)
Crossposted on Soccer Dad.
Or parsley and pepper
Stupid, stupid, stupid. When you give somebody something for nothing, nothing is the value they place on it. If Israel wants to improve the way it is viewed, it should manufacturing potato-batteries or conversion kits and sell them for a token amount. Let 3rd-world countries decide to allocate some of their aid budgets to Israeli energy technology and see being friendly with Israel as vital to their interests. This does nothing. People and nations are notoriously ungrateful for receiving charity.