Using bacteria to generate energy hopeful

     BEIJING, May 24 (Xinhuanet) -- Scientists revealed for the first time the molecular¹ structure of proteins, which enables bacteria to transfer electrical charges, according to a new study.

    The revelation was published in Proceedings² of the National Academy of Sciences in the U.S. on Monday.

    Scientists used a technique called "x-ray crystallography" to reveal the molecular structure of proteins, which work as atom-sized "wires" discharging excess electricity.

    "This is an exciting advance in our understanding of how some bacterial³ species move electrons from the inside to the outside of a cell," said lead author Tom Clarke of the University of East Anglia's School of Biological Sciences in Norwich, England.

    He said this discovery means "We can now start developing efficient 'bio-batteries' as the viable⁴ energy source in the future."Still, it could take perhaps a decade to go. Before that, existing uses of such bacteria needed to become 100 or 1,000 times more efficient, he said.

    The advance could also hasten the development of microbe technology that can help clean up oil or uranium pollution, he said.

    Microbes might in future be enlisted⁵ to clean up nuclear accidents such as Japan's Fukushima Daiichi disaster, he added.(本文由在线英语听力室整理编辑)

1 molecular   

adj.分子的；克分子的

参考例句：

• The research will provide direct insight into molecular mechanisms.这项研究将使人能够直接地了解分子的机理。
• For the pressure to become zero, molecular bombardment must cease.当压强趋近于零时，分子的碰撞就停止了。

2 proceedings   

n.进程，过程，议程；诉讼(程序)；公报

参考例句：

• He was released on bail pending committal proceedings. 他交保获释正在候审。
• to initiate legal proceedings against sb 对某人提起诉讼

3 bacterial   

a.细菌的

参考例句：

• Bacterial reproduction is accelerated in weightless space. 在失重的空间，细菌繁殖加快了。
• Brain lesions can be caused by bacterial infections. 大脑损伤可能由细菌感染引起。

4 viable   

adj.可行的，切实可行的，能活下去的

参考例句：

• The scheme is economically viable.这个计划从经济效益来看是可行的。
• The economy of the country is not viable.这个国家经济是难以维持的。

5 enlisted   

adj.应募入伍的v.（使）入伍， （使）参军( enlist的过去式和过去分词 )；获得（帮助或支持）

参考例句：

• enlisted men and women 男兵和女兵
• He enlisted with the air force to fight against the enemy. 他应募加入空军对敌作战。 来自《现代汉英综合大词典》