Sugar Could Soon Power Devices

Virginia Tech researchers Zhiguang Zhu, left, and Y.H. Percival Zhang show off the sugar battery they developed in January 2014. The battery, which is refillable and biodegradable, could one day power cell phones and other electronic devices, they said, cutting down on toxic waste from conventional batteries.

Pour some sugar on your cellphone.

Researchers at Virginia Tech have developed a new battery that runs on sugar, one they say would be refillable, biodegradable, and cheaper than its conventional counterparts.

These sweet dreams, they said, could become reality in as few as three years.