Silicon.com's Gemma Simpson reports today that researchers in the UK have developed "a tiny generator that can power embedded electronic devices such as pacemakers without the need for batteries or wires."

"Scientists from the University of Southampton have developed the device, which is less than one cubic centimetre in size, and produces microwatts of power by using vibrations from the world around it," simpson writes. "The device is initially expected to be used to power wireless sensors that monitor conditions within industrial plants, and could form the basis of self-powered pacemakers."

"The big advantage of wireless sensor systems is that by removing wires and batteries, there is the potential for embedding sensors in previously inaccessible locations," says University of Southampton researcher Steve Beeby.

More here from BBC News ... more here from New Scientist ... more here from New Electronics ... and more here from TechNews.

Photo above by Steve Beeby.