Researchers at EPFL have successfully genetically engineered E. coli bacteria to generate electricity. By altering the bacteria to have increased extracellular electron transfer (EET), the modified E. coli can generate electricity while metabolizing a wide range of organic substrates. This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize waste management and energy production, as the modified bacteria performed well in various conditions, including wastewater from a brewery. The engineered E. coli can also be utilized in microbial fuel cells, electrosynthesis, and biosensing. The researchers are excited about the future potential of this technology.