Researchers at Saint Louis University believe they have tapped into a sweet method for powering small devices such as iPods, cell phones and PDAs. The scientists have discovered that sugar can be used as a battery fuel-cell option. In their tests, the sweet batteries run almost 3-4 times longer on a single charge than their everyday lithium ion counterparts.

University chemistry professor Shelley Minteer has tested her batteries using flat sodas, sweetened drink mixes and tree sap. But the best results have come from ordinary table sugar dissolved in water. If the tests continue to provide positive feedback, Minteer and her colleagues suspect we could see sugar-based batteries within the next five years.

Whether the devices will require regular dental visits remains to be seen.