SCIENTISTS at the University of York are developing a bacteria-powered electrical battery as part of a worldwide competition.

The biology students are among 150 teams taking part in the International Genetically Engineered Machine competition (iGEM), and have called on businesses in North Yorkshire to support them. Each team is given a toolkit of biological parts to use to create something world-changing, then work in research labs over the summer with academics to build their projects.

Ivan Gyulev, a second-year student studying genetics in the University’s Department of Biology, said: “Competing will be a great experience in terms of learning and doing something novel, and will help build our team working skills.”

Business sponsorship is needed to help cover the students’ living costs while they work on the project. Any business interested in sponsorship opportunities can contact Dr Chong on james.chong@york.ac.uk