New invention turns seawater into drinking water at the push of a button

Solar-powered desalination unit weighs less than 10kg and can fit in a suitcase

MIT’s desalination device makes seawater drinkable (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Researchers have invented a desalination device that can turn seawater into drinking water at the push of a button.

The technology uses a technique that essentially zaps the water with electicity in order to remove salt molecules, bacteria and viruses. This eliminates the need for replacement filters and high pressure pumps, which current commercially available desalination units require.

Packaged in a suitcase-sized device, it weighs less than 10 kilograms and can be powered with a portable solar panel.