In Malaysia, the Borneo Post reports that University of Malaysia Sabah researchers were able to convert oil palm fibre empty fruit bunches into biofertiliser. The article identified the researchers as Dr. Md Shafiquzzaman Siddiquee, and Nur Shafawati Saili, his postgraduate student, as having used Trichoderma to turn the biomass into biofertiliser inside of 40 days, […]
In California, Marrone Bio Innovations announced the issuance of a patent by the USPTO for thaxtomin, the active ingredient in a new bioherbicide being planned for market introduction. The patent covers thaxtomin as a pre- and post-emergent herbicide active against most common weeds in cereal (e.g., corn, wheat, rice, or sorghum), turf grass and pasture […]
In New Hampshire, a team including Dartmouth researchers have uncovered a protein that plays a vital role in how plant roots use water and nutrients, a key step in improving the production and quality of crops and biofuels. Plant roots use their endodermis, or inner skin, as a cellular gatekeeper to control the efficient use […]
In California, OriginOil announced the launch of its mid-sized algae harvester, designed, with producer input, for distributed algae production. The new harvester, designated EWS Algae A60, processes 16 gallons per minute of algae water and is ideally suited to distributed architectures. Individual A60 units can each be assigned to manage a pond or bioreactor assembly […]
In Israel, the Stockton Group, an Israeli group which specializes in the development and marketing of eco-friendly solutions for the crop protection market, and ten other organizations, jointly won a budget of over euro 8 million from the European Union. The budget is earmarked for the research and development of novel biological pesticides and fungicides. […]
In Colorado, 6R Supply Inc. reports it has transitioned to a wholly biobased industrial supply product line. This product line offers clients additional options for industrial hydraulic fluids, lubricants and solvents that are readily biodegradable, non-hazardous and do not use petroleum or its derivatives as base ingredients. “This shift opens 2 new markets in Colorado: […]
In Florida, Ocean Bio-Chem reports that its Star Tron Enzyme Fuel Treatment has been named the “clear winner” in a test by Practical Sailor of seven products used to guard against fuel tank corrosion. The publication is quoted as stating that Star Tron “proved very effective, greatly limiting corrosion,” while most of the other products […]
In California, NASA’s Ames Research Center has received $100,000 from the NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts Program to develop a 3D bioprinting system that will use cells to make products that would be needed on any long term, deep space mission. According to an article on Geek.com, the initial study is for 9 months, and if […]
In Iowa, Penford Products introduced PenStrength, a high-performance cationic polymer. PenStrength enhances the binding of pulp fibers to make recycled paperboard stronger, allowing manufacturers to produce premium grade paperboard while reducing manufacturing costs. By using PenStrength, paperboard producers can reduce production costs by up to $10 – 40 per ton. Penford has filed a patent […]
In Massachusetts, Metabolix reported it has formed a collaboration with Samsung Fine Chemicals. Mr. Eno, Metabolix President and CEO stated, “This quarter, we are pleased to have formalized a collaboration with Samsung Fine Chemicals to focus on expanding the global market for biodegradable polymers. New products we develop through this relationship are expected to benefit […]
