Category: Research

Bioprinting: Living cells in a 3D printer

Bioprinting: Living cells in a 3D printer

October 27, 2019 |

In Austria, a high-resolution bioprinting process with completely new materials has now been developed at TU Wien. Via a special “bio ink” for the 3D printer, cells can now be embedded in a 3D matrix printed with micrometer precision – at a printing speed of one meter per second, orders of magnitude faster than previously […]

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On the Move: Iowa State names chief technology officer for biobased products

On the Move: Iowa State names chief technology officer for biobased products

October 27, 2019 |

In Iowa, Sundeep Vani has joined Iowa State University to serve in the newly created role of chief technology officer (CTO) for biobased products, part of the State of Iowa’s Biosciences-based economic growth initiative. In his role as CTO, Vani will serve as a conduit between research and industry. He will work closely with both […]

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Purdue University makes lignin breakthrough

Purdue University makes lignin breakthrough

October 24, 2019 |

In Indiana, a team led by Purdue University has built on success in removing the lignin barrier to solve other cellular obstacles. Their findings, reported in the journals Plant Biotechnology Journal and Biotechnology for Biofuels, offer opportunities to significantly increase renewable biofuel production from crop waste products and biofeedstocks that could be grown on marginal […]

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University of Manchester researchers make headway producing bio-based jet fuel using seawater bacteria

University of Manchester researchers make headway producing bio-based jet fuel using seawater bacteria

October 23, 2019 |

In the UK, researchers from The University of Manchester are using synthetic biology to explore a more efficient way to produce the next generation of bio-based jet fuels – partly made from a type of bacteria that grows in seawater. Scientists have discovered that the bacteria species called Halomonas, which grows in seawater, provides a […]

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Purdue Researchers score $2.3 million DOE grant to create computer models for simpler biorefinery design

Purdue Researchers score $2.3 million DOE grant to create computer models for simpler biorefinery design

October 22, 2019 |

In Indiana, researchers at Purdue University have received $2.3 million in funding from the Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office for their work to create computer models to simplify the design and construction of biorefineries to help them better perform reliably, sustainably, safely and economically. The team has created predictive analytical models that rigorously represent […]

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Rice University researchers use CO2 to produce formic acid

Rice University researchers use CO2 to produce formic acid

October 21, 2019 |

In Texas, a catalytic reactor developed by Rice University researchers uses carbon dioxide as its feedstock and, in its latest prototype, produces highly purified and high concentrations of formic acid. Formic acid produced by traditional carbon dioxide devices needs costly and energy-intensive purification steps, Wang said. The direct production of pure formic acid solutions will […]

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Researchers re-engineering bacteria to make higher-value chemicals from seawater-based bacteria

Researchers re-engineering bacteria to make higher-value chemicals from seawater-based bacteria

October 20, 2019 |

In the UK, researchers from the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology and supported by the Office of Naval Research Global (ONR), will reengineer Halomonas, a bacteria species, which grows in seawater, provides a viable “microbial chassis” to create different types of high value chemical compounds which could be renewable alternatives to crude oil. Dr. Benjamin Harvey […]

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Clemson University researchers gets $500,000 grant to genetically improve switchgrass

Clemson University researchers gets $500,000 grant to genetically improve switchgrass

October 17, 2019 |

In South Carolina, a Clemson University researcher has received a $500,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture to develop genetically improved and more robust turfgrass and switchgrass. These perennial plants represent a multibillion-dollar segment of the U.S. agricultural economy. A key challenge to engineering better turf and switchgrass […]

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University of Pennsylvania researchers lead project studying phytoliths in biofuel feedstocks

University of Pennsylvania researchers lead project studying phytoliths in biofuel feedstocks

October 16, 2019 |

In Pennsylvania, an international, multidisciplinary team led by University of Pennsylvania mineralogists used highly sensitive microscopy to study phytoliths, small deposits of minerals containing silicon or calcium present in certain plants. These chemical elements are absorbed from the soil along with other nutrients. The phytoliths lend plants strength and structure and are common in some […]

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Washington State researchers develop 3D plastic composite using coffee grounds

Washington State researchers develop 3D plastic composite using coffee grounds

October 15, 2019 |

In Washington state, plastic composite made partly from waste coffee grounds is a tough but environmentally friendly material for 3D printing, according to new Washington State University research. The work could lead to new applications for 3D printing as well as make better use of waste materials. Reporting in the journal, ACS Sustainable Chemistry and Engineering, the […]

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