In Hawaii, Agricultural Research Service (ARS) researchers are leading an effort to produce biodiesel using a type of green algae known as Auxenochlorella protothecoides (formerly Chlorella protothecoides) tied with the pulp of discarded papayas, namely, those deemed too blemished, malformed, or damaged to be sold for market. The system devised by researchers calls for growing […]
In Russia, scientists have used high-resolution mass spectrometry to determine the composition of a biofuel obtained from the microalgae Spirulina platensis. The researchers studied two biofuel fractions obtained using a special algal mass treatment method. The researchers also proved that biofuel has little to do with oil in terms of its composition. However, it is […]
In Illinois, the TERRA-MEPP robot collects useful information for plant breeders, such as emergence, height, biomass and canopy temperature. It has been tested by several companies, but will now be available to seed companies by the end of this year. Created by University of Illinois scientists, this robot treks along soil and crop rows to […]
In California, significant scientific uncertainty exists about crop residue removal and potential effects on soil carbon. Advanced biofuels and bioproducts are being made from crop residues in the US and elsewhere; however, the market value and sustainability of this emerging industry is dependent on maintaining soil health. The American Society of Agronomy will host a […]
In the UK, a researcher at Queen’s University Belfast has discovered a way to convert dirty aluminum foil into a biofuel catalyst, which could help to solve global waste and energy problems. The researcher worked with engineers at the university to create an innovative crystallization method, which obtains 100% pure single crystals of aluminum salts […]
In Tennessee, researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory set out to determine what could increase production speeds and improve the quality of biofuels and bioproducts. What they discovered is a new class of porous membranes—a high performance architecture surface-selective (HIPAS) membrane technology. Supported by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office, this new class […]
In Washington state, Washington State University researchers have developed a way to grow algae more efficiently — in days instead of weeks — and make the algae more viable for several industries, including biofuels. Their work was reported in the journal Algal Research. The researchers developed a unique biofilm reactor that recycles gasses and uses less […]
In California, two cofounders of Sugarlogix went from engineering yeast for cellulose based fuel production and refining biofuel fermentation processes to cultivating prebiotic sugars that could be good for your gut. Their goal is to develop prebiotic sugars that feed the good probiotics in your gut, especially for people who have taken antibiotics or infants […]
In Indiana, Gen3Bio Inc., a Purdue Foundry-affiliated company, is developing a unique process that could more effectively and affordably transform microalgae into bio-based chemicals to maximize the value of biofeedstock and reduce landfill waste. The company is scaling up and commercializing an effective, efficient and low-cost algae extraction method to lyse open the algae cells […]
In Massachusetts, photosynthesis, which allows energy from the sun to be converted into life-sustaining sugars, can also be hazardous to green plants. If they absorb too much sunlight, the extra energy destroys their tissue. To combat this, green plants have developed a defense mechanism known as photoprotection, which allows them to dissipate the extra energy. […]
