In Virginia, scientists from the US Geological Survey have developed a new method for mapping grasslands that demonstrate high potential for growing biofuel crops with relatively little energy input and environmental impact. The pioneering investigation used remote sensing data from satellites to identify detailed areas of the Greater Platte River Basin (most of Nebraska, parts […]
In California, Global Industry Analysts has released a report on Soy Chemicals market indicating that the market will reach $13b by 2017. According to the report, biodiesel represents the largest end-user of soy chemicals, while the plastics market offers the largest potential for growth as demand for renewable plastic grows. The US may continue to […]
In Virginia, researchers at Virginia Bioinformatics Institute have assembled the draft genome of a marine algae sequence to aid scientists across the US in a project that aims to discover the best algae species for producing biodiesel fuel. Further analysis revealed that with fairly straightforward genetic modification, N. gaditana should be capable of producing biofuel […]
In South Dakota, research by a South Dakota State University dairy science PhD student shows the energy value of the ethanol co-product distillers grains (DDGS) in dairy feed. Sanjeewa Ranathunga was recognized for his research at the recent annual meeting of the Midwest American Dairy Science Association meetings by receiving the Young Dairy Scholars Award. […]
In California, researchers at UCLA have produced isobutanol from genetically modified bacteria, carbon dioxide and electricity produced from solar cells. Researchers say the new process could eventually be even more efficient than a plant’s own photosynthesis processes. The team is currently working on how to move up beyond laboratory scale now that the process has […]
In India, researchers from the Central Salt Marine and Chemical Research Institute have produced biodiesel from microalgae harvested off the western coast of the country. They recently did a test drive in an SUV that saw the vehicle get 12km to the liter, well above the 10-11km per liter averaged with fossil diesel. The project […]
In Washington, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is planning to develop a major new research facility in Richmond to consolidate its biofuel-focused energy labs. The project is to have an annual budget between $200 and $250 million, 95% of the funding coming from the DOE. The effort is receiving significant pushback from activists against “synthetic biology,” […]
In California, researchers at the University of California, San Francisco used a technique called ribosome profiling have found a hidden, new layer of genetic information, which enables the measurement of gene activity inside living cells — including the speed with which proteins are made. The team found that the speed change is caused by information […]
In Illinois, researchers from Argonne National Laboratory have identified a better way to analyze GHG emissions in algae using GREET, a tool for the life-cycle analysis of energy use and emissions in transportation systems. The baseline scenario produced 55 400 g CO2 equivalent per million BTU of biodiesel compared to 101 000 g for low-sulfur petroleum diesel. The […]
In Vietnam, researchers from FIRI, the Food Industries Research Institute, are going to prowl Vietnamese rainforests looking for pests that may have enzymes hiding in their intestinal flora that could be used as catalysts for cellulosic ethanol production.
