In the United Kingdom, researchers at the University of Warwick’s Department of Life Sciences have uncovered the genetic basis of remarkable broad-spectrum resistance to a viral infection, Turnip mosaic virus (TuMV), that, in some parts of the world, is the most important pathogen affecting leafy and arable brassica crops including: brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, […]
In Pennsylvania, the Clearfield County Commissioners voted to terminate its cooperation agreement with SWAN Biomass Inc. at its meeting last week in order to proceed with the transfer of grant funding to a cellulosic biomass ethanol research project in Curwensville. The project didn’t pan out for SWAN Biomass Inc., an Illinois-based company, so the county […]
In California, a survey of growers conducted by Ceres found that 71% of respondents were very interested or interested in growing dedicated energy crops. Moreover, 77% said they had under-utilized land on which to establish energy grasses like switchgrass, sorghum and miscanthus. The poll, which was weighted to the Southeast United States found that “growers […]
In New Mexico, the US Air Force has granted New Mexico State University $2.364 million towards algal research to study better ways to grow algae and refine its oil while working with the University of Central Florida to determine the effects of algae-based fuel on jet engines. Project researchers say they must increase the biomass […]
In Indiana, researchers at Purdue University have discovered the last of 10 genes that are required to manipulate the animo acid phenylalanine which could reduce the amount of lignin in biofuel feedstocks, and therefore produce cellulosic ethanol easier. Scent in flowers can also be increased as well as nutritional value in food crops. More on […]
In California, the Air Resources Board (CARB) is taking into account new studies looking at Indirect Land Use Change that will end up cutting the ILUC penalty on corn ethanol by at least half by the spring. A Purdue study that CARB is basing its revised rulemaking on shows ILUC of 14-18g of CO2/MJ compared […]
In Indiana, researchers have discovered that pelletizing corn stover and other cellulosic biomass before transporting it to ethanol production sites does not in fact save producers money as was assumed. Though using pellets would allow cellulosic ethanol producers to use existing grain handling and storage equipment—compared to capital outlay required for storing and transporting bales—half […]
In Montana, Montana State University researchers Keith Cooksey, Rob Gardner and Brent Peyton found that baking soda, if added at the correct moment in the growing cycle of algae doubled the amount of oil, in half the time in three different types of algae. Rob Gardner stated, “It took a lot of work. I was […]
The National Alliance for Biofuels and Bioproducts (NAABB), a consortium of leading scientists and engineers from universities, private industry, and national laboratories announced today that they have met a significant benchmark by successfully producing biodiesel using oil extracted from algae that meets specifications set by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). ASTM develops […]
In Washington, a USDA report says that to encourage production of cellulosic ethanol requires shifting the focus of government research funding. The USDA oversight committee says the money would be better spent on researching algae and oil crops rather than energy crops and grasses since two decades of cellulosic research has demonstrated few breakthroughs. More […]
