Researchers find bio-based substitute for whale ambergris, but not yet as perfume component

In Canada, University of British Columbia have found a replacement for the $20,000/kg perfume component ambergis.

Researchers used a balsam fir gene inserted into yeast to produce cis-abrienol.  As the researchers themselves state, while they have created an alternative with the fixative properties of ambergris, it does not have the fragrant qualities that makes ambergris desirable to perfume makers.