‘Fat worms’ inch scientists toward better biofuel production

In Michigan, Michigan State University reports that fat worms confirm that researchers from Michigan State University have successfully engineered a plant with oily leaves – a feat that could enhance biofuel production as well as lead to improved animal feeds. The results, published in the current issue of The Plant Cell, show that researchers could use an algae gene involved in oil production to engineer a plant that stores lipids or vegetable oil in its leaves – an uncommon occurrence for most plants. The researchers identified one gene from green algae, that when inserted into Arabidopsis thaliana, successfully boosted oil levels in the plant’s leaf tissue.