Tag: genetics
The (Next) Next-Gen Cellulosic Biofuels
Tweet 8 billion gallons of new cellulosic biofuels capacity is mandated for 2016-2019 – here’s a sneak peek at technology that could transform the economics. With ethanol trading at $2.53 per gallon for the October contract on the Chicago Board of Trade, fans (and stakeholders) of cellulosic ethanol have reason to be hugely excited by [...]
Researchs find an energy-enhancing switch in cyanobacteria
Tweet In Germany, researchers at the Ruhr-Universität and a group from the Tokyo Institute of Technology have found a genetic switch in cyanobacteria, which when removed allows use of excess energy for biotechnological purposes, such as hydrogen production. Professor Roegner of Ruhr-Universität estimated, “This should make it possible to use at least 50% of the [...]
Geneticists reveal keys to tree's woodmaking process
Tweet In Finland, researchers led by by Professor and Research Director Yrjö Helariutta have discovered the genetic process that controls the development of wood cells in the roots of plants. Xylem (wood cells) is the vascular tissue that transports water and nutrients upward from the root, also contributing to the formation of the woody element [...]
Woodstock vs Feedstock: "psychedelic" corn promises higher biofuels, food yields
Tweet In Pennsylvania, researchers have identified new corn genes that increase the export of carbohydrates from corn leaves and could result in higher yields for biofuels. The two genes that were isolated are controlling the movement of carbon from leaves to other parts of the plant, and thereby control carbohydrate creation. The researchers, working under [...]
Transformative Technologies 2010 nominees: Genetic and crossbreeding platforms for feedstock transformation
Tweet Nominations: Genetic and breeding platforms for feedstock transformation To vote in Transformative Technologies 2010, visit here. Ceres Last November, Ceres announced an agreement with Choren, to optimize energy crops for thermochemical conversion to advanced low-carbon biofuels. The two-year bioenergy project is funded in part by a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy. The [...]
Oak Ridge team overcomes key genetic barrier to accessing cellulosic sugars
Tweet In Tennessee, researchers at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s Bioenergy Research Center, publishing in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, announced that they have identified a Z. mobilis gene vital to the improvement of cellulosic biofuel “recalcitrance,” or the resistance caused by biomass’ defense mechanisms to the work of enzymes in converting biomass [...]
