UK researchers hone in on four-spotted gribbles for clues for enzymes, genes to break down wood cellulose

In the UK, researchers at the Sustainable Bioenergy Center says that they are searching for the enzymes and genes used by four-spotted gribbles — marine bugs that eat boat and pier wood — for developing a more robust process to break down woods, wheat husks, straw and miscanthus. The researchers says that, among many marine organisms that digest wood, gribbles are the only ones who do not have microbes in their stomachs, unlike shipworms.

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