Danish researchers look to panda guts for cellulosic ethanol clues

In Denmark, a new research project at Aarhus University will exploit millions of years of evolution to develop sustainable biofuels. Among other things, the solution lies in the digestive system of pandas.

By imitating natural biological degradation processes, a team of researchers from the Department of Engineering and the Department of Bioscience at Aarhus University aims to convert so-called lignocellulosic biomass (everything from wood and residual crops to waste and grass) into sustainable bioethanol.

The project officially starts on 1 April 2020, and it is being supported by the Aarhus University Research Foundation. The aim is to produce bioethanol via completely natural processes.