Articles tagged with Biofuels
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Scientists at the University of Leeds are developing more efficient biofuel cells that can harness light and hydrogen gas to create energy. The new technology has the potential to be used indefinitely, making it a promising alternative to traditional batteries.
A team of USDA researchers developed a method to estimate the ethanol potential of switchgrass using near-infrared sensing, which can predict actual and maximum ethanol yields. This technology has the potential to reduce costs by $5 per sample, making it more accessible for bioenergy production.
Researchers at the University of Miami have developed a technique to track urban atmospheric plumes using ethanol's isotopic signature, which can indicate the presence of manmade biofuels. The discovery has significant implications for understanding air pollution in urban areas and mitigating its effects on human health.
Scientists have discovered a pretreatment method that makes plant cellulose five times more digestible by enzymes, enabling the production of ethanol from biomass. This breakthrough could make biomass an economically viable contender in the biofuels arena.
Scientists have largely met technical challenges of developing biofuels, offering energy security and reduced carbon dioxide emissions. However, logistics issues with biomass availability, transport, and storage hinder commercial viability.
Scientists have identified 27,755 potential enzyme genes and found 57% to be active against cellulosic plant material. The bovine rumen is a promising habitat for finding plant-degrading enzymes for second-generation biofuels.
Concordia University researchers have made a breakthrough in converting plant material into biofuels using engineered bacteria. By introducing structural proteins on the surface of Lactococcus lactis, scientists can create a stable surface for chemical activity, paving the way for more efficient bioprocessing and organic material break...
Advanced gene modification methods for cellulosic biofuels are being restricted due to stringent regulations, hindering the development of this promising renewable energy source. The researchers argue that a more intelligent regulatory system is needed to enable the use of gene modification technology and accelerate breeding progress.
Researchers at Purdue University have created a new method to process biomass into biofuels, reducing transportation costs and increasing efficiency. The fast-hydropyrolysis-hydrodeoxygenation process uses hydrogen derived from natural gas or solar power, producing liquid fuel with high energy density.
The University of Michigan researchers have developed a pressure-cooking method to create better biofuels from algae, speeding up the crude-oil-making process from millennia to minutes. This new method eliminates the need for drying and extracting oil, making it more efficient and cost-effective.
A Purdue University study shows that grinding switchgrass into fine bits to improve its flowability is unnecessary, as it doesn't change the morphological characteristics important for flow. By milling switchgrass through a 6.4 mm screen, processors can save energy and money
A team of UW-Madison engineers has developed a highly efficient process that converts gamma-valerolactone into the chemical equivalent of jet fuel, preserving about 95% of the energy from biomass. The process requires little hydrogen input and captures carbon dioxide for future use.
Michigan State University professor Bruce Dale says that while EROI (energy return on energy invested) is a useful method of measurement, it alone is not enough. He argues that we need to consider differences in energy quality and critical materials required for various energy alternatives, such as lithium for electric vehicles.
A fixable error in carbon counting could undermine biofuels' effectiveness in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Correct accounting is crucial to mitigate climate change and protect investments. Bioenergy can capture more carbon than existing plants, but cutting down forests to replace them releases more CO2.
A team of scientists identified an error in climate treaty accounting rules for bioenergy that could encourage deforestation. The error stems from exempting carbon dioxide from bioenergy use without counting land-use emissions, creating perverse incentives to clear land.
A new study suggests that reducing gasoline emissions by just 10% can lead to substantial benefits for human health, particularly in urban areas. The study used a Life Cycle Impact Assessment to evaluate the potential impact of biofuels on human health and the environment.
A study published in Science found that biomass converted into electricity produces 81% more transportation miles and 108% more emissions offsets compared to ethanol. This means vehicles powered by electricity get further down the road, making it a more efficient solution for transportation and climate policy.
Researchers warn that unregulated biofuel crop planting poses a significant threat to Hawaii's environment due to their high invasiveness. The study identifies high-risk biofuel crops that could be grown with implemented measures to reduce their risk of spreading out of control.
Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison developed a two-step method to convert cellulose in raw biomass into a promising biofuel. The new process simultaneously bypasses lignin and produces a high yield, making it a promising alternative to fossil fuels.
The sorghum genome has been sequenced by an international team, providing insights into the crop's potential for drought resistance. The findings could help improve food crops for arid regions with expanding human populations.
The University of Illinois is receiving a $2 million NSF grant to develop sustainable biofuels infrastructure. Researchers will examine the engineering, social, environmental and economic constraints of building a sustainably-supporting bio-economy.
Scientists at the University of California, Davis have developed a simple and inexpensive process to directly convert cellulose into furan-based biofuels. This method surpasses previous conversions, offering a promising solution for sustainable energy production.
This July/August issue of BioScience features articles on avian genomics, penguin populations, and the impact of human activities on wildlife. The journal also explores the role of biofuels in energy policy and genetic literacy among nonscience majors.
The University of Georgia has received a $20 million funding from the Department of Energy for its role in the Bioenergy Science Center. The center aims to reduce plant cell wall resistance and develop consolidated bioprocessing methods to convert biomass into biofuels.
The partnership aims to standardize carbon credit trading in the US, utilizing Argonne's GREET model. This collaboration may lead to increased credibility and growth in the green-energy market.
The 3rd European Young Investigator Award (EURYI) ceremony honors 25 young researchers from across Europe for their groundbreaking research. The awardees will receive a diploma and €1.25 million in project funding to turn their scientific ideas into reality.
A new study published in Nature confirms that biodiversity stabilizes ecosystems and can be used to produce a sustainable supply of biomass for biofuels. Biodiverse prairie grasslands are 240% more productive than those with single species, offering a promising solution to meet growing energy needs while restoring global ecosystems.
For the first time, researchers have tracked cellulose fiber formation in real-time, providing evidence of a functional connection between cellulose synthase and microtubules. This breakthrough discovery has significant implications for designing energy-rich biofuel crops and improved fiber crops.
A multidisciplinary study recommends increasing the practicality of using biofuels and biomaterials as a supplement to petroleum. The group suggests exploring a broader spectrum of materials, including agriculture wastes and fast-growing trees, to address current transportation fuel needs.