Articles tagged with Biofuels
Researchers have developed a cheap and simple way to create biofuel and fertiliser from seaweed, removing plastic from the oceans and cleaning up tourist beaches in the Caribbean and Central America. The process uses acidic and basic catalysts to release sugars that can be used to feed a yeast that produces a palm oil substitute.
Biofuels have yet to reach cost parity with conventional petroleum fuels, but engineers can engineer plants to produce valuable chemical compounds as they grow. A new study defines the optimal amount of bioproducts plants need to produce for a cost-effective process, promising cheaper alternatives to petroleum fuels.
A University of Queensland-led study models future ethanol demand scenarios, forecasting potential expansion of sugarcane farming land in Brazil to 5 million hectares by 2030. The high demand scenario could lead to doubling current ethanol demand and necessitate additional 5 million hectares of land for sugarcane crops.
Researchers discovered powerful genes in duckweed that protect against a wide range of harmful microbes and pests, paving the way for use in bioreactors, drug production, and biofuel development. The study's DNA sequencing approach could lead to numerous societal benefits and further unlock the potential of duckweed.
Scientists have discovered the architecture of proteins known as Photosystem II that diatoms use to absorb sunlight and power their photosynthesis. This discovery could lead to more efficient and affordable algal biofuels and combat climate change from fossil fuel burning.
Researchers at Cornell University have discovered engineered electroactive microbes that can borrow electrons from solar or wind power to break down carbon dioxide molecules. These microbes can then produce biofuels like isobutanol or propanol, which could be used as an alternative energy source.
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology developed a cotton-based hybrid biofuel cell that provides twice as much power as conventional biofuel cells. The device uses gold nanoparticles assembled on cotton to create high-conductivity electrodes, improving efficiency and stability.
Scientists developed a machine learning approach to predict microbial pathways, allowing for faster design and development of biofuels. The method accurately predicted biofuel production profiles, outperforming traditional kinetic models.
A collaborative team from Washington University in St. Louis conducted field studies in Raipur, India, to quantify the true scope of particulate emissions from cookstoves. They found that emissions were higher than previously estimated, with some cases exceeding twice the levels detected in laboratory experiments.
Research by Samuel Haruna found that cover crops and perennial biofuel crops can relieve soil compaction, reducing the impact of fluctuating temperatures. These crops slow down temperature changes and retain moisture, allowing soils to better regulate temperature fluctuations.
Michigan State University researchers will use a $1.1 million grant to identify disease-resistant regions in switchgrass, aiming to produce more resilient crops for the emerging bio-based economy. The study's findings will provide valuable insights for breeders to improve switchgrass' viability and provide a consistent source of biofuels.
A study in São Paulo City found that switching from bio to fossil fuels in flex-fuel cars results in a 30% increase in ultrafine particulate matter. The rise in ethanol prices led to a decrease in its consumption, causing an increase in nanoparticles pollution.
Engineers at UC San Diego developed stretchable fuel cells that extract energy from sweat to power electronics. The biofuel cells generate 10 times more power per surface area than existing wearable biofuel cells.
Researchers find that including an indirect land use change factor in biofuel policies leads to a relatively small reduction in emissions at a high economic cost. The inclusion of this factor imposes a hidden tax on all fuels, increasing their carbon emissions per gallon and fuel prices for consumers.
A team of researchers, led by Cynthia Bartel, conducted a field study to explore the compatibility of perennial groundcover grasses with maize. The study aimed to reduce the environmental harm caused by removing maize stover while increasing the benefits of renewable biofuels.
Researchers discovered a unique transcription factor, MUTE, responsible for the superior function of stomata in grasses. Engineered Brachypodium plants lacking this protein grew poorly, highlighting its importance in enhancing photosynthetic capacity and water use efficiency.
The USDA has allocated $2.9 million for research into integrated biorefineries, which aim to create biofuels and bioproducts from renewable energy sources. This funding will support projects that address the challenges of scaling up and operating these facilities, with the goal of enhancing US energy security and economic growth.
Researchers found that both crops successfully sequestered more carbon in the soil than was lost from the soil surface, with sugarcane storing three times as much carbon. Deficit irrigation boosted soil carbon sequestration but reduced yield.
Consumers in three US cities showed willingness to pay a premium of up to 17% for second-generation biofuels, which are made from sustainable biological non-food sources. The study found that marketing efforts could improve perceptions and increase consumer adoption.
Researchers found that poplar trees and many other plants naturally produce zip-lignin, a compound that breaks down easily under simple chemical conditions. This discovery could lead to increased degradability of a vast array of plants through breeding or engineering.
Researchers at the University of Southampton have developed a new method to harness the unused potential of photosynthesis by introducing an additional enzyme that captures more light energy. This innovation enables the efficient bioremediation of polluted wastewater areas, as shown in their study published in ACS Synthetic Biology.
Researchers developed an enzyme-based sensor that uses sweat to detect lactate levels, indicating potential muscle fatigue, stress, and dehydration. The sensor is powered by a biofuel cell, providing a renewable power source for a sustainable wearable device.
A recent study by University of Surrey researchers reveals that emissions from pizzerias and steakhouses using wood burners can have damaging effects on the urban environment. The findings highlight the need to consider unaccounted sources of emissions, including burning wood and domestic waste.
Researchers at PNNL are developing a computational tool to improve power grid planning and make hydrogen with a hybrid device. A new technology uses seaweed to create biofuel for cars and generators. These innovations aim to reduce energy costs, increase sustainability.
The institutions have selected two new research projects to receive funding through the Connecting through Research Partnerships Program. These projects aim to develop a supply chain model for biofuels and test a nasal delivery formulation of an encapsulated vaccine to prevent chlamydia.
The EU biofuels regime is failing to achieve its climate and environmental objectives due to a flawed regulatory framework. The study suggests that binding targets and effective governance mechanisms are needed to improve the system. This requires coherent and comprehensive regulation, as well as public-private cooperation.
A study found that government biofuel policies rely on reductions in food consumption to generate greenhouse gas savings. The reduction in food available for consumption drives the decline in carbon dioxide emissions. This means that less food is available, and prices go up, disproportionately affecting the world's poor.
Researchers at the University of Guelph have developed a simple procedure to transport wet farm waste and produce energy from it. Pressure cooking yields compact, easily transportable material that can be used in energy-producing plants, producing similar amounts of energy as coal.
Scientists have identified a new mutant plant that stores excessive amounts of starch, allowing it to maintain its size despite reduced sucrose availability. The NEX1 mutant combines high growth rates with large starch reserves, making it an attractive candidate for crops used as silage and human feed.
Computer simulations suggest that co-locating crops with solar panels could reduce water usage for solar farms in sunny, arid regions. Agave plants, which thrive at high temperatures and poor soil, are being considered as ideal crops for this approach.
A study has identified that dissolved oxygen in ethanol causes cracking of steel, leading to pipeline integrity issues. By removing dissolved oxygen, researchers have found a solution to prevent stress corrosion cracking, enabling safe ethanol transportation via pipelines.
Scientists at the Wyss Institute have engineered E. coli bacteria to mass-produce medium-chain fatty acids, which can be converted into an energy-packed liquid fuel for internal-combustion engines. This breakthrough could lead to a sustainable replacement for gasoline in cars and other vehicles.
Scientists have discovered a new enzyme that can break down wood into simple sugars, which can then be fermented to produce liquid biofuels. The gribble cellulase is extremely resistant to aggressive chemical environments, making it ideal for industrial applications and potentially reducing costs.
The article discusses the need for sustainable bioenergy crops by setting a standard. The first precondition is good governance, including environmental groups, to achieve public acceptance. The second precondition is to fortify the producer's sustainability toolbox, including effective tools and baselines. The third precondition is in...
Researchers at the University of Bergen have discovered that tunicates can be used as a biofuel source and sustainable fish feed. The cellulose, protein, and Omega-3 fatty acids in ascidiacea make it an attractive alternative to traditional energy sources.
A researcher has received a grant to develop a method to organize enzymes on electrodes to create nanoscale devices that efficiently convert chemical energy into electricity. The goal is to enhance kinetics by spatial organization and apply the understanding to biofuel cells, pharmaceuticals, and commodity chemicals.
Researchers found that ethanol-based liquids mix actively with water, unlike pure gasoline, posing a significant threat to aquatic life. The study's findings could impact response guidelines for biofuel spills and highlight the need for further investigation into ethanol's environmental effects.
A multi-institutional initiative seeks to improve the genetic basis of drought resistance in a grass closely related to current biofuels feedstocks and food crops. Researchers will dissect the genetic basis of drought tolerance in these plants, with the goal of developing crops that can endure harsh conditions.
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 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 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 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.