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The microbes make the sake brewery

A study by the University of California, Davis, investigated a single-species inoculation in a sake brewery, finding that environmental surfaces harbor similar microbiota as added microorganisms. The microbial populations change dramatically across fermentation stages, with Aspergillus oryzae dominating the process.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateJul 24, 2014

Nutritional values established in 3 new, high-energy protein ingredients fed to weanling pigs

The study determined the nutritional value of three new protein products: dried fermentation biomass, hydrolyzed porcine intestinal mucosa products, and fish meal. The results showed that these ingredients are relatively high in crude protein, with lysine content in dried fermentation biomass being particularly notable.

The indiscretions of a champagne bubble paparazzi

A study by Gérard Liger-Belair reveals the role of carbon dioxide in champagne bubbles, from second fermentation to gas escape through tiny bubbles popping on the surface of wine. The research provides clues for fine-tuning champagne production, including adjusting bubble size based on fermentation sugar levels.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal Special Topics·DateFeb 14, 2012

Enzyme cocktail could eliminate a step in biofuel process

Virginia Tech researchers have discovered an enzyme mixture that can work in the presence of toxic infused liquid biomass, eliminating the need for detoxification and reducing production costs. The enzyme cocktail increases biofuel yields by avoiding the production of by-products and synthesis of cell mass.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalChemistry & Biology·DateFeb 24, 2011

Seaweed as biofuel? Metabolic engineering makes it a viable option

A University of Illinois research team has developed a strain of yeast that can efficiently ferment galactose, a key component of seaweed, making it a viable option for biofuel production. The discovery improves the economic viability of marine biofuels by increasing fermentation rates and reducing production costs.

Deceitful lily fools flies

The Solomon's lily plant attracts drosophilid flies by mimicking the yeasty odor of fermentation using six chemicals. This deception is rooted in a deeply conserved neuronal pathway specifically tuned to yeast odors, exploiting an ancient instinct in flies for pollination and food.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 7, 2010

Scientist IDs genes that promise to make biofuel production more efficient, economical

A University of Illinois scientist has identified four genes that increase alcohol tolerance in yeast, leading to higher ethanol yields and productivity. The discovery aims to make biofuel production more efficient and economical by reducing the toxic effects of biofuels on yeast.

Jungle yeast

Scientists have identified a new species of yeast, Candida carvajalis sp. nov, with potential applications in sustainable biofuel production and the food industry. The discovery was made in the Amazon jungle and highlights the importance of preserving biodiversity.

SourceNorwich BioScience Institutes·JournalFEMS Yeast Research·DateMay 21, 2009

Milestone achieved toward production of malaria treatment using synthetic biology and fermentation

Amyris Biotechnologies has successfully increased the production of amorphadiene to 25g/L through E. coli fermentations, a crucial step towards commercially producing artemisinin precursors. This achievement demonstrates the potential of synthetic biology and fermentation to create a consistent and affordable source of artemisinin for ...

SourceAmyris Biotechnologies·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 27, 2009

Displacing petroleum-derived butanol with plants

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a way to produce higher concentrations of butanol using microorganisms. The mutant strain can use five or six carbon sugars, making it more versatile and efficient. This breakthrough could lead to the development of a second-generation strain with targeted genetic alterations.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateJan 8, 2009

Research yields pricey chemicals from biodiesel waste

Chemical engineers at Rice University have unveiled a set of techniques for cleanly converting glycerin, a major biofuels waste byproduct, into high-value organic acids such as succinate and formate. The new fermentation process uses E. coli bacteria to convert glycerin into these valuable chemicals.

SourceRice University·JournalMetabolic Engineering·DateJun 30, 2008

Microbial fuel cell: High yield hydrogen source and wastewater cleaner

A new microbial fuel cell process can produce high yields of hydrogen from biodegradable organic matter in wastewater. This technology uses a small amount of electricity to boost bacterial fermentation, overcoming the 'fermentation barrier' and producing clean hydrogen gas while simultaneously cleaning the wastewater.

SourcePenn State·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateApr 22, 2005

Penn State engineers boost hydrogen production from fermentation

Researchers at Penn State have developed a method to increase hydrogen production from fermentation by 43%, utilizing industrial wastewater as feedstock. This approach can potentially make hydrogen a cheaper fuel alternative to gasoline, while also reducing costs for wastewater treatment plants.

SourcePenn State·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMay 31, 2002

Yeast Rises To A New Occasion

Researchers at Purdue University have successfully modified yeast to ferment both glucose and xylose from plant matter, producing more ethanol from the same amount of material. This breakthrough could make ethanol production cheaper and more sustainable.