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A fragrant new biofuel

JBEI researchers have engineered Escherichia coli bacteria to generate significant quantities of methyl ketone compounds from glucose, which yielded high cetane numbers comparable to gasoline. The findings add flexibility and options for the biofuels industry, with potential applications in producing advanced biofuels.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateMar 13, 2012

Plants in forest emit aspirin chemical to deal with stress; discovery may help agriculture

Researchers at the National Center for Atmospheric Research discovered that plants in a forest produce significant amounts of methyl salicylate, a chemical form of aspirin, in response to stress. This finding has the potential to give farmers an early warning signal about crops that are failing.

Researchers find substantial amount of mercury entering the ocean through groundwater

A new study by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution researchers has found significant amounts of dissolved mercury entering coastal waters through groundwater, contrary to previous assumptions. The discovery has implications for understanding the environmental impact of mercury pollution and its effects on marine ecosystems.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMar 21, 2007

Eco-friendly bug sucker

A new method, metabolic stress disinfection (MSDD), sucks the life out of bugs by subjecting them to alternating vacuum and carbon dioxide, effectively suffocating organisms. The technique could replace post-harvest pesticides and may complete phasing out ozone-depleting methyl bromide, reducing chemical costs and environmental impact.

SourceSociety of Chemical Industry·JournalJournal of the Science of Food and Agriculture·DateJul 2, 2006

AGU Journal highlights - 25 March 2004

Researchers made new discoveries about the Earth's magnetic field, Mars rover data, and post-earthquake ground movement. A thin layer in the Earth's magnetic field was observed, while a Martian rover's landing site may be coated with iron oxide, affecting water detection. GPS technology also revealed ground movement after an 8.0-magnit...

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMar 25, 2004