16 Jun 2008
GE Microbes Make Ersatz Crude Oil From Many Sources

How Crichton-esque. Can it be done commercially? And can it be done without genetically modifying the E. coli that naturally live in our guts to diesel factories? I suppose we'll find out, but I'm not holding my breath.

According to The Times Online, genetically modified microbes have been developed capable of turning surplus material such as wood chips, sugarcane, or others, not into ethanol, but into a substance which could substitute directly for crude oil. They claim it could be sold for about $50/bbl, and the production process would be carbon negative.

(link) [Slashdot]

06:37 /Technology | 0 comments | permanent link