Filed under: Emerging Technologies, Ethanol
Termites could be the next frontier in cellulosic ethanol production
No one said it was going to be easy, but did anyone say making ethanol was going to be this creepy? If researchers at Diversa Corporation can finish what has become promising research, then getting cellulosic ethanol to the consumer market will be due to an unusual reason: termite guts. Scientists at the biotech company Diversa have been dissecting thousands of termite intestines looking for and then isolating the enzymes that break down the cellulose in the wood the insects eat. The company says they have been able to reenact the cellulose-degrading process with a cocktail of high-performance enzymes. This is good, because termites are amazingly efficient, converting 95 percent of what they consumer into energy within a day. The research is still in the early phases, but it makes sense that learning from a natural process that has been evolving for millions of years just might give us the answers we need. Just wish it didn't give me the willies.
[Source: Renewable Energy Access]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
John Holroyd 11:33PM (9/25/2006)
This sounds like a hot item. If and efficient means can be found to convert cellulose to ethanol it would be a big step toward solving energy problems.
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Dr. G.K.Wittenberg 12:24AM (9/26/2006)
While I do not believe that any one single alternative fuel will take the place of petroleum, the amount of ethanol (or for that matter, methyl fuels, a mixture of methanol, ethanol, isopropyl alcohol and butanols) that can be made from the huge amount of biomass we discard as garbage every day (leaves, lawn clippings, wood chips, etc.)is huge. Put hydrogen on the back shelf until photovoltaic is dirt cheap; alcohols will cut down on greenhouse gases and pollution and also help take our economy out of the hands of the OPEC folks.
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WRXsponge 1:15PM (9/26/2006)
I hope this is not the last I hear of this. Seems like everyday a new "process" is developed. I also hope oil stays at current levels to keep the momentum going!!!
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Mambo Tembo 7:44AM (2/20/2007)
Indeed, the need for the use of biofuels should be emphasized. While the use is emphasized, the need for non-compromise for the material ecologically need to be appreciated too.
My hope is that this technology is being taken on by scientists, technologists and indeed African leaders for their political support towards promotion and use of these resources.
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