In New Hampshire, researchers at Keene University are studying the toxicology of biodiesel particulates. The team mounted particle impactors in the operator’s cabs in machinery at the Center, collecting samples of both petroleum diesel and biodiesel exhaust. The impactors can separate out different sizes of extremely tiny particles, which lets the researchers see exactly what […]
In Missouri, the grand opening of the Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) Center for Agricultural Development at the University of Missouri College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) was held on Thursday. The ADM Center for Agriculture Development will provide students with opportunities for experiential learning in the latest theories of biofuel development, food production and […]
In Massachusetts, researchers at MIT and the Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research have identified a new way to boost yeast tolerance to ethanol by simply altering the composition of the medium in which the yeast are grown. They report the findings, which they believe could have a significant impact on industrial biofuel production, in this […]
In the UK, research by scientists at the University of Bristol has challenged one of the key axioms in biology — that enzymes need water to function. The breakthrough could eventually lead to the development of new industrial catalysts for processing biodiesel. Enzymes are large biological molecules that catalyze thousands of different chemical reactions that […]
In Sweden, with a simple mutation, yeast can grow in higher than normal temperatures. Researchers at Chalmers demonstrate this in an article in the scientific journal Science. The findings may result in ethanol being more effectively manufactured for vehicle fuel, as well as increase the possibility of using residual waste as a raw material. The […]
In Sweden, researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have now resolved the issue of what makes yeast thermotolerant, and with a simple mutation, the team can alter yeast to grow in higher than normal temperatures. The findings may result in ethanol being more effectively manufactured for vehicle fuel, as well as increase the possibility of […]
In Oregon, the first year of a canola trial to determine whether the crop might be viable in the Willamette Valley after 43 of 61 fields of brassica varieties became infected with black leg disease. The canola seeds were treated to prevent black leg and were not related with the unprecedented outbreak, but Oregon State […]
In Washington, the USDA will begin publishing its grain and oilseed reports again next year after having stopped in 2011. Data will include information on dry and wet alcohol milling as well as oilseed crushing. Key will be the resumption of the soybean crush reports for the biodiesel industry. The USDA will begin reaching out […]
The Digest has added a new White Paper to SuperData Free Access: Advanced Biofuel Development Using Parallel Bioreactor Systems Summary: To make biofuels such as bioethanol and biodiesel competitive with fossil fuels extensive research in the field of process development is needed. Taking into account the special requirements of biofuel production, such as high temperatures, […]
In California, researchers have published a study that shows the state could be powered entirely be renewable resources by 2050. The study focuses on water, wind and sunlight, ostensibly pushing biofuels into the “unwanted” category with fossil fuels, natural gas and nuclear power. In the meantime, however, the California Air Resources Board expects biodiesel, renewable […]
