Category: Research

Climate Change and Emissions Management Corporation and Alberta Innovates Bio Solutions announce funding for three biological projects

June 6, 2013 | Jim Lane

In Canada, the Climate Change and Emissions Management Corporation is funding three new initiatives through its Biological Greenhouse Gas Management Program, and is managed by Alberta Innovates Bio Solutions. The first project, through the University of Calgary, will use filters containing naturally occurring microbes that live on methane gas to reduce low-volume methane emissions at […]

Enzyme Found in Wood-boring Insects Could Turn Wood into Liquid Biofuel

June 4, 2013 | Meghan Sapp

In the UK, researchers at the University of York, University of Portsmouth and the U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory have used advanced biochemical analysis and x-ray imaging to identify a new enzyme to convert woody biomass into liquid biofuel. The enzyme is produced by gribbles, tiny marine wood-borers often responsible for destroying seaside wooden piers. […]

Brazil to Invest $2.85 Billion in Renewable Energy Research

June 3, 2013 | Meghan Sapp

In Brazil, the government plans to invest $2.85 billion in renewable energy and biofuel technology research. The funds will assist companies like Bunge Ltd. and Petroleo Brasileiro SA to develop high-margin chemicals and increase ethanol output. Brazil seeks to be a leader in next generation biofuels development after a decade of underinvestment in research.

UMass researchers achieve 90% yield of p-xylene from biomass

June 3, 2013 | Jim Lane

In Massachusetts, the University of Massachusetts reports that researchers have found a new way to make p-xylene from lignocellulosic biomass. The researchers reached a 90% yield, which they report is the highest yield accomplished to date. The UMass article quotes chemical engineering researcher Paul Dauenhauer as stating, “The biomass-derived p-xylene can be mixed with petroleum-based […]

VG Energy Enters into a Strategic Alliance with DAK for LipidMax Field Trials

May 30, 2013 | Jim Lane

In California, VG Energy, an agricultural biotech company, announced a strategic alliance with DAK Renewable Research to conduct field trials using LipidMax to increase the corn oil yield. DAK Renewable Research headquartered in Brandon, South Dakota brings agricultural innovations together with investors. It is primarily focused on developing viable and cost-effective green energy solutions. DAK is providing […]

UofI researchers find new greener commercial-ready method for miscanthus

May 29, 2013 | Meghan Sapp

In Illinois, two researchers from the University of Illinois have developed a greener method to pre-treat miscanthus using butadiene sulfone in the presence of water. The butadiene sulfone can be recovered at potentially high yields and can be re-used after pretreatment. Existing commercial availability of production and recovery of butadiene sulfone means the technological breakthrough […]

Illinois’ Bioprocessing Research Laboratory gets $20 million for construction

May 28, 2013 | Meghan Sapp

In Illinois, the Bioprocessing Research Laboratory has been granted $20 million to start construction from the state’s Capital Development Board. Groundbreaking on the planned BRL facility is expected fall of 2013, with completion expected in 18 months. It is meant to help bridge the gap between laboratory work and commercial application.

Norwegian researchers improve waste wood torrefaction

May 27, 2013 | Meghan Sapp

In Norway, a SINTEF project led by senior scientist Øyvind Skreiberg is transforming the chopped-off branches and tops of felled spruce trees into a fine powder that is then pressed into high-energy pellets. This contains about 70% of the original mass, while keeping 90% of its energy. On its way through the highly insulated steel […]

US has land, water to support 25 billion gallons of algae biofuels: new study

May 27, 2013 | Jim Lane

In Washington state, a new analysis shows that the nation’s land and water resources could likely support the growth of enough algae to produce up to 25 billion gallons of algae-based fuel a year in the United States, one-twelfth of the country’s yearly needs. The findings come from an in-depth look at the water resources […]

AB Enzymes chooses Genedata Selector for production strain development and optimization

May 23, 2013 | Jim Lane

In Switzerland, AB Enzymes has selected Genedata Selector as its bioinformatics platform for strain genome data manament on all its production-relevant organisms. Genedata will provide AB Enzymes, one of the world’s oldest and best-known enzyme manufacturers, with a hosted solution of Genedata Selector accompanied by bioinformatics consulting services. “We looked for a bioinformatics solution that […]

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