Category: Research

US DOE launches $33M funding opportunity for sustainable propane, renewable chemicals and algal system cultivation and preprocessing

December 22, 2024 | Jim Lane

In Washington, the U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) announced their intent to issue funding to support high-impact research and development (R&D) projects in two priority areas: sustainable propane and renewable chemicals and algal system cultivation and preprocessing. Sustainable Propane and Renewable Chemicals Funding Opportunity The United States is the world’s second largest chemicals […]

TEX-INSECT project to develop insect-based biorefinery to recycle synthetic polymers

December 19, 2024 | Meghan Sapp

In Finland, the TEX-INSECT initiative, led by Norbite, includes the development of a novel insect-based biorefinery that employs the larvae of Galleria mellonella to digest and transform synthetic polymers into valuable products such as proteins and lipids. These outputs can then be used in applications like biofertilizers, technical applications like glue and as food for […]

MIT chemical engineers design new catalyst converting methane into polymers

December 18, 2024 | Meghan Sapp

In Massachusetts, MIT chemical engineers have now designed a new catalyst that can convert methane into useful polymers, which could help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The new catalyst works at room temperature and atmospheric pressure, which could make it easier and more economical to deploy at sites of methane production, such as power plants and […]

Rubi gets nearly $1M from NSF to scale its carbon-to-cellulose platform

December 17, 2024 | Meghan Sapp

In California, Rubi has been awarded a $969,961 Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to develop and scale its carbon-to-cellulose platform. This prestigious grant, awarded to less than 5% of SBIR applicants over the last decade, recognizes Rubi’s groundbreaking advancements in CO2-to-materials technology and will support the company’s […]

Hindustan Petroleum’s R&D center teams with Sea6 Energy on seaweed biomass

December 16, 2024 | Meghan Sapp

Hindustan Petroleum Company announced on X that its HPCL Green R&D Centre has joined hands with Bengaluru-based Sea6 Energy Private Limited to revolutionize biofuel production from seaweed biomass. With HPCL’s commitment to net-zero carbon emissions by 2040, this collaboration is set to transform how its harnesses energy: • Sustainability: Seaweed farming thrives without competing with […]

Korean researchers make cost breakthrough in electrochemical CO2 Reduction via recyclable CuZn electrodes

December 15, 2024 | Jim Lane

In South Korea, researchers at Chungnam National University, South Korea, have discovered how copper-zinc electrodes adapt and stabilize during electrochemical CO₂ reduction. This groundbreaking study led by Professor Youngku Sohn reveals that CuZn electrodes outperform single-metal alternatives, producing valuable hydrocarbons while maintaining efficiency over multiple recycling cycles. These insights could revolutionize carbon capture and conversion […]

University of British Columbia launches training program to support Indigenous communities’ energy transition

December 12, 2024 | Meghan Sapp

In Canada, the University of British Columbia (UBC) Faculty of Forestry’s Alex Fraser Research Forest (AFRF), in partnership with FPInnovations, is launching the Community Bioenergy Systems Training Program, a new training program designed to help remote and Indigenous communities transition from diesel-based energy to sustainable, wood-based biomass power. AFRF and FPInnovations built a biomass Combined […]

Danish researchers develops “superman cape” for bacteria

December 11, 2024 | Meghan Sapp

In Denmark, trillions of bacteria work in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, helping produce everything from beer and facial creams to biodiesel and fertilizer. The pharmaceutical industry, in particular, relies heavily on bacteria for producing substances like insulin and penicillin. Harnessing bacteria’s industrial contributions has revolutionized global health, but their work comes at a high […]

Researchers ID poplar tree gene that boosts photosynthesis and tree height

December 10, 2024 | Meghan Sapp

In Illinois, a team of scientists have identified a gene in poplar trees that enhances photosynthesis and can boost tree height. The study, “An orphan gene BOOSTER enhances photosynthetic efficiency and plant productivity,” is published in Developmental Cell, and was a collaboration between the Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation at the University of […]

Kansas State University biochemists boost oil yields for pennycress and camelina

December 9, 2024 | Meghan Sapp

In Kansas, some of the more commonly known and grown oilseed crops in the U.S. have long been canola, soybeans and sunflowers, but a breakthrough by Kansas State University biochemists could lead to the cover crops pennycress and camelina also becoming a source for improved biodiesel. Researchers used synthetic biology techniques to significantly increase the […]

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