Category: Research

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 […]

Porsche, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology and Neste studied renewable diesel under real life conditions across 1.6 million kilometers

December 8, 2024 | Juan Pedro Tomas

In Finland, Neste said it tested renewable diesel in truck transportation across a total of 1.6 million kilometers with Porsche, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology with the aim of testing the viability of renewable diesel. Neste noted that an endurance run featuring up to 12 trucks running on 100% Neste MY Renewable Diesel (HVO100) was kicked […]

UC Santa Cruz chemists produce biodiesel more efficiently from waste oil

December 4, 2024 | Meghan Sapp

In California, UC Santa Cruz chemists have discovered a new way to produce biodiesel from waste oil that both simplifies the process and requires relatively mild heat. This discovery has the potential to make the alternative fuel source much more appealing to the massive industrial sectors that are the backbone of the nation’s economy. In […]

ORNL researchers convert methane and carbon dioxide into syngas

December 3, 2024 | Meghan Sapp

In Tennessee, a chemical reaction can convert two polluting greenhouse gases into valuable building blocks for cleaner fuels and feedstocks, but the high temperature required for the reaction also deactivates the catalyst. A team led by the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory has found a way to thwart deactivation. The strategy may apply […]

BBTWINS projects converts meat and fruit waste into power

December 2, 2024 | Meghan Sapp

In Belgium, the BBTWINS project has made key developments in waste processing and valorization technologies, converting waste from the meat and fruit industries into resources that support a more sustainable, circular economy. One aspect of the research focused on ways to recycle by-products such as pig manure, skins, and bones from meat production, as well […]

Center for Bioenergy Innovation research supports Terragia biofuels approach

November 30, 2024 | Juan Pedro Tomas

In Tennessee, Oak Ridge National Laboratory reported that startup firm Terragia Biofuels is targeting commercial biofuels production using technology developed by researchers working with the Center for Bioenergy Innovation at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Dartmouth College. New Hampshire-based Terragia plans to commercialize an approach that uses feedstocks such as plant-based […]

Microbiologists show how microorganisms can provide climate change solutions

November 28, 2024 | Meghan Sapp

In the Netherlands, micro-organisms, such as bacteria or algae, offer numerous potential solutions to mitigate the effects of climate change. They can capture and store carbon, for example in soils and oceans, or break down the potent greenhouse gas methane. Additionally, they can produce biofuel, break down pollutants, or strengthen ecosystems. Eighteen microbiologists, including University […]

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