The Biofuel Industry Could be Revolutionized by…a Bug
The world of biofuels might just be changed forever by a bug that is found in nearly every compost heap. Unlike traditionally used yeasts, the bug is very tolerant of tough plant matter. That means it could help convert a variety of raw materials—including willow, forest waste, and wheat stalks—into fuel.
The bug, dubbed TM242, is a Geobacillus bacterium that has been genetically altered so that it stops converting food into waste products besides ethanol. It also has a boosted metabolism.
