Researching new products

In a world that relies heavily on non-renewable fossil fuel to power industry, scientists are searching for more environmentally sound alternatives. And one solution could come from plants.

CSIRO scientists have identified two genes from wild plants, which when introduced into oil seed plants, like linseed, could see those plants producing oil for industry.

Watch a video from the CSIRO about oil from plants

Biofuels

Biofuels are designed to be used in place of existing petroleum-based fuels. The main sources of biofuels are vegetable oils or animal fats. Although diesel engines can operate on straight vegetable oil as a fuel, biodiesel is cleaner-burning and slightly more efficient.

Scientists are also looking at using other sources for environmentally friendly ways to run cars. For example, Brazil has experimented with plant-based fuels since the 1970s, when the country switched its fuel supply to a cheaper home grown product: sugar cane ethanol. At one point, 91% of cars driven in Brazil were running on biofuels.

Scientists have also harnessed a group of naturally occurring bacteria to generate electricity from organic material in mud, whilst genetically modified giant artichokes are being grown in Spain to produce electricity!

For more information: http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2002/01/ 0122_020122_tvmudbatteries.html

Biodegradable plastics

Did you know that a Melbourne company has developed a biodegradable plastic that dissolves in water? The plastic is made from corn and with moisture breaks down to water and carbon dioxide.

For more information: http://www.plantic.com.au/

Superglue

Did you know that researchers are using mussels to make a superglue?

Researchers have discovered that the key binding agent in the super-strong glues of the common blue mussel, Mytilus edulis, is iron in seawater. In addition to using the knowledge to develop safer alternatives for surgical and household glues, the researchers are looking at how to combat the glue to prevent damage to shipping vessels and the accidental transport of invasive species.

The 800 mussels in their laboratory apparently have an uncanny ability to stick to almost anything, even Teflon®.

Sunscreen lotion

Heat-loving bacteria from the bottom of the ocean are being used to develop a hi-tech sunscreen. A French cosmetics firm has developed a ‘smart’ sun lotion using bacteria harvested from deep-sea hydrothermal vents. As a result, the lotion gives increased skin protection as the temperature rises.

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What is biotechnology? Human uses Environment Biological control of pests Protecting threatened species Resurrecting extinct species Cleaning up and managing the environment Researching new products Sugarcane as a biofactory Regulation of research in Australia Ethics of research involving the environment Food and agriculture Careers	Researching new products In a world that relies heavily on non-renewable fossil fuel to power industry, scientists are searching for more environmentally sound alternatives. And one solution could come from plants. CSIRO scientists have identified two genes from wild plants, which when introduced into oil seed plants, like linseed, could see those plants producing oil for industry. Watch a video from the CSIRO about oil from plants Biofuels Biofuels are designed to be used in place of existing petroleum-based fuels. The main sources of biofuels are vegetable oils or animal fats. Although diesel engines can operate on straight vegetable oil as a fuel, biodiesel is cleaner-burning and slightly more efficient. Scientists are also looking at using other sources for environmentally friendly ways to run cars. For example, Brazil has experimented with plant-based fuels since the 1970s, when the country switched its fuel supply to a cheaper home grown product: sugar cane ethanol. At one point, 91% of cars driven in Brazil were running on biofuels. Scientists have also harnessed a group of naturally occurring bacteria to generate electricity from organic material in mud, whilst genetically modified giant artichokes are being grown in Spain to produce electricity! For more information: http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2002/01/ 0122_020122_tvmudbatteries.html Biodegradable plastics Did you know that a Melbourne company has developed a biodegradable plastic that dissolves in water? The plastic is made from corn and with moisture breaks down to water and carbon dioxide. For more information: http://www.plantic.com.au/ Superglue Did you know that researchers are using mussels to make a superglue? Researchers have discovered that the key binding agent in the super-strong glues of the common blue mussel, Mytilus edulis, is iron in seawater. In addition to using the knowledge to develop safer alternatives for surgical and household glues, the researchers are looking at how to combat the glue to prevent damage to shipping vessels and the accidental transport of invasive species. The 800 mussels in their laboratory apparently have an uncanny ability to stick to almost anything, even Teflon®. Sunscreen lotion Heat-loving bacteria from the bottom of the ocean are being used to develop a hi-tech sunscreen. A French cosmetics firm has developed a ‘smart’ sun lotion using bacteria harvested from deep-sea hydrothermal vents. As a result, the lotion gives increased skin protection as the temperature rises.
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