Researchers find plant protein that may aid biofuel production

User rating: 4.1 / 5 after 16 vote(s)

This schematic diagram shows the newly discovered class of plant enzymes with a cellulose-binding module (shown in blue) sticking to a plant cell wall. The binding module of the enzyme helps the catalytic region of the enzyme (shown in more detail in ...
This schematic diagram shows the newly discovered class of plant enzymes with a cellulose-binding module (shown in blue), sticking to a plant cell wall. The binding module of the enzyme helps the catalytic region of the enzyme (shown in more detail in gray in the pullout part of the picture) break down the crystalline cellulose. Credit: Daniel Ripoll and Chris Pelkie/Cornell Theory Center

In a breakthrough that could make the production of cellulosic ethanol less expensive, Cornell researchers have discovered a class of plant enzymes that potentially could allow plant materials used to make ethanol to be broken down more efficiently than is possible using current technologies.


Full story »

All News summaries from General Science news
All News summaries for April 27, 2007

Judge restores protection for Rockies wolves

2 hours ago | User rating: not rated yet
(AP) -- A federal judge has restored endangered species protections for gray wolves in the Northern Rockies, derailing plans by three states to hold public wolf hunts this fall.

Hundreds of baby penguins found dead in Brazil

2 hours ago | User rating: not rated yet
(AP) -- Hundreds of baby penguins swept from the icy shores of Antarctica and Patagonia are washing up dead on Rio de Janeiro's tropical beaches, rescuers and penguin experts said Friday.

Tulane University Anthropologist Helps Unravel Mummy Mystery

11 hours ago | User rating: not rated yet
Tulane University anthropologist Kit Nelson is the co-director of a National Geographic-sponsored team that is in the process of unraveling a mummy bundle found in Peru's historic Huaura Valley. The mummy is believed to have ...

Researchers Help U.S. Military Thwart Explosive Threats

12 hours ago | User rating: not rated yet
Researchers at UC San Diego are using statistical pattern recognition and image processing to help the U.S. military better detect hidden roadside explosives.

Researchers use salmonella to administer vaccines

Jul 18, 2008 | User rating: not rated yet
(PhysOrg.com) -- Researchers at the Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University have made a major step forward in their work to develop a biologically engineered organism that can effectively deliver an ...