News tagged with plant biomass

Chemistry professor developing sustainable bioplastics

(PhysOrg.com) -- A Colorado State University chemistry professor has developed several patent-pending chemical processes that would create sustainable bioplastics from renewable resources for use on everything ...

Chemistry / Materials Science

created Jan 19, 2012 | popularity 3 / 5 (2) | comments 0

Study offers insight into delicate biochemical balance required for plant growth

(PhysOrg.com) -- In an ongoing effort to understand how modifying plant cell walls might affect the production of biomass and its breakdown for use in biofuels, scientists at the Brookhaven National Laboratory ...

Biology / Biotechnology

created Jan 16, 2012 | popularity 4.5 / 5 (2) | comments 1 | with audio podcast

Algae for your fuel tank: New process for producing biodiesel from microalgae oil

The available amount of fossil fuels is limited and their combustion in vehicle motors increases atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. The generation of fuels from biomass as an alternative is on the rise. In ...

Chemistry / Materials Science

created Jan 10, 2012 | popularity 4 / 5 (1) | comments 0

Blue light irradiation promotes growth, increases antioxidants in lettuce seedlings

The quality of agricultural seedlings is important to crop growth and yield after transplantation. Good quality seedlings exhibit characteristics such as thick stems, thick leaves, dark green leaves, and large white roots. ...

Biology / Other

created Dec 12, 2011 | popularity 5 / 5 (1) | comments 2

Scientists genetically increase algae biomass by more than 50 percent

Research at Iowa State University has led to discovery of a genetic method that can increase biomass in algae by 50 to 80 percent.

Biology / Biotechnology

created Nov 21, 2011 | popularity 5 / 5 (3) | comments 0 | with audio podcast

A corny turn for biofuels from switchgrass

Many experts believe that advanced biofuels made from cellulosic biomass are the most promising alternative to petroleum-based liquid fuels for a renewable, clean, green, domestic source of transportation ...

Biology / Biotechnology

created Nov 18, 2011 | popularity 4.8 / 5 (4) | comments 4 | with audio podcast

Could lemmings be involved in regulating our climate?

The mention of lemmings usually evokes images of small rodents throwing themselves off the top of cliffs in acts of mass suicide; however, their reputations might no longer be determined by hearsay as a new ...

Space & Earth / Environment

created Nov 18, 2011 | popularity 2.5 / 5 (4) | comments 7 | with audio podcast

First renewable energy exchange opens in Amsterdam

Dutch-Belgian energy market provider APX-Endex launched a "biomass exchange" Thursday specialising in trading wood pellets as a source of renewable energy, a venture it said was a world first.

Technology / Energy & Green Tech

created Nov 03, 2011 | popularity 5 / 5 (1) | comments 2

Researchers advance next generation biofuels by turning up the heat on biomass pretreatment processes

The nation's Renewable Fuels Standard calls for annual production of 36 billion gallons of biofuel by 2022. One of the biggest hurdles to achieving this goal lies in optimizing the multistep process involved ...

Biology / Biotechnology

created Oct 02, 2011 | popularity 4 / 5 (2) | comments 0 | with audio podcast

New approach challenges old ideas about plant species and biomass

For decades, scientists have believed that a relationship exists between how much biomass plant species produce and how many species can coexist.

Biology / Ecology

created Sep 22, 2011 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Fish farms less harmful than thought

Coastal fish farms seem to do less harm to nearby plants and animals than previously believed, a new study reveals. And marine ecosystems can recover from this damage surprisingly fast.

Biology / Ecology

created Sep 08, 2011 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

Reforestation's cooling influence -- a result of farmer's past choices

Decisions by farmers to plant on productive land with little snow enhances the potential for reforestation to counteract global warming, concludes new research from Carnegie's Julia Pongratz and Ken Caldeira. Previous research ...

Space & Earth / Earth Sciences

created Jul 26, 2011 | popularity 3.8 / 5 (5) | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Novel gene increases yeast's appetite for plant sugars

For thousands of years, bakers and brewers have relied on yeast to convert sugar into alcohol and carbon dioxide. Yet, University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers eager to harness this talent for brewing biofuels have found ...

Biology / Biotechnology

created Jul 25, 2011 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Vermont capital residents OK wood-heating system

(AP) -- Vermont's capital city is going ahead with a plan to expand state government's wood-fired heating system into city schools and government buildings.

Technology / Energy & Green Tech

created Jun 15, 2011 | popularity 5 / 5 (1) | comments 1

Formidable fungal force counters biofuel plant pathogens

Fungi play significant ecological and economic roles. They can break down organic matter, cause devastating agricultural blights, enter into symbiotic relationships to protect and nourish plants, or offer ...

Biology / Biotechnology

created May 03, 2011 | popularity 4.7 / 5 (3) | comments 0 | with audio podcast