Taking the next step toward growing ou...( URBANA -- Developing a petroleum-free f...)

URBANA -- Developing a petroleum-free fuel from corn byproducts is one of the goals of a newly named research theme at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Eight research laboratories will pool their expertise, attacking the problems from different directions to improve the efficiency of bioconversion of plant fibers into fuels and other value added products.

The new theme is the seventh to be chosen for the Institute for Genomic Biology under the direction of Harris A. Lewin, Gutgsell Endowed Chair in the department of animal sciences. Although the building housing the IGB will not be completed until 2006, the work that will go on inside already has begun.

Lewin said that the new IGB research theme, led by Hans Blaschek, will address one of the most critical problems facing our nation.

"With crude oil at $50 per barrel, we must examine renewal sources of energy as a viable alternative to fossil fuels," Lewin said. "The vision and experience of Blaschek and his co-workers will be important in setting the national agenda for future research on renewable energy sources. Importantly, the outcomes of this research may have direct benefit to farmers and the agricultural industries of the Midwest. I am proud to have the new theme on Molecular Bioengineering of Biomass Conversion as part of the IGB's research, education and economic development portfolio."

Blaschek is a microbiologist in the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences. He has been studying microorganisms that are used in fermentation processes for over 20 years. He is striving to overcome the obstacles related to biomass conversion into value-added products.

"The beneficiaries of this research will be agriculture and agriculture-based industries in Illinois," Blaschek said, "but ultimately all of us will benefit as consumers of energy." He believes that renewable fuel made from corn is the direction we need to go in order
'"/>

Contact: Debra Levey Larson
dlarson@uiuc.edu
217-244-2880
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
7-Oct-2004

Page: 1 2
Related biology news :

1. Taking a supplement of glycine helps prevent degenerative diseases such as arthrosis or osteoporosis
2. Taking heart failure to the MAT1
3. Taking chips to the next level of gene hunting
4. Vax and Pax: Taking turns to build an eye
5. Taking evolutions temperature: Researchers pinpoint the energy it takes to make a species
6. Taking a bite out of a fellow worker helps wasps recruit new foragers
7. Taking a break from fractures: A closer look at vitamin D
8. Taking a flying jump
9. Taking the piste out of Alpine vegetation
10. Bursts of waves drive immune system soldiers toward invaders
11. A decisive step toward a cure for insulin dependent diabetes