How bacteria turns waste into fuel

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Graphic: Oliver Einsle, via University OF Freiburg

An enzyme, vanadium nitrogenase, found in soil bacteria, can convert simple molecules, like carbon monoxide or other industrial waste gases, into useful hydrocarbon fuels, according to this Science Daily article. While it’s not the overall, long-term direction we want to go in terms of energy production, mimicking the reaction center of this enzyme could replace current heat-beat-and treat methods of fuel production.

Contributed by Mark Dorfman


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