249: bugs produce fuel of the future

Thanks to RTBH reader Paul for alerting me to the story linked above, from the UK’s Times newspaper. In fact, it is a nice follow-on from yesterday’s article, since it’s about using agricultural science to create something new, as opposed to restoring something ancient. Apparently, scientists at the Silicon Valley start-up LS9 have discovered that genetically modified small bugs (tiny non-pathogenic E coli bacteria - or 'industrial yeast') excrete a substance very similar to crude oil. Not only that, but when fed on agricultural waste, the bugs produce oil that is essentially carbon negative - in other words, the bugs will absorb more carbon than they emit. Oil 2.0 - as it's known - is the latest in a string of alternative fuels to be developed across the world, which could ultimately power cars and other vehicles. The true feasibility and benefits of all these products need to be proven, of course, but the extent of innovation in this area is massively encouraging.