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Washington D.C. – Researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Joint BioEnergy Institute (JBEI) announced today a major breakthrough in engineering systems of RNA molecules through computer-assisted design, which could lead to important improvements across a range of industries, including the development of cheaper advanced biofuels. Scientists will use these new “RNA machines”, to adjust genetic expression in the cells of microorganisms. This will enable scientists to develop new strains of Escherichia coli (E. coli) that are better able to digest switchgrass biomass and convert released sugars to form three types of transportation fuels – gasoline, diesel and jet fuels.
DOE Researchers Achieve Important Genetic Breakthroughs to Help Develop Cheaper Biofuels
Seeded on Wed Jan 4, 2012 7:30 AM EST
Article Source: Energy.Gov- Enjoy this article? Help vote it up the 'Vine.
- Public Discussion (3)
Specifically, researchers focused their design-driven approach on RNA sequences that can fold into complicated three dimensional shapes, called ribozymes and aptazymes. By using JBEI-developed computer-assisted models and simulations, researchers then created complex RNA-based control systems that are able to program a large number of genes. In microorganisms, ”commands” that are sent into the cell will be processed by the RNA-based control systems, enabling them to help develop desired products.
- 1 vote
#1 - Wed Jan 4, 2012 7:30 AM ESTThere's a lot of bacteria to fuel research going on . I wonder how they expect to prevent environmental escapes of their engineered organisms ?
- 2 votes
#2 - Wed Jan 4, 2012 8:21 PM ESTMy thoughts while reading it also .. Here we are trying to make sure our food is safe.. and E.Coli is being used for fuel... Will we need bio-hazard suits to fill our tanks? ...and what about the exhaust.. will it be hot enough in the engine to kill it before it exhaust into the air?
- 2 votes
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