Carbon is key for getting algae to pump out more oil
Monday, June 18, 2012 - 11:31
in Physics & Chemistry
Overturning two long-held misconceptions about oil production in algae, scientists show that ramping up the microbes' overall metabolism by feeding them more carbon increases oil production as the organisms continue to grow. The findings may point to new ways to turn photosynthetic green algae into tiny "green factories" for producing raw materials for alternative fuels.