Category: Featured

Scientists study fungal infection that could improve biofuel production featured image

Scientists study fungal infection that could improve biofuel production

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After inoculation with Serendipita fungi, switchgrass root hairs increase in density and surface area. Credit: Prasun Ray et al., IS-MPMI.* Serendipita fungus has a special relationship with plants. When it colonizes the roots of switchgrass, the fungus does not hurt the plant. In fact, it has been shown to increase the plant’s drought tolerance, seed […]

poplar trees

Tiny tweaks, big effects: Sugar release in poplar improved through genetic engineering

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Genetic modifications to these poplar trees made it easier to extract sugars for fermentation into ethanol. Credit: Shekhar Joshi, Michigan Technological University Scientists collaborating through the Center for Bioenergy Innovation (CBI) have found that small modifications to a single gene can improve the potential for producing ethanol from poplar trees. Researchers wanted to understand how […]

Researchers identify key trigger in creation of a valuable biofuel byproduct featured image

Researchers identify key trigger in creation of a valuable biofuel byproduct

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At the University of North Texas, researcher Chunliu Zhuo conducts genotyping and lignin analysis to distinguish transgenic plants from non-transgenic plants. Credit: Chunliu Zhuo/University of North Texas Scientists working with the Center for Bioenergy Innovation are developing a deeper understanding of natural processes that could make biofuel byproducts more useful. Turning biomass into marketable products […]

DOE funds Center for Bioenergy Innovation at ORNL featured image

DOE funds Center for Bioenergy Innovation at ORNL

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The Department of Energy has announced funding for new research centers to accelerate the development of specialty plants and processes for a new generation of biofuels and bioproducts. The Center for Bioenergy Innovation (CBI), led by Oak Ridge National Laboratory, is one of four bioenergy centers chosen by DOE to advance a new biobased economy […]

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Supported by the DOE Office of Science, Biological and Environmental Research