Fungus Makes Diesel

Fungus Discovered That Makes Diesel from Cellulose

cleantechnica.com...

A fungus that grows in Ulmo trees in the Patagonian Rainforest is the source of a significant discovery.

“This is the only organism that has ever been shown to produce such an important combination of fuel substances,” said Professor Gary Strobel from Montana State University. “The fungus can even make these diesel compounds from cellulose, which would make it a better source of biofuel than anything we use at the moment.”



Like many scientific breakthroughs, scientists stumbled upon this discovery by accident.

Genetic manipulation can help to increase the yield. Amazingly, cellulose can be directly converted into diesel, skipping a step typically needed in biofuel production. In other words, it can break down cellulose and produce a liquid fuel in the same process.



“The discovery also questions our knowledge of the way fossil fuels are made. The accepted theory is that crude oil, which is used to make diesel, is formed from the remains of dead plants and animals that have been exposed to heat and pressure for millions of years,” said Professor Strobel. “If fungi like this are producing myco-diesel all over the rainforest, they may have contributed to the formation of fossil fuels.”

Why don't we figure out an alternative fuel that ISN'T a hydrocarbon? Seriously.

Originally posted by Anonymous ATS
Why don't we figure out an alternative fuel that ISN'T a hydrocarbon? Seriously.

Why? hydrocarbons, (and similar flammable chemicals like alcohols) are an ideal fuel. They have an absurd energy density compared to batteries or ultra capacitors.

If it's from plants, it's not like it contributes anything to the atmosphere that wasn't there already a while back.