Bacteria “Can Produce Diesel Biofuel”

A genetically modified form of E. coli bacteria can convert sugar into diesel-like oil, UK researchers report in a journal of the US National Academy of Sciences. The development is part of “a push to increase the use of biofuels around the world,” reports Rebecca Morelle of BBC News. Currently most biofuels are not “fully compatible with modern engines” and require blending with some petroleum. That is not the case with the modified E. coli: “Using synthetic biology, the team altered the bacteria's cell mechanisms so that the sugar was converted to synthetic fuel molecules instead,” Morrell reports. The new fuel won’t hit the market soon as it now takes 100 liters of bacteria to produce a teaspoon of fuel. Some analysts suggest that biofuels could be more hazardous for the environment than fossil fuels. E. coli bacteria are found in the environment, foods, and intestines of people and animals. The bacteria come in many forms, most of which are harmless while a few are deadly. – YaleGlobal