We covered this about a week ago, but this article has more detail on how environmentally friendly biofuels from genetically engineered bacteria will work.

"By swapping natural genes in yeast and bacteria for synthetic ones, scientists have tricked the microbes into producing hydrocarbons—creating, in essence, billions of tiny refineries to turn simple sugars into environmentally friendly diesel, gasoline, jet fuel and biocrude."

This looks like an exciting breakthrough - fuel that works just like gas or diesel in a car, but is non-polluting and based on renewable resources.

We do live in interesting times and sometimes, unlike the Chinese proverb, that's GOOD news.

Filed under: biofuels, diesel, energy, and generic engineering

I never was frightfully keen on the idea of killing and taking apart an animal, and apparently scientists have listened: There is now a new, genetically engineered breed of frog that you can see through while he is still alive.

Not only does this reduce the gross factor it also lets you examine the development of the frog's organs over his life, from the tadpole stage on.

(The frog doesn't look particularly transparent in the picture, but I'm sure the photo just doesn't do it justice.)

Filed under: transparent frog, frog, wildlife, nature, and genetic engineering

BMW has introduced an engine that not only produces near-zero emissions, it also burns the hydrocarbons in air pollution, thus producing cleaner than ambient air as its exhaust.

The primary fuel is hydrogen, and the V-12 limo-sized car otherwise drives and operates like a normal high-end BMW sedan.

It sounds incredible but for lovers of fast cars it's certainly great news. More in the article.

Filed under: bmw, engine, pollution, and hydrogen