Easy artificial evolution makes for solar-powered yeast

Scientists have given yeast a brand new ability – gaining energy from light. The technique was remarkably easy, the team says, and could not only help us understand evolution but make better beer and biofuel.Continue ReadingCategory: Biology, ScienceTa… Continue reading Easy artificial evolution makes for solar-powered yeast

Plants may be absorbing 20% more CO2 than we thought, new models find

There’s little good news to report in the field of research surrounding climate change and its far-reaching impacts on the planet, yet an international team of scientists may have found a small victory to celebrate.Continue ReadingCategory: Biology, Sc… Continue reading Plants may be absorbing 20% more CO2 than we thought, new models find

Mirrors place light in “captivity” to boost photosynthesis

Scientists see massive potential in the possibility of manipulating or mimicking the natural process of photosynthesis, which could lead to new forms of clean fuel, ways to soak up carbon dioxide or aid in drug discovery. New research has tugged this t… Continue reading Mirrors place light in “captivity” to boost photosynthesis

Artificial photosynthesis lets plants grow efficiently in total darkness

Scientists have improved on the natural process of photosynthesis, not only growing plants more efficiently, but doing so in the dark. This could expand agriculture to areas that don’t get enough sunlight, and even help feed future space explorers.Cont… Continue reading Artificial photosynthesis lets plants grow efficiently in total darkness

Triple-layer bacterial biobattery produces electricity for weeks

Diversifying our energy sources is a key part of reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, and one intriguing possibility is to tap into electricity-producing bacteria. Engineers at Binghamton University have now developed a biobattery that contains three… Continue reading Triple-layer bacterial biobattery produces electricity for weeks

Plant Growth Accelerated Tremendously with LEDs

Plants compared side-by-side, with LED-illuminated plants growing way more than the sunlight-illuminated plants

[GreatScott!] was bummed to see his greenhouse be empty and lifeless in winter. So, he set out to take the greenhouse home with him. Well, at least, a small part …read more Continue reading Plant Growth Accelerated Tremendously with LEDs

“Tiny skyscraper” electrodes boost bioenergy output of blue-green algae

Scientists have long studied the abilities of photosynthetic bacteria that turn sunlight, carbon dioxide and water into energy, and by giving these communities a home likened to a high-rise apartment block, a team has broken new ground in this space. T… Continue reading “Tiny skyscraper” electrodes boost bioenergy output of blue-green algae

Photosynthetic printing material gets stronger with exposure to light

As a seedling matures into a tree, its trunk and branches become stiffer and stronger. Scientists have now replicated this effect in a photosynthesis-assisted 3D-printing ink, made partially from spinach.Continue ReadingCategory: 3D Printing, Technolog… Continue reading Photosynthetic printing material gets stronger with exposure to light