enzymes

It seems that BP is trying to make up for lost time — the worldwide oil giant has invested $90 million in cellulosic ethanol company, Verenium.

Researchers at the University of Toyama say they have created the world’s first stable artificial DNA molecules, made from mainly artificial bits to resemble their natural counterparts. Scientists from all over the world have been trying to do this for the promise of using artificial DNA to create biotechnology materials, including powerful DNA computers. Now there’s new hope that DNA could play a major role in making computers run with little or no external power.

Researchers working on using the enzymes found in termite guts to create biofuels from wood chips, switch grass and other biomass products.