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Engineered E. coli could make carbohydrates, renewable fuel, from CO2:
Researchers from Newcastle University, UK have engineered Escherichia coli bacteria to capture carbon dioxide (CO2) using hydrogen gas (H2) to convert it into formic acid. The research, published today in Applied and Environmental Microbiology
Normally, an enzyme in E. coli catalyzes the reverse of this reaction—production of H2 and CO2 from formic acid. In nature, the latter is best known as a type of vinegar compound ants use to ward off predators (Formic comes from the Latin 'formica', meaning ant.)
To reverse the normal reaction in E. coli, the investigators got the bacteria to switch out molybdenum, a metal that is normally a critical part of the enzyme, for tungsten, by growing the bacteria in an excess of the latter. "This is fairly easy to do as E. colicannot readily tell the difference between the 2," said principal investigator Frank Sargent.
"Swapping of tungsten for molybdenum changed the properties of our enzyme so that it was locked in CO2 capturing mode rather than being able to switch between CO2 capture and CO2 production," said Dr. Sargent.
[...] Dr. Sargent developed the idea from reading about the emergence of life on Earth, both in primary literature and popular science books, he said. Three and a half billion years ago, there was no oxygen in the atmosphere, but there were high levels of CO2 and H2, and cellular life had begun evolving 10,000 meters below the ocean's surface.
[...] "Around the world, societies understand the importance of combatting climate change, developing sustainable energy sources and reducing waste," said Dr. Sargent. "Reducing carbon dioxide emissions will require a basket of different solutions. Biology and microbiology offer some exciting options."
(Score: 0, Disagree) by Anonymous Coward on Saturday September 18 2021, @06:52AM (1 child)
I see what you did there.. bait and switch. Bait with likely realistic issues and switch to propaganda. The reality is, when you do have
1. general problem
2. very very specific solution
it generally means the solution is only in your head and you are definitely biased.
(Score: 2) by PinkyGigglebrain on Saturday September 18 2021, @08:11PM
Guilty as charged :)
I pointed out the Hydrogen problem and used that as a lead in to advocate a Carbon neutral energy source. Its a common tactic and effective for getting new/different idea introduced into discussions.
50 plus years of research and development into MSRs and other methods of using nuclear power safely by various institutes and organizations not withstanding.
As are we all in one way or another.
"Beware those who would deny you Knowledge, For in their hearts they dream themselves your Master."