Genetically modified E. coli bacteria may eat and excrete their way to energy independence:
According to renewable energy company LS9, a fuel a little like diesel can be generated by feeding glucose to genetically modified versions of the Escherichia coli bacteria. ... By identifying the genes which are responsible for the creation of hydrocarbons, scientists can manipulate the bacteria to create a super-strain that could create fuel on an industrial level.
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I just couldn't resist playing with some freepers on climate change. Don't worry, that link is safe.
- Meanwhile, back in the real world, Jeff Masters notes that 2010 is well on its way to breaking more heat records globally than any other year; Moscow surpassed 100°F for the first time ever on Friday. If you think that's hot, Qatar set a new record this month too: 122.7°F at Doha Airport. But Pakistan "wins," clocking in at a blistering 128.3°F, the highest temperature ever recorded on the entire Asian continent.
- Really good post on autoimmune disease: But You Don't Look Sick.
- Speaking of autoimmune disease, a new class of potent painkillers made from snail spit may be as powerful as morphine without the risk of tolerance and other side effects.
- FDA clears Geron for first human trial of embryonic stem cells:
Pilot studies, or Phase I human clinical trials, are intended to judge the safety of new treatments, rather than their efficacy. A small number of patients with mid-back spinal injuries will receive the cells in the pilot study, 7 to 14 days after their injury.
BTW folks an important heads up: the more regenerative medicine works, the more frauds and dangerous scams there are going to be taking advantage of hopeful people.