From Digg
http://blogs.phoenixnewtimes.com/valleyfever/2009/07/asu_scientists_make_jet_fuel_f.php

Quote :

"Two ASU Scientists Nominated for Coveted World Technology Award For Coming Up With "Green" Jet-Fuel Alternative Two scientists at Arizona State University's polytechnic campus may have found a slimy green alternative to the world's oil crisis: Algae. No joke. Scientists Qiang Hu and Milton Sommerfeld can convert algae into jet fuel -- a discovery that may just land them a World Technology Award tomorrow. By selectively breeding algae using light, carbon dioxide gas, and nutrients, then removing the nutrients from the algae's cell, the two scientists have created a strain of super-algae that produces oil at an extremely rapid rate. Their project has already drawn the attention of Boeing, which has committed $225,000 to support the project. They also ranked 11 on Time magazine's top 100 inventions list in 2008. World Technology Awards are given annually by he World Technology Network in 20 categories to honor innovative work of the greatest likely long-term significance. Here's how WTM describes itself on its Web page: The World Technology Network (WTN) is a global meeting ground, a virtual think tank, and an elite club whose members are all focused on the business and science of bringing important emerging technologies of all types (from biotech to new materials, from IT to new energy sources) into reality. The WTN's membership is comprised of approximately 1000 members from more than 60 countries, judged by their peers to be the most innovative in the technology world. "We never thought or dreamed that work in this area would engender this level of visibility, but we are excited and motivated by the interest in the use of alternative fuels to meet some of the world's energy needs," said Sommerfeld in an ASU press release. Check back in with us tomorrow to see how they do in the awards competition"

7/16/2009 7:22:35 AM

because algae farms are easier to put in the desert. lots of open space nobody wants to use in a warm area with plenty of sunlight. state universities tend to research technologies that will benefit their state.

they've been saying we can grow algae out there to make ethanol for years.

the article probably says what i said, but i didn't read it.

[Edited on July 16, 2009 at 7:40 AM. Reason : d]

7/16/2009 7:40:20 AM

Probably did but Hu's on first.

7/16/2009 7:40:38 AM

haha looking back i realize that i read the title as "why didn't nc state do this already"

7/16/2009 8:42:55 AM

not sure if it was NCSU or not but this technology has been around for a few years
i remember reading about here in the lounge some time ago

7/16/2009 9:56:35 AM

wait...green, or just renewable?

I fail to see what's green about it.

7/16/2009 10:04:02 AM

ALGAE IS FUCKING GREEN RETARD

7/16/2009 10:05:09 AM