June 23rd, 2009
Oil shortages are over, we're gonna squeeze it from diatoms
Researchers say there’s enough oil made by tiny diatoms to power the planet. Or at least reduce worries about “peak oil.” We simply have to harvest it, “milk” it they say. Diatoms are single-cell algae that naturally produce oil as part of their living activities.
Diatoms, these scientists say, are far more efficient at producing biofuel than plants. As much as 200 times as much over the same amount of territory. The reseracher suggest altering diatom genetics to make them even oilier. Give ‘em a lawyer gene, perhaps?
Diatoms, of course, live in water not in Iowa. Not a lot of electred officials from open ocean so not sure who’s gonna get the subsidies passed to develop this industry.
A newsman since 1969, Harry Fuller has worked for CBS, ABC, CNBC Europe, CNET and was founding news director at TechTV. See his full profile and disclosure of his industry affiliations.
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