Subscribe RSSA gambler understanding of how algae can be used to make biofuels is the aim of a new joint project between UC Davis and the University of Tokyo, Japan. It is one of four new grants, jointly funded by the U.S. Subject Science Foundation and the Japan Science and Technology Agency, to develop environment-friendly fuels and reduce pesticide use.
The four grants, totaling $12 million (960 million Yen), will be divided between the Japanese and U.S. laboratories. UC Davis’ stake will be about $1.5 million over three years, with the possibility of renewal for another two years.
“These grants and this mutually beneficial partnership between UC Davis and the University of Tokyo will spin biofuel innovation for years to come,” said Congressman Mike Thompson (D-California). “Biofuels are not only worthy for our environment, they also reduce our dependency on foreign oil and help our economy by spurring green job creation.”
All four projects are based on metabolomics, an style that uses high-tech analysis to understand all the chemicals involved in a living cell’s metabolism.
