Craig Venter is a genetics pioneer and is one of the best biologist in the world. He is responsible for sequencing the human genone and for mapping ocean’s biodiversity, facts done in 2001 respectively in 2003. Now he is back with another project - to create the first synthetic microoranisms which could produce alternative fuels.
Mr. Venter himself builds the chromosomes from nothing and inserts them into bacteria and then the organisms are coming to life. Also he is founder of Synthetic Genoms, started in 2005, and he is the creator of the biggest molecules ever to be created by humans. He can do whatever he wants with the lab-made DNA - he decides what is good and what is not so good. Now he is trying to make it perfect in order to produce that fuel that I was talking about.
The reproduction of the microorganisms could eventually lead to solar powered oil factories, but also if it have to reproduce they will need CO2 for maximum efficiency. This oil is called “the fourth generation of biofuel” but I think that should watch the video below for more information.
March 20th, 2008 at 5:49 am
Craig Venter gave a great TED TALK.
His explanations are very informative, even if you don’t understand the subject of biology.
A “must watch” video.
May 8th, 2008 at 5:46 am
Imagine a backyard bioreactor, which uses biomass and CO2 to produce methane, which can be burned to produce electricity, or liquefy for vehicle fuel. Craig Venter is pioneering 4th generation fuel production by engineering an organism that efficiently turns CO2 into fuel. He intends to the make the genetic sequence and methodology available like freeware. Power production in the future will be decentralized.