More from Episode 101:

Alternative Energy - Part 1

Bioremediation - Part 1

Bioremediation - Part 2

Energy and Environment

Alternative Energy - Part 2

The biofuel developed for ASU’s “Tubes in the Desert” project avoids many of the downsides presented by biofuels such as corn, cellulose or other crops/plants. Because it uses a microscopic bacteria as the fuel source, it doesn’t compete with food crops and could yield a much larger amount of fuel per acre. The bacteria are grown in transparent tubes, hence the name.

ASU researchers are also exploring the possibilities of microbial fuel cells – tiny microbes that generate energy by feeding on waste.

Panelists include: George Poste, DVM, Ph.D., Director, the Biodesign Institute; Michael Crow, ASU President; and Jonathan Fink, Ph.D., Director of ASU’s Global Institute of Sustainability. Guest interviews include: Neal Woodbury, Ph.D., the Biodesign Institute; Wim Vermaas, Professor, ASU School of Life Sciences.