It is a breakthrough that almost perfectly echoes the plot of a Hollywood classic.
Researchers have created a genetically modified bacteria has that can turn carbon dioxide or waste products into fuel.
It could lead to cars refilled using household waste - exactly as seen on screen in the classic Back to the Future.
Researchers at MIT in Boston genetically modified a soil bacterium called Ralstonia eutropha.
When stressed, it usually stops growing and put all its energy into making complex carbon compounds.
Now scientists at MIT have manipulated its genes to persuade it to make fuel, in the form of, a kind of alcohol called isobutanol that can be directly substituted for, or blended with, petrol.
The researcher behind the project even hopes it could be used to turn emissions into fuel.
Christopher Brigham, a research scientist in MIT’s biology department, is leading the project.
Researchers have created a genetically modified bacteria has that can turn carbon dioxide or waste products into fuel.
It could lead to cars refilled using household waste - exactly as seen on screen in the classic Back to the Future.
Researchers at MIT in Boston genetically modified a soil bacterium called Ralstonia eutropha.
When stressed, it usually stops growing and put all its energy into making complex carbon compounds.
Now scientists at MIT have manipulated its genes to persuade it to make fuel, in the form of, a kind of alcohol called isobutanol that can be directly substituted for, or blended with, petrol.
The researcher behind the project even hopes it could be used to turn emissions into fuel.
Christopher Brigham, a research scientist in MIT’s biology department, is leading the project.
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