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'Mycodiesel' From Patagonian Tree Fungus
A tree fungus that produces a diesel-like fuel called "mycodiesel"has been discovered in Patagonia. The substance could be pumped directly into diesel vehicle tanks.
The fungus, called Gliocladium roseum and discovered growing inside the ulmo tree (Eucryphia cordifolia) in northern Patagonia, produces a range of hydrocarbon molecules that are virtually identical to the fuel-grade compounds in existing fossil fuels.
"This is the only organism that has ever been shown to produce such an important combination of fuel substances," said Gary Strobel, a plant scientist from Montana State University, who led the work. "We were totally surprised to learn that it was making a plethora of hydrocarbons."
('Myco-diesel' fungus grows in Patagonia's ulmo trees [Gliocladium roseum])
Fans of Neal Stephenson, well pleased with his new novel Anathem, note the fuel trees:
The only thing of consequence was a complex where fuel trees that had been barged down from the mountains were chewed up and processed...
(Read more about Stephenson's fuel trees)
From Scientists discover Patagonian diesel that grows on trees.
Scroll down for more stories in the same category. (Story submitted 11/10/2008)
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