Pests may soon be seen as allies in energy crisis

Scientists close to isolating genes in termite that allow it to convert plants into fuel

As oil companies scour the globe for new drilling spots, microbiologists are looking for the keys to an energy revolution

If the effort succeeds, biotech companies could use the information to grow new enzymes and modified germs to churn out enormous quantities of biofuels burnable in automotive engines.

“I think in 10 years we’re going to see significant percentages of the transportation fuel replaced” by biologically produced fuels, said Eddy Rubin, director of the Walnut Creek-based institute, established by three federal labs operated by the University of California.

Oakland Tribune