Past human-like species were even more diverse than previously thought

A DNA sequence from a hominin in Northern Spain 400,000 years ago reveals the diversity of human-like species living in Eurasia just prior to the evolution of modern humans. Excitingly, the specimen is more similar to the Denisovans, previously thought to live only in central Asia, than the Neanderthals known to live in Europe and Western Asia. Researchers from the Max Planck Institute reveal a … Continue reading Past human-like species were even more diverse than previously thought

Mimicking Fossil Fuels through Metabolic Engineering

Facing the devastating impacts of global warming and energy insecurity, the US has mandated blending biofuels into its transportation fuel supply through the Renewable Fuels Standards (RFS) program. At current projected gasoline and diesel consumption rates, these standards mandate that 20% of US transportation fuels must be “renewable” by 2022 [1]. Although ethanol, the US’ most produced biofuel, is not suited to fulfill this mandate, … Continue reading Mimicking Fossil Fuels through Metabolic Engineering