GM Algae for Fuel

You are at: Oilgae Blog.

Genetically manipulating algae for fuel

Genetic manipulation of algae, one of the hottest avenues, is rife with both possibility and controversy. Engineered strains could be highly efficient and tailored to produce specific substances. But like other genetically modified (GM) species, if they aren’t contained, they pose a threat to their surroundings.

“You could destroy a whole ecosystem,” says David Bayless, a researcher at Ohio University. But GM strains are at risk from natural algae as well, and companies working with engineered algae have incentive to keep them in enclosed tanks. “If you’re going to all the trouble of genetically engineering an organism, you don’t want a competing strain to come in there and take over,” says Bayless. “So I don’t see much of an option other than closed systems.

Read the full article from here

By the way, have you subscribed to the Oilgae Blog?; How about joining the Oilgae mailing list?; and our forum to discuss on with others?