A massive genetic analysis of the microbes in the gut of Nasutitermes termites, shown here, could yield more efficient enzymes for generating cellulosic ethanol.
Credit: Rudolf H. Scheffrahn, Professor Entomology, University of Florida.

From the Labs

From the Labs: Biotechnology

  • January/February 2008
  • By Emily Singer

New publications, experiments and breakthroughs in biotechnology--and what they mean.

   

Cellulose Enzymes from the Termite Gut
A metagenomic study of the microbes that live in wood-eating termites could suggest new ways to make cellulosic ethanol

Source: "Metagenomic and Functional Analysis of Hindgut Microbiota of a Wood-Feeding Higher Termite"
Jared R. Leadbetter et al.
Nature 450: 560-565

 

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