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Microbes Produce Precursor To Missile Propellent

Makarand writes "According to this article on ScienceDaily.com microbiologists at the Michigan State University have created strains of bacteria which can convert certain types of sugars into a non-natural synthetic material, called butanetriol, which is used to produce a missile propellant (butanetriol trinitrate). The DNA of bacteria like Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas fragi was altered so that these bacteria could act as minifactories producing butanetriol. Interestingly, butanetriol is a precursor to two cholesterol-lowering drugs making this process useful in both pharmaceutical and defense applications."

2 of 41 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Yeah just what we need by Raptorman2k · · Score: 0, Troll

    Death and Destruction have more popular to most ANY country than charity....but i dig the pop. control

  2. Re:Yeah just what we need by DAldredge · · Score: 0, Troll

    No. I have a large computer setup/network than you.

    I just don't go around telling others how to spend their money.

    You expect/want others to do things that you yourself will not do.

    Put up or shut up.