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Newest Energy Source — Pond Scum
An anonymous reader writes to tell us that several start up companies include one from MIT are looking at using (both natural and engineered) algae as source of bio-fuel. Since algae grows quickly and absorbs green house gases. From the article "Soybeans can give you 50 to 60 gallons of oil an acre compared to 75 to 125 gallons for canola, but algae is almost limitless because it grows so fast, so potentially you could get 10,000 gallons per acre."
I suppose that's why the crew of the Battlestar Galactica are always chasing algae laden planets... ... oh wait, they want it to eat, not to fuel vipers? Hmm... anybody want a algae burger?
I know this is offtopic, but the post itself highlights the fact that one of those involved here is from MIT. What difference does it make? For a community of people like those that read slashdot---those that appreciate things that are outside of the mainstream and shun brand loyalty---it's strange that many worship MIT. While they do good work over there, their school brand is unbelievably overhyped.
(This post does not stem from bitterness; I got into MIT but turned them down to go elsewhere. Many other schools have research programs that are as strong or stronger, but without the overhyped brand.)