Israel Modifies Algae in Hope of Finding New Energy Source

Picture taken on September 9, 2013 in Plouenan, western France, shows a algae valorization
FRED TANNEAU/AFP/Getty

The Jerusalem Post reports: Israeli researchers have transformed humble pond slime into an engine to drive a green energy revolution.

Dr. Iftach Yacoby and his team at Tel Aviv University genetically altered single-celled algae, which naturally emit hydrogen throughout the day, allowing the organism to increase its efficiency to five times its natural ability.

Hydrogen fuel cells are already being introduced into vehicles, and the new discovery could mean algae becomes a key player in the push for green energies.

In the ground-breaking research, the scientists disproved the theory that micro-algae only produce hydrogen for a few minutes at dawn, producing only a minimal amount of hydrogen.

Yacoby’s team discovered not only that this was not the case, and that algae continue to emit hydrogen throughout the day, but that through genetic engineering they could radically improve the pond life’s work rate.

Read more here.

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