Tag: bug

Scientists are optimizing a lipid-producing microbe to make biofuels.


While most attempts to engineer biofuel-producing microbes have focused on well-known organisms such as yeasts and E. coli, scientists also hope to co-opt the unique metabolic functions of some of the microbial world's less-studied creatures. Anthony Sinskey and his team at MIT have been cataloguing the genomic secrets of Rhodococcus bacteria, soil-dwelling microbes known to eat a variety of toxic compounds. The goal is to make a biodiesel-producing organism that can use a variety of sources as fuel. "We have done a lot of the basic chemistry and biology," says Sinskey. "Now we need to figure out how to maximize yields."

Another New South Wales mid-north coast hospital is in shutdown, with a patient testing positive to the antibiotic resistant super bug VRE.

The general ward at the Wauchope District Hospital is refusing to accept patients, after the elderly patient yesterday tested positive.

The patient had been transferred from the Port Macquarie Base Hospital to recover from surgery.