Rainforest May Hold the Future of Bio Fuels

A type of fungus found on trees in the Patagonian rain forest may provide a source of fuel for diesel cars, as it was found to have almost the exact same properties of regular diesel fuel. The fungi, called Gliocladium roseum, is incredibly similar to diesel fuel in its natural state, and therefore would require little modification to utilize as a source of fuel. In addition to having the same chemical characteristics, the fungi can also consume the waste caused from modern biofuel production. Although the research is just beginning, the assistance this could provide in the future efficiency of biofuel production, and in the creation of new biofuels is astounding.

Lead researcher Gary Stobel, a plant scientist from Montana State University said of the discovery "This is the only organism that has ever been shown to produce such an important combination of fuel substances, we were totally surprised to learn that it was making a plethora of hydrocarbons."