Scientists find bugs that eat waste and excrete petrol ...

Hello Red,

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this.

I'm also excited about the commitment that the entrepreneur has put forth to deal with the strangle-hold issue of crude-oil blues. They say that necessity is the mother of invention; clearly the need is real, and I'm so pleased to see that ingenuity is not dead.

Back in the late 1940-1980s, my brother-in-law's uncle worked for a major industrial giant. He created, and patented the first genetically altered industrial-use bacteria -- which happily resulted in the creation of the ability to clean up oil spills. Uncle R's bacteria would gladly eat up oil spilled on water surfaces, and in turn excrete an inert, harmless waste product. This bacteria is still used today to clean up oil spills.

I see this adaptation as mankind's continuing education into the vital role of bacteria(s) in our environment.

While I see this as a very exciting development, I will admit that I'm concerned about the security protocols necessary to protect farm and forest land from any possible contamination from an unintended mutation, or unintended release.

Given the potential for disaster if this modified bacterial agent were to escape containment, I do not see this as a 'backyard' process. In fact, one could argue that this technological advancement need be protected as vigorously as any nuclear advancement. What say you?

Hmmm... this bacteria evolving into something with unintended negative consequences? Yeah, gotta admit that could happen.

How about your uncle's bacteria? Did it ever evolve into something else? This could be an indicator of what to expect with this new bacteria.

I do think this new bacteria could become a backyard project similar to raising rabbits or earthworms. In fact, combining earthworm raising with these bacteria could someday produce a fill up for the backyard farmer every week or so if the technology advances enough. Particularily in the case of disel engines. Disels can be modified to run on amazing things. Ordinary disel fuel can also have added to it any number of waste petroleum products, if not too much is added, without a decrease in performance. Blended bio disel for the backyard farmer is a real possiblity someday.

BTW: The first disel engine ran on saw dust! Yep, Mr. Disel invented his engine before anyone had even invented what became known as disel fuel.

Ahh... I suppose I should add that no one should put saw dust in their disel! It will plug up the fuel filter and maybe ruin the engine. Mr. Disel's first engine was totally different from today's machines. Only the principal of operation is the same.

I beg to differ slightly; here's the information I have:

1892: Rudolf Diesel develops the principles of his proposed Carnot heat engine type motor which would burn powdered coal dust. He is employed by refrigeration genius Carl von Linde, then Munich iron manufacturer MAN AG, and later by the Sulzer engine company of Switzerland. He borrows ideas from them and leaves a legacy with all firms.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diesel_engine

I have to agree that I can find no reference using google that Mr. Diesel ever built a saw dust diesel engine. I have to conclude you are correct. This is not the first time I have been wrong.

I can tell you my source, but it is impossible to verify. I got the information that Diesel built a saw dust engine from my junior high school science book many years ago. It seemed like such an amazing fact that it has always stuck in my mind. That said, there is no reference on the web I can find to this fact, so I assume I must have remembered wrong. Still, an engine running on coal dust is still pretty cool. Thanks, for the correction.

Hello Red,

Great question! I do not know what ever happened to Uncle R's genetically modified bacterial strain. Since Uncle R worked for an industrial giant, the patent was actually the giant's, with Uncle R only having received credit as the agent of discovery.

I seem to recall some news that the bacteria was used in an oil spill when I was in High School, but I have no further details on which spill, or whatever happened to the genetic instructions for the modified bacteria.

Uncle R has since then passed away. So, there is no easy way to follow up.

But the sawdust story would have been so much cooler...

Hey Red Congrats on the 2!

Adoniah,

That #2 is sinking fast! Whoever was on vacation came back and went back to work on sinking my star. LOL...

Hello Myklj999,

Ah yes, the 'Pandora's Box' perspective. I would dare say that your concern is very well founded. Before posting this discussion, I have pondered the possible ramifications of an inadvertant release of this modified bacterial strain into the open environment, and I do see a disastrous potential.

Even without the concern of a mutation, simply the release of this strain into the open environment could destroy our ability to cultivate and farm.

The article does reference that the bacteria are destroyed when they're done with it. Yet, what if ...???

Hello Drannhh,

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this.

I'm familiar with overly aggressive, Africanized bees, though I've not heard the deal on Amazonian bees. Would you perhaps share a bit more on that?

I too, remain open to the posibilities. I would however urge caution as we explore this new chapter in our 'brave new world'.

Sure, but let me preface this by saying that a college buddy of mine took a part-time job at a laboratory where they were investigating the results of tainting mosquitoes with various unsavory substances and then sicking them on lab animals to see the result, theoretically with the idea of protecting humans down the road a bit.

After a while, we got into the habit of asking her whether the pennies she got doing that kind of work were worth it, balanced against the risk. She said "My risk is no greater than yours" and smiled. What do you mean, we all wanted to know and this was her reply: "What do you think happens to the mosquitoes that escape when somebody drops a flat of them or accidentally leaves the lids open?" Uhhhh, does this happen a lot, we pushed, and she just rolled her eyes and said "You wouldn't believe it if I told you!"

But back to the killer bees, they were first introduced to the American Continent in 1956 in Brazil, and shortly thereafter a few escaped and bred with the locals, so that

The USDA Research Service has a lovely color-coded page that shows how these varmints have taken over the Southwestern US since 1990 when they were first found to have colonized in Texas:

http://www.ars.usda.gov/R...

And finally, as a special treat for just you, ladyluna, here is an Aesop fable about the honey bee with some other nice bee links at the bottom of the page:

http://ancienthistory.abo...

Enjoy!

Hello Drannhh,

I'm delighted by your 'Bee and Jupiter' gift. Thank you for sharing!

Pretty scary, those dropped flats, and inadvertently openned containers, eh? I remember a similar tale of woe, from the early 1970s. My brother was doing a science project on mutated fruit flies. We learned from the lab where he got much of his data and flies, that any laboratory 'oops' is a potential global nightmare!

So, thanks for sharing your associate's warning! It is very appropriate, in the context of this discussion.

Hello Destiny,

Great response!

I share your concern over anything 'genetically modified'.

I (sadly) expect that you are correct about the environmental lobby's likely obstacles to this proposed 'manufacture' of oil. Heck, location is just as good an impediment argument as anything else, so why not?

"What possible harm could a few microbes do?..." Ugghhh! Perish the thought!!!

"Not to mention if they suddenly decide that they also have an affinity for human skin or something... that could be a bummer." Yup, that would definitely put a damper on the weekend!

I fully concur on more than one facility. Yes, the most definitely need to be built within proximity of oil distribution hubs. Refinery location isn't critical, because one of the coolest things about this excrement oil is that it is very near to refinded grade. How cool is that???

And, yes - yes - yes! We need to be drilling 70 miles from our own coast, not China! Grrrr!!!

Gotta' love your enthusiasm, Gewcew!!!

Not being much of a bug fan myself, I applaud your embrace of a useful creepy-crawler!

Hello Jimbouso,

Thanks for sharing your thougths on this issue.

Hmmm, you've shared some interesting thoughts here. The concerns about continuing along the lines of petro-chemical are somewhat nullified, as the oil produced by the critters is the waste. Moreover, according to the article, the waste product produced by the genetically modified critters is very near to end-stage, refined crude.

Wouldn't a vast glut force global prices down? Yes, they would. That is the beauty of this alternative. Global energy demands will not level off until .... well, never! As one LDC catches up to par with developed countries, another LDC will always be right behind it, poised to jump on the consumption band-wagon. While, the developed countries will continue to produce more gadgetry that will require more energy consumption.

Incidentally, this news blip is not the first to showcase bacterial production of oil. What is unique about this blip is that it is highlighting gen modified bacteria. Other blips have showcased production using a naturally occuring bacteria that naturally accomplishes the same goal. It would seem that the objective here is something patentable i.e. proprietary.

I agree that 205 sq. miles is a sizeable chunk of land. Though, here in the USA we have hundreds of thousands of square miles of infertile desert lands, where something like this could be a real boon to our national economy, while causing minimal impact on the micro environment -- IF, and that's a big IF the prospect of mutation can be completely ruled out!

All very interesting questions though, eh?

Hello Bobmnu,

Terrific points! Yup, Honda delivered it's first fuel cell vehicles to Southern California earlier this week. The first 200 will be 'project cars' distributed to high profile folks who can get the word out, and help to bring hydrogen fuel 'online' for large sale distribution -- as in neighborhood gas stations.

Yup, the entrepreneur is certainly doing his or her part. Resounding, hearty congrat's & thanks to them. And, per usual, Congress is behind the eight ball.

Well, hey there Adoniah,

It's so nice to hear from you!!! I was just thinking about you yesterday, as I worked in the garden.

You raise a great point about the medical industry's reliance on petroleum. And, that an alternative fuel source would require lag time for the plastics manufacturers to re-configure and re-tool for production. I had not given this any thought - but it's a really valid point! So yes, 'bug production' is probably a terrific stop-gap measure.

I wholeheartedly agree that we would have to effort ourselves to rule out any unintended consequences. In fact, I visualized an oily, globby mess -- just as you've described -- if this were to ever go wrong.

So my friend, how are your tomatoes? And, how's everything else???

Hello again Lady,

Actually, they are working on an upgraded form of celluloid which was the precursor of plastic. They are having success with the product, but are not terribly inspired yet. It is already in use in some areas though.

Some of my tomato plants are close to 7 feet tall, and one day I gave away 11 fruits with plenty for me. Every day I give away a couple. That does not include the ones that are snitched when I am not looking!lol The neighbors have me growing some peppers too. They got a late start and are not doing too well.

The squash and Zuchini have to compete with this woman that steals the flowers for her rabbit. She cannot comprehend or does not care that when she takes a flower, she stops a fruit.

In all things the world is full of ignorance and greed, hence the oil crisis and the continued sale of Hummers and SUVs that get 4 miles to the gallon.

Hello Adoniah,

I'll be quick, because my internet connection keeps cutting out -- grrr!

Geeze, I'd forgotten about celluloid. It's been a long time since I've heard any mention of celluloid fibers.

As for the neighbor who keeps stealing your squash flowers for her rabbit: I wonder if it would make an impact if you put a sign near your garden that reads: "Squash blooms for sale -- only $100.00 each"???

Too funny!! No we have to walk on eggs with this one because she has proclaimed that we are all bigots because of her religion. She proudly wears the garb of her faith to make sure we know it and looks for trouble under every rock. We give her no trouble but she seems to interpret life in a different way.

I picked 19 tomatoes the other day so I am not complaining, neither are my neighbors! We have as much as we can eat!

Shalom~Adoniah

Morning Adoniah,

19 - yeehah! That's terrific, 'cause those little reds are sure good for us, and oh, so yummy too!

We're just getting fruit now. It'll be a few weeks before we can start harvesting. Then comes the fun part -- the canning, can't wait. Though, even more than tomatoes, we're looking forward to harvesting the chili peppers. Mmmmm, "Big Jim's" stuffed with soft goat cheese -- Mmmm, Mmmmm, good!

Hello John_galt,

Ah yes, I believe that I have heard about that hazardous creature. Although, íf memory serves me, we have not done enough to contain that pest. Much more effort is needed in that regard -- so as to prevent it from wreaking havoc on our lives.