Does life exist elsewhere in the Universe? Perhaps. Last week, scientists announced the discovery of the amino acid, glycine, on the comet Wild 2. Amino acids provide key components for life here on Earth, but this is the first time we have definitive evidence of these molecules occurring in space.

 

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Why not use micro-organisms (bacteria, viruses, fungus, etc) to create sustainable energy and fuel? There are a lot of ideas currently being researched and put to use; for example, PG&E has started turning cow manure into natural gas.

Cow poop? Not another gross-out story, you’re probably thinking. Just wait. When we interviewed Dan Kammen of UC Berkeley for this piece, he even mentioned harnessing cow farts in the barn at night.

We’re going to need fuel and energy from just about any creative source soon. So why not e coli? Why not termite bacteria? Why not cow poop and farts? Bring it on!

-Molly

 

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