All Fueled Up:

China and the United States are two of the biggest oil consumers and producers of carbon dioxide in the world. Currently plans are on for reaching an agreement to promote the use of biofuels like ethanol and biodiesel. In view of the efforts to reduce greenhouse gases, this pact comes as a forward step in the fight against global warming.

Biofuels are developed from biomass, which actually implies the by-products of plants, animals and any other recently living organisms. The simple processes and equipments that go into the production of biofuels render them optimum choices to meet transportation fuel needs. The materials that go into their making are usually locally available.

The primary utilizers of biofuels were the rural communities which use them till date. They use biogases like methane which they produce from animal, food and crop wastes.

Experts fear that large scale biofuel productions could lead to a drain of agricultural production steering it away from food crops if not managed properly. Biofuels are essentially the result of a synergy between technology and the environment and maintaining this synergy is possible only with a thorough understanding of these two areas.

The field of biotechnology is a major contributor to the study of biofuels. All the processes of biotech find application in the production and processing of biofuels. Advances in this field are being made every day and scientists are looking towards biofuels to curb the problems caused by the release of toxic gases.

Visit the National Institute of Science Media for some of the best resources in the field of biotechnology. Professional biotechnologists have contributed towards the compilation of these resources.

A high sense of ethics and a professional outlook have been employed by the President Joel Ball and all those working under him at the NISM. Know more about NISM and Joel Ball online at www.w2il.org