Friday, March 25, 2011

Brent Corrigan Y Brent Eve

Enzimas para limpiar el petrĂ³leo

Photo: Pete Birkinshaw
The oil spills are a much more common than we would like, so finding more effective ways to clean and minimize negative impacts on the environment is a priority in the world of biotechnology. However, scientists at the UNAM (Autonomous University of Mexico) have a method that could be the solution: using genetically modified enzymes.


The enzymes in question are modified to transform aromatic hydrocarbons (the most dangerous of oil in these discharges) in less hazardous to the environment and also allow them to degrade naturally.

How have they done? Using enzymes that are actually protein molecules with the ability to oxidize aromatic hydrocarbons. To genetically modify them, have managed to make this work more quickly. The chemically modified enzymes are also to be covered with a polietlenglicol, a polymer allowed to dissolve in water and oil .

Of course, there are still many steps to take: so far, these enzymes work only UNAM onshore and therefore can not be used in the sadly frequent discharges at sea.

But it is certainly a first step which is already being used to clean contaminated soil spills some oil companies in Mexico and other countries. And every little step that is given to look over our planet is actually a huge step.

Way Search of investors that all bio-entrepreneurs must take to get something done with your product, but we always remained in the traditional financing. But for quite some time is creating a new model of time for very small-scale investments, has its first example of success in biotechnology: the new model is the
and example Project success is Arcanum, the biological computer project to be undertaken by a team of researchers from the University of Seville.
His goal is clear: to show the annual competition on Synthetic Biology Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The project consists of a group of genetically modified bacteria to allow through the exchange of these substances are able to process information and return a result, make every bacterium in a small chip of an electronic circuit.
also want to standardize the way
scientific creation of new circuits
, defining a substance (called Ubbit) determined to act as a universal communicator and liaison between modules. Demonstrate further that the idea works through a summing circuit.
Although the project is largely funded by the University
Seville
, need extra financial support for specific laboratory equipment, the stay in Seville during the summer and, above all, pay their travel to different cities where there will be meetings to present projects.
Well, goal achieved:
published
Lanzanos.com your project, a website where entrepreneurs projects up and say how much they need, and whoever can go donate.
His target was 5,000 euros, which have already passed
. They have also made extra support from the Ministry of Science and Innovation, which will match the funds they get through this new system.

From here we wish you all the luck in the world!

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