The Future of Energy Production?
E. coli does not merely exist to infect our water stores, petting zoos, and, more recently, America’s supply of tomato and jalapeño pepper crops. These virulent types of E. coli give the bacterial species a bad name. E. coli, in actuality, contributes greatly to human health. For example, did you know that the organism colonizes within your large intestine? It synthesizes vitamin K (you need this to coagulate your blood), and provides protection from pathogens within the bowels since its presence leaves little resources for harmful bacteria to grow and thrive. In addition, E. coli is utilized to produce vital medications such as insulin and penicillin. E.coli is cool.
I came across a recent article that discusses a recent breakthrough in biotechnology concerning E.coli. Researchers have found a way to program the bacteria to produce gasoline as a by-product of metabolism. It’s one way to reduce our dependence on foreign oilJ. Check it out:
http://www.cnn.com/2008/TECH/science/08/12/bug.diesel/index.html?iref=newssearch
-Melissa Reardon
