Posted by Stella
Friday 19 November
Friday 19 November
Present: Stella Kin, Louise Anton, Bryan McCulloch, Christopher Sanderson
Next meeting: Wednesday 24 November
1. Presentation of research so far
Louise detailed her research on the environmental impact of algae. Algae may not be as green as it seems, as the manufacturing processes are petroleum based. However this can be countered by locating a bioreactor next to waste processors and using the waste products to power the reactor.
Bryan presented his research on genetically-modified algae. Yields are dependent on algae type, but one paper shows an increased algae yield of ten times using GM. More research is needed.
Chris presented his research on 4th generation. 4th gen information is limited to what is behind commercial walls and how much is available to the public. There are also wider concerns about genetically modifying micro-organisims and the social implications.
Stella presented research into Craig Venter's oil-secreting algae, effectively cutting out the mechanical process. Again, there appear to be no papers published so far, so the information available is limited to press released from Synthetic Genomics. Realistically we may have to go down traditional routes, but we should consider the GM route.
2. Allocation of tasks
Environmental / Societal implications - Louise
Potential problems including GM - Bryan
Technical (mechanical, GM, farming/bioreactors) - Stella
Comparisons with other biofuels - Chris
Introduction and background - Rachel
3. Decision on which biofuel
Algae was decided on unanimously.
4. Weblog
Stella requested that everyone post their links on the weblog as evidence of research, with reasons why it is useful. It was agreed that more effort should be made.
5. Any other business
Louise suggested we each write a short summary on our research by Wednesday to share with the team.
Stella suggested meeting on Mondays in addition to the Wednesday and Friday meetings.
Louise detailed her research on the environmental impact of algae. Algae may not be as green as it seems, as the manufacturing processes are petroleum based. However this can be countered by locating a bioreactor next to waste processors and using the waste products to power the reactor.
Bryan presented his research on genetically-modified algae. Yields are dependent on algae type, but one paper shows an increased algae yield of ten times using GM. More research is needed.
Chris presented his research on 4th generation. 4th gen information is limited to what is behind commercial walls and how much is available to the public. There are also wider concerns about genetically modifying micro-organisims and the social implications.
Stella presented research into Craig Venter's oil-secreting algae, effectively cutting out the mechanical process. Again, there appear to be no papers published so far, so the information available is limited to press released from Synthetic Genomics. Realistically we may have to go down traditional routes, but we should consider the GM route.
2. Allocation of tasks
Environmental / Societal implications - Louise
Potential problems including GM - Bryan
Technical (mechanical, GM, farming/bioreactors) - Stella
Comparisons with other biofuels - Chris
Introduction and background - Rachel
3. Decision on which biofuel
Algae was decided on unanimously.
4. Weblog
Stella requested that everyone post their links on the weblog as evidence of research, with reasons why it is useful. It was agreed that more effort should be made.
5. Any other business
Louise suggested we each write a short summary on our research by Wednesday to share with the team.
Stella suggested meeting on Mondays in addition to the Wednesday and Friday meetings.
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