Biodegradable mouse
Fujitsu is now producing the world’s first biodegradable computer mouse. The ECO mouse is made from renewable BIOGRADE® material, rather than plastic, and is fully recyclable.
From: Biobased News
February. 11, 2011
Truckin’ on biogas
Swedish Biogas International of Flint, Mich. showcased a biogas-powered pickup truck at the 2011 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The renewable biomethane fuel that powers the truck will be produced at the City of Flint’s wastewater treatment facility. Swedish Biogas is located on the Kettering University campus.
From: Flint Journal
January 11, 2011
Fruit says “bug off”
Dreaded black-legged deer ticks can be turned away with an essential oil found in grapefruit peels and other fruits. USDA and Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station researchers conducted trials on nootkatone, used in food, beverage and personal-care products for its clean, citrusy taste and smell. They found that nootkatone, encapsulated in lignins, repels the tiny critters known to spread Lyme disease.
From: USDA-ARS
January 12, 2011
Fighting fat with fat
Milk fats in confectionary and bakery goods, enriched with diacyglycerol compounds, could help control weight. A Dutch research team at the Delft University of Technology is studying diacylglycerols that may improve appetite control and energy balance. Researchers are adding the compounds to milk fat because of its nutritional content and pleasing flavor.
From: European Journal of Lipid Science and Technology
January 19, 2011
Chillin’ with soy
Anti-freeze and deicers are being made from biodiesel leftovers. Orison Marketing of Abilene, Texas has developed IceClear,® made from glycerin, a byproduct biodiesel processing. The soy-based product is being used in fluids for aircraft lavatories, pressure testing, directional drilling, concrete cutting, automotive and fleet engine coolants, ballasts, chillers, all-season dust suppressants and in solar-energy, floor-heating and wet fire-sprinkler systems
From: Biobased Solutions
February 2011
