Science & technology | Green-sky thinking

Modified bacterial fungicides may propel the planes of the future

A novel approach to greening-up flying

The common bacteria streptomyces which makes the cyclopropane-containing molecules

Aviation has a problem. Though, at 2.5% of anthropogenic greenhouse-gas emissions, it is not a huge contributor to global warming, it is a high-profile one forecast to get bigger. Green moves are happening, including work towards using batteries or hydrogen for short-haul flights. Sustainable fuel made from biomass and waste products is already being used by some airlines. But what would solve the matter at a stroke is an all-new fuel, high in both environmental credentials and in energy density.

This article appeared in the Science & technology section of the print edition under the headline “Green-sky thinking”

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