:: Q-Microbe Discovered at Quabbin Reservoir ::

October 2007: Dr. Susan Leschine, Professor of Microbiology, and her team of researchers have discovered a microbe, the Q-Microbe, in the soils of the Quabbin Reservoir. The Q-Microbe can be used to break down plant materials and convert them into ethanol, a fuel alternative for vehicles which is now produced using corn. The fuel alternative would utilize renewable waste materials instead of tapping in to potential food resources. Dr. Leschine, who is also Founder & Chief Scientist of SunEthanol, in partnership with the University, are working on ways to optimize the microbe.

 


 

Department of Microbiology
203 Morrill Science Center IVN
University of Massachusetts
639 North Pleasant Street
Amherst, MA 01003


413 545 2051  |  Fax 413 545 1578

© 2004 University of Massachusetts Amherst.
Site Policies.
This site designed by
Molecules in Motion
and maintained by the Department of Microbiology. Report site problems to webmaster.

 

UMass Amherst