Two new biofuels are coming from unlikely sources - mud and beef.
The Navy is testing a microbial fuel cell that works by converting decomposing marine organisms buried in mud into electricity, according to PlanetSave.
The fuel cell has been tested, and so far has shown promise in powering sensors. Researchers hold out hope that it could one day power underwater unmanned vehicles and various underwater devices that monitor the ocean environment.
In theory, researchers say the fuel cells could power equipment for years without servicing.
"We are working on a 4-foot long autonomous underwater vehicle that will settle on the seafloor and recharge its batteries using this fuel cell approach," said researcher Linda Chrisey, in a press release. "We are already able to power many types of sensors using microbial fuel cells.”
Out of the water and onto the prairies, another form of biofuel is coming in the form of a beef byproduct.
An Amtrak train - Heartland Flyer - recently took its first trip using a B20 blend - 20 percent biofuel and 80 percent diesel.
The biofuel comes from beef fat left over from processing, reports Inhabitat.
