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Recycling of anaerobically-digested thin stillage within a corn-ethanol plant may result in the accumulation of nutrients of environmental concern in animal feed coproducts and inhibitory organic materials in the fermentation tank. Our focus is on anaerobic digestion of treated (centrifugation and lime addition) thin stillage. Suitability of digestate from anaerobic treatment for reuse as process water was also investigated. Experiments conducted at various inoculum-to-substrate ratios (ISRs) revealed that alkalinity is a critical parameter limiting digestibility of thin stillage. An ISR level of 2 appeared optimal based on high biogas production level (763 mL biogas/g volatile solids added) and organic matter removal (80.6% COD removal). The digester supernatant at this ISR level was found to contain both organic and inorganic constituents at levels that would cause no inhibition to ethanol fermentation. Anaerobic digestion of treated-thin stillage can be expected to improve the water and energy efficiencies of dry grind corn-ethanol plants.

Research Highlights: Our study adds to the scant literature on the effects of forest bioenergy on ground beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) and contributes new insights into the responses of ground beetle species and functional groups to operational harvest residue retention. We discovered that count of Harpalus pensylvanicus (DeGeer)—a habitat generalist—increased owing to clear-cut harvests but decreased due to harvest residue reductions; these observations uniquely allowed us to separate effects of additive forest disturbances to demonstrate that, contrarily to predictions, a generalist species considered to be adapted to disturbance may be negatively affected by altered habitat elements associated with disturbances from renewable energy development. Background and Objectives: Despite the potential environmental benefits of forest bioenergy, woody biomass harvests raise forest sustainability concerns for some stakeholders. Ground beetles are well established ecological indicators of forest ecosystem health and their life history characteristics are connected to habitat elements that are altered by forest harvesting. Thus, we evaluated the effects of harvest residue retention following woody biomass harvest for forest bioenergy on ground beetles in an operational field experiment. Materials and Methods: We sampled ground beetles using pitfall traps in harvest residue removal treatments representing variable woody biomass retention prescriptions, ranging from no retention to complete retention of all merchantable woody biomass. We replicated treatments in eight clear-cut stands in intensively managed loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) forests in North Carolina and Georgia. Results: Harvest residue retention had no effect on ground beetle richness and diversity. However, counts of H. pensylvanicus, Anisodactylus spp., and “burrower” and “fast runner” functional groups, among others, were greater in treatments with no woody biomass harvest than those with no harvest residue retention; all of these ground beetles may confer ecosystem services in forests. We suggest that H. pensylvanicus is a useful indicator species for burrowing and granivorous ground beetle response to harvest residue reductions in recently harvested stands. Lastly, we propose that retaining 15% retention of total harvest residues or more, depending on regional and operational variables, may support beneficial ground beetle populations.

Scenedesmus obliquus ABC-009 is a microalgal strain that accumulates large amounts of lutein, particularly when subjected to growth-limiting conditions. Here, the performance of this strain was evaluated for the simultaneous production of lutein and biofuels under three different modes of cultivation - photoautotrophic mode using BG-11 medium with air or 2% CO2 and heterotrophic mode using YM medium. While it was found that the highest fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) level and lutein content per biomass (%) were achieved in BG-11 medium with CO2 and air, respectively, heterotrophic cultivation resulted in much higher biomass productivity. While the cell concentrations of the cultures grown under BG-11 and CO2 were largely similar to those grown in YM medium, the disparity in the biomass yield was largely attributed to the larger cell volume in heterotrophically cultivated cells. Post-cultivation light treatment was found to further enhance the biomass productivity in all three cases and lutein content in heterotrophic conditions. Consequently, the maximum biomass (757.14 ± 20.20 mg/l/d), FAME (92.78 ± 0.08 mg/l/d), and lutein (1.006 ± 0.23 mg/l/d) productivities were obtained under heterotrophic cultivation. Next, large-scale lutein production using microalgae was demonstrated using a 1-ton open raceway pond cultivation system and a low-cost fertilizer (Eco-Sol). The overall biomass yields were similar in both media, while slightly higher lutein content was obtained using the fertilizer owing to the higher nitrogen content.

Organic acids produced during ensiled wet storage are beneficial during the storage process, both for biomass preservation, and to aid in mild in-situ pretreatment. However, there is concern these acids could later have negative impacts on downstream processes, especially microbial fermentation. Organic acids can inhibit microbial metabolism or growth, which in turn could affect biofuel productivity or yield. This study investigated the interaction of organic acids produced during ensiled storage with subsequent pretreatment of the resulting corn stover silage, as well as the potential for interference with downstream ethanol fermentation. Interaction with pretreatment was observed by measuring xylan and glucan removal and the formation of inhibitors. The results indicated that organic acids generally do not impede downstream processes and in fact can be beneficial. The levels of organic acids produced during 220 days of storage jar tests at 23°C or 37°C, and their transformation during pretreatment, remained below inhibitory levels. Concentrations of individual acids did not exceed 6 g per liter of the pretreated volume, and < 5% on a dry matter basis. Whereas, unensiled corn stover required 15 min of 190°C pretreatment to optimize sugar release, ensiled corn stover could be treated equally effectively at a lower pretreatment duration of 10 min. Furthermore, the different organic acid profiles that accumulate at various storage moisture levels (35-65%) do not differ significantly in their impact on downstream ethanol fermentation. These results indicate biorefineries using ensiled corn stover feedstock at 35-65% moisture levels can expect as good or better biofuel yields as with unensiled stover, while reducing pretreatment costs.

Anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions are triggering changes in global climate and warming the ocean. This will affect many marine organisms, particularly those with high site fidelity and habitat temperature preferences, such as humpback whales on their breeding grounds. To study the impacts of a warming ocean on marine organisms, large-scale projections of climatic variables are crucial. Global models are of 0.25 - 1° (~25-100 km) resolution, and not ideal to predict localized changes. Here, we provide 0.05° resolution (~5 km) sea surface temperature (SST) projections, statistically downscaled using the delta method. We illustrate the shifting isotherms of the critical 21 and 28°C boundaries, which border the climatic envelope that humpback whales prefer for their breeding grounds, over the course of the 21st century on a decadal temporal resolution. Results show by the end of the 21st century, 35% of humpback whale breeding areas will experience SSTs above or within 1°C of current thresholds if present-day social, economic, and technological trends continue (‘middle of the road’ CMIP6 greenhouse gas trajectory SSP2-RCP4.5). This number rises to 67% under the scenario describing rapid economic growth in carbon-intensive industries (‘fossil-fueled development’ CMIP6 greenhouse gas trajectory SSP5-RCP8.5). These projections highlight the importance of reducing global greenhouse gas emissions and minimizing further SST increases to preserve ecological integrity of humpback whale breeding areas. In this context, our results emphasize the need to focus on protection of critical ocean habitat and to provide high-resolution climate data for this purpose.

The production of microalgal biomass and products derived thereof for a wide variety of applications is a hot research topic, with the number of facilities being built and products and biologically active molecules launched into the market increasing every year. The aim of the current study was to identify the attitudes of citizens in Almería (Spain) and Livorno (Italy) towards the construction of a microalgae production plant and a biorefinery in their cities and also their opinions about the microalgae-based products that could be produced. Overall, in Almería (Spain), a NIMBY (not in my back yard) attitude towards the construction of a microalgal production facility and especially towards a microalgal biorefinery was observed, despite the strong microalgal industry in the region and the higher knowledge of citizens about microalgae. In both locations, but especially in Livorno (Italy), microalgae-based biostimulants, biofertilisers, and aquafeeds were well accepted. Proximity was the main factor affecting the acceptance of a microalgae producing facility. Consumer knowledge about microalgal biotechnology and the health and environmental benefits of this valuable raw material are scarce, and opinions are based on drivers other than knowledge. After gaining more knowledge about microalgal biorefineries, most of the responses in Almería (47%) and Livorno (61%) were more positive.

L'innovation scientifique et ses avantages dérivés ont eu de profondes implications pour l'humanité au cours du siècle dernier. La discipline passionnante de la biotechnologie a attiré les intérêts des biologistes traditionnels, des biochimistes, des microbiologistes, des scientifiques médicaux et agricoles dans l'application de modèles mathématiques et d'ingénierie à la compréhension de la biologie. En outre, plusieurs scientifiques des sciences exactes des mathématiques, de la physique et de la chimie ont commencé à utiliser des approches systémiques pour percer le mystère et la complexité de la biologie. Et du côté du diagnostic, de la biopharmaceutique, les industries biochimiques et agricoles tirent rapidement parti et appliquent les résultats de la recherche en biotechnologie. De plus, de nouvelles industries s'appuyant sur la génomique surgissent quotidiennement pour remettre en question la façon dont les choses ont été faites. Les résultats finaux peuvent être dans plusieurs années, mais la biotechnologie connaîtra une révolution comme aucune autre dans les sciences de la vie et affectera toutes les facettes de nos vies, de l'amélioration des cultures au commerce, en passant par les médicaments et le développement durable. Beaucoup des problèmes les plus importants et les plus difficiles de la science moderne nécessitent une approche multidisciplinaire et intégrative. Travailler dans des domaines qui se situent entre les disciplines standard exige que les barrières soient en panne.Les biotechnologies modernes ont mis en place des mécanismes permettant le développement de la recherche intégrative.Même les grandes entreprises, les filiales et les coentreprises, les universités, les organismes de recherche, les petites entreprises et les startups commencent à interagir de manière non traditionnelle.Les récents progrès révolutionnaires dans le séquençage génomique ont ouvert la voie à une compréhension approfondie de l'organisation des génomes et de la manière dont les variations de l'ADN des individus influencent leurs phénotypes.L' objectif fondamental de la biologie cellulaire est de comprendre la physiologie en termes d'informations codées dans le génome de la cellule.La biologie moléculaire, d'autre part, fournit une description détaillée des composants des réseaux biologiques, et les principes organisationnels de ces réseaux deviennent de plus en plus apparents.Par conséquent, le principal défi auquel sont confrontés les biologistes humains au XXIe siècle est d'identifier comment les variations du génome humain contribuent à l'apparition et à la progression de troubles communs qui ont des déterminants à la fois génétiques et environnementaux.Dans ce premier numéro spécial de l'African Journal of Biotechnology, il y a des revues et des perspectives par des spécialistes avec des informations opportunes sur les questions de biotechnologie dans divers domaines y compris l'écologie industrielle, les techniques de culture in vitro, la technologie transgénique, la conservation génétique, le diagnostic moléculaire et les produits biopharmaceutiques. Le défi pour l'Afrique est double. Il est urgent d'être compétent dans l'application de ces recherches innovantes dans les industries et d'enseigner les compétences nécessaires à la prochaine génération de scientifiques. Cela nécessitera un programme pour attirer des chercheurs africains qualifiés du monde occidental vers les universités et le secteur privé afin de faciliter l'éducation et l'industrialisation de la biotechnologie. La innovación científica y sus beneficios derivados han tenido profundas implicaciones para la humanidad en el último siglo. La emocionante disciplina de la biotecnología ha atraído los intereses de biólogos, bioquímicos, microbiólogos, científicos médicos y agrícolas tradicionales en la aplicación de modelos matemáticos y de ingeniería para comprender la biología. Además, varios científicos en las ciencias exactas de las matemáticas, la física y la química han comenzado a utilizar enfoques sistémicos para desentrañar el misterio y la complejidad de la biología. Y desde el lado, diagnóstico, biofarmacéutico, industrias bioquímicas y agrícolas están rápidamente aprovechando y aplicando los resultados de la investigación de la biotecnología. Además, nuevas industrias que dependen de la genómica están surgiendo diariamente para desafiar la forma en que se han hecho las cosas. Los resultados finales pueden tardar varios años, pero la biotecnología experimentará una revolución como ninguna antes en las ciencias de la vida y afectará todas las facetas de nuestras vidas, desde la mejora de los cultivos hasta el comercio y las drogas hasta el desarrollo sostenible. Muchos de los problemas más importantes y desafiantes de la ciencia moderna requieren un enfoque multidisciplinario e integrador. Trabajar en áreas que se encuentran entre las disciplinas estándar requiere que las barreras sean desglosado. Las biotecnologías modernas han establecido mecanismos para permitir el desarrollo de la investigación integradora. Incluso las grandes empresas, subsidiarias y empresas conjuntas, universidades, organizaciones de investigación, pequeñas empresas y nuevas empresas están comenzando a interactuar de maneras no tradicionales. Los recientes avances revolucionarios en la secuenciación genómica han abierto el camino para una comprensión más profunda de la organización de los genomas y la forma en que las variaciones en el ADN de los individuos influyen en sus fenotipos. El objetivo fundamental de la biología celular es comprender fisiología en términos de la información codificada en el genoma de la célula. La biología molecular, por otro lado, proporciona una descripción detallada de los componentes de las redes biológicas, y los principios organizativos de estas redes son cada vez más evidentes. Por lo tanto, el principal desafío que enfrentan los biólogos humanos en el siglo XXI es identificar cómo las variaciones en el genoma humano contribuyen a la aparición y progresión de trastornos comunes que tienen determinantes genéticos y ambientales. En este primer número especial de la Revista Africana de Biotecnología, hay revisiones y perspectivas de especialistas con información oportuna sobre temas de biotecnología en diversos campos incluida la ecología industrial, las técnicas de cultivo in vitro, la tecnología transgénica, la conservación genética, el diagnóstico molecular y los productos biofarmacéuticos. El desafío para África es doble. Existe la necesidad urgente de ser competente en la aplicación de estas investigaciones innovadoras en las industrias y de enseñar las habilidades necesarias a la próxima generación de científicos. Esto requerirá un esquema para atraer de nuevo a investigadores africanos calificados del mundo occidental a las universidades y al sector privado con el fin de facilitar la educación y la industrialización de la biotecnología. Scientific innovation and its derivative benefits have had profound implications to humanity within the last century.The exciting discipline of biotechnology has drawn the interests of traditional biologists, biochemists, microbiologists, medical and agricultural scientists into applying mathematical and engineering models to understanding biology.Furthermore, several scientists in the exact sciences of mathematics, physics, and chemistry have begun to use system approaches to unravel the mystery and complexity of biology.And from the side, diagnostic, biopharmaceutical, biochemical and agricultural industries are rapidly drawing from and applying the research results of biotechnology.Moreover new industries relying on genomics are springing up daily to challenge the way things have been done.The final results may be several years away, but biotechnology will experience a revolution like none before in the life sciences and will affect every facet of our lives, from crop improvement to commerce, and drugs to sustainable development.Many of the most important and challenging problems of modern science require a multidisciplinary and an integrative approach.Working in areas that fall between the standard disciplines requires that barriers be broken down.Modern biotechnologies have established mechanisms to enable integrative research to develop.Even large companies, subsidiaries and joint ventures, universities, research organizations, small companies and startups are starting to interact in non-traditional ways.Recent revolutionary advances in genomic sequencing has opened the way for a deepened understanding of the organization of genomes and the way in which variations in the DNA of individuals influence their phenotypes.The fundamental goal of cell biology is to understand physiology in terms of the information encoded in the cell's genome.Molecular biology on the other hand provides a detailed description of the components of biological networks, and the organizational principles of these networks are becoming increasingly apparent.Therefore, the major challenge facing human biologists in the 21st century is in identifying how variations in the human genome contribute to the onset and progression of common disorders which have both genetic and environmental determinants.In this first special issue of the African Journal of Biotechnology, there are reviews and perspectives by specialists with timely information on biotechnology issues in diverse fields including industrial ecology, in vitro culture techniques, transgenic technology, genetic conservation, molecular diagnostics and biopharmaceuticals.The challenge for Africa is two-fold.There is the urgent need to be competent in the application of these innovative researches in industries and to teach the necessary skills to the next generation of scientists.This will require a scheme to lure back skilled African researchers from the western world to the universities and private sector in order to facilitate biotechnology education and industrialization. كان للابتكار العلمي وفوائده المشتقة آثار عميقة على البشرية خلال القرن الماضي. اجتذب التخصص المثير للتكنولوجيا الحيوية اهتمامات علماء الأحياء التقليديين والكيمياء الحيوية وعلماء الأحياء الدقيقة والعلماء الطبيين والزراعيين في تطبيق النماذج الرياضية والهندسية لفهم علم الأحياء. علاوة على ذلك، بدأ العديد من العلماء في العلوم الدقيقة للرياضيات والفيزياء والكيمياء في استخدام مناهج النظام لكشف لغز وتعقيد علم الأحياء. ومن الجانب، التشخيصي، الصيدلاني الحيوي، تعتمد الصناعات الكيميائية الحيوية والزراعية بسرعة على نتائج أبحاث التكنولوجيا الحيوية وتطبقها. علاوة على ذلك، تظهر صناعات جديدة تعتمد على علم الجينوم يوميًا لتحدي الطريقة التي تم بها إنجاز الأمور. قد تكون النتائج النهائية على بعد عدة سنوات، لكن التكنولوجيا الحيوية ستشهد ثورة لم يسبق لها مثيل في علوم الحياة وستؤثر على كل جانب من جوانب حياتنا، من تحسين المحاصيل إلى التجارة، والمخدرات إلى التنمية المستدامة. تتطلب العديد من المشكلات الأكثر أهمية وتحديًا في العلوم الحديثة نهجًا متعدد التخصصات وتكامليًا. يتطلب العمل في المجالات التي تقع بين التخصصات القياسية أن تكون الحواجز معطلة. أنشأت التقنيات الحيوية الحديثة آليات لتمكين البحث التكاملي من التطور. حتى الشركات الكبيرة والشركات التابعة والمشاريع المشتركة والجامعات والمنظمات البحثية والشركات الصغيرة والشركات الناشئة بدأت في التفاعل بطرق غير تقليدية. لقد فتحت التطورات الثورية الحديثة في التسلسل الجيني الطريق لفهم أعمق لتنظيم الجينوم والطريقة التي تؤثر بها الاختلافات في الحمض النووي للأفراد على أنماطهم الظاهرية. الهدف الأساسي لبيولوجيا الخلية هو فهم علم وظائف الأعضاء من حيث المعلومات المشفرة في جينوم الخلية. من ناحية أخرى، يقدم علم الأحياء الجزيئي وصفًا تفصيليًا لمكونات الشبكات البيولوجية، والمبادئ التنظيمية لهذه الشبكات أصبحت واضحة بشكل متزايد. لذلك، فإن التحدي الرئيسي الذي يواجه علماء الأحياء البشرية في القرن الحادي والعشرين هو تحديد كيفية مساهمة الاختلافات في الجينوم البشري في ظهور وتطور الاضطرابات الشائعة التي لها محددات وراثية وبيئية على حد سواء. في هذا العدد الخاص الأول من المجلة الأفريقية للتكنولوجيا الحيوية، هناك مراجعات ووجهات نظر من قبل متخصصين لديهم معلومات في الوقت المناسب حول قضايا التكنولوجيا الحيوية في مجالات متنوعة بما في ذلك البيئة الصناعية، وتقنيات الاستزراع في المختبر، والتكنولوجيا المعدلة وراثيًا، والحفظ الجيني، والتشخيص الجزيئي، والمستحضرات الصيدلانية الحيوية. التحدي الذي تواجهه إفريقيا ذو شقين. هناك حاجة ملحة إلى الكفاءة في تطبيق هذه الأبحاث المبتكرة في الصناعات وتعليم المهارات اللازمة للجيل القادم من العلماء. سيتطلب هذا مخططًا لجذب الباحثين الأفارقة المهرة من العالم الغربي إلى الجامعات والقطاع الخاص من أجل تسهيل تعليم التكنولوجيا الحيوية والتصنيع.