ELF Magnetic Fields Boost Ethanol Production

Researchers in Brazil have successfully used extremely low frequency (ELF) magnetic fields to significantly boost the amount of ethanol produced through the fermentation of sugar. Their study is scheduled for the 5 October issue of Biotechnology Progress, a bi-monthly journal published by the American Chemical Society.

Victor Perez of the State University of Campinas, Brazil, and his colleagues showed that yeast-based fermentation of sugar cane in the presence of ELF magnetic fields boosted ethanol production by 17%. The scientists also showed that ethanol production was faster, taking two hours less than standard fermentation methods.

Hmm, maybe living under the electric lines isn't so bad. Well, at least not if you are a yeast cell.

via Green Car Congress