Apply Genetics and Microbiology to Solve the Energy Crisis
My idea is to use genetic engineering to save the planet.Scientists could manipulate the genes of microbes to breakdown organic material at a faster rate to actually manufacture oil. Also, we could invent super-phytoplankton that could convert CO2 to Oxygen much faster and more efficiently.
Q1: How feasible is this idea? It sounds far fetched, but I feel it needs to be explored. Would you support this idea? Also, what would the political and ethical response to the idea of genetically engineering microbes for this purpose?
Idea Description
I am no scientist myself, but it seems as though genes hold many mysteries just waiting to solved. Is it hard to imagine that microbes could actually create oil if we were to alter their genetic code? Given this would take a long time to figure out, but we are going to solve the world's energy crisis and global warming by sitting around telling ourselves it won't work when we haven't tried.An even easier thing to do is isolate to create phytoplankton that can convert greenhouse gases exponentially faster than regular phytoplankton. We could create farms of these plankton and release them into bodies of water to help solve global warming. These are just two ideas, many more can be explored!!!
What will you do if you win $10,000 for this idea?
I am no scientist, there is no way I could ever do this myself. I think the best idea would be to start raising awareness and gain support of the scientific community to explore the possibilities of genetics. Not only could we use genetics to solve the energy crisis and global warming, but so many other fields can benefit from this. I realize my idea may already be in action. However, I feel this absolutely needs to have more focus. Who knows what can be accomplished through genetics? If I get this grant, there is a good chance we will start to find out a lot more!
Vote for it now.
Solix is a company studying algae and advocating its use for energy: http://www.solixbiofuels.com/