Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Herps in the news: Frogs, Foam and Fuel


Are Anurans the answer to the energy crisis?
Not exactly, but according to researchers at University of Cincinnati they've inspired a solution. Motivated by the nesting foam produced by the Tungara Frog, Engystomops pustulosus, scientists have developed a foam capable of abstracting solar energy and capturing carbon dioxide from exhaust systems. The artificial, photosynthetic foam requires no soil and comprises of plant material, bacteria, frog and fungal enzymes. The inexpensive foam shows huge potential considering billions are spent globally to find an answer to dwindling fossil fuels. Economical and efficient, this could potentially be the breakthrough that saves the future of society.


http://www.greenbang.com/frog-foam-could-enable-carbon-capture-easier-biofuels_13875.html

1 comment:

Allison Welch said...

This is so cool!! What a great application of basic knowledge about frog breeding. (And a Tungara frog double-header, to boot!)