Scientists develop synthetic gene that could improve air quality

Scientists at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) have developed a synthetic gene that could be used as a method of capturing CO2 emissions.

The study, which is due to be published in the journal Science, could be important in the search for clean energy solutions and emissions reduction targets, one of the researchers explained.

UCLA chemistry and biochemistry professor Omar M Yaghi said that the development could lead to "a viable carbon dioxide-capture material with ultra-high selectivity".

He added that the discovery also has further possibilities in terms of environmental technology.

"Potentially, we could create a material that can convert carbon dioxide into a fuel, or a material that can separate carbon dioxide with greater efficiency," professor Yaghi stated.

According to a report released by the International Energy Outlook in May last year, global energy-related CO2 emissions are expected to increase from 29 billion metric tons in 2006 to 33.1 billion metric tons by 2015.

Posted by Joseph Hutton