USA:

Using Algae for Good

Researchers at the University of Kentucky are studying the feasibility of growing algae with flue gas from coal-burning power plants to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Andy Placido, an engineer associate with the university’s Center for Applied Energy Research, says the goal is “to find out how we can improve the process for making fuel and how does that compare with other algae-derived products, such as fertilizers, animal feed, etc.”

“Our end goal is to make biofuel. In the future the ideal situation would be for growers to produce their own energy source.”

(Source: hortamericas.blogspot.ca)

CANADA:

Making a Business out of it

Raising hydroponic crops on rooftops is not a new idea, and it was commercialized in 2010 when Lufa Farms built the first commercial rooftop greenhouse in Montreal. Alterrus soon built a similar greenhouse on top of a parking garage in Vancouver, and idea kept spreading from there.

Aside from responding to the growing demand for local food, these farms strive to revolutionize the way cities feed themselves while making a profit. However, since some rooftop farms have been subsidized by public money, skeptics have questioned if these businesses can thrive at a commercial level. But Joe Nasr, a lecturer at Ryerson University’s Centre for Studies in Food Security, says it’s not unusual for incubators to get support. “I would say not to treat this any differently from any other industry that’s getting R&D funding to jumpstart innovation.”

(Source: freshplaza.com)

UK:

Golden Favorite

When it comes to snacking on apples, Golden Delicious are the British favorite, with almost a quarter of Brits preferring them over other varieties. According to a recent survey by Fruitdrop, a fresh fruit delivery company, this is particularly true of men, with 29% partial to a Golden Delicious apple.

(Source: freshplaza.com)

AUSTRALIA:

Classification Issues

Australia’s giant eucalyptus trees are the tallest flowering plants on earth, yet their unique relationship with fire makes them a huge puzzle for ecologists. However, fire dependency now threatens the trees’ future as much as it has shaped their evolutionary past. Due to this trait, foresters classify the tree as unique type of Australian vegetation rather than considering it a rainforest tree.

“This classification has serious scientific and conservation implications for the remaining forests of mature (old growth) giant eucalypts,” said Professor David Bowman, from the University of Tasmania’s School of Plant Science. “Giant trees have huge value for the timber industry, yet there are strong environmental reasons for their protection. Classification as rainforest trees would support arguments in favor of conservation.”

(Source: sciencedaily.com)