Biobased News
Other Biobased Products/Energy News
Archive: 2004
08/29/05 - Iowa State spin-off company wins grant for noise-reduction technology
An Iowa State University spin-off company has won a $440,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to develop its unique noise-reduction technologies. Vibroacoustics Solutions, Inc. is developing a smart material that has passive and active noise-reduction capabilities. The material is made from a composite of polymer and natural fibers such as hemp.
04/15/05 - VCPSA Two-Page Overview
The Value Chains Partnership for Sustainable Agriculture has posted a two-page overview that highlights the three working groups and their accomplishments.
04/10/05 - ISU Hosts "Tailoring Lignocellulosic Feedstocks for Bioenergy and Biobased Products"
Much of the energy stored in plants lies in biomass fiber composed of lignin, hemicellulose and cellulose. That biomass fiber is the backbone of the plant and allows them to stand up, extend leaves and protect seeds. However, lignocellulose has proven difficult to break into sugars which are then converted into fuels and products. Panels at the conference on May 16, 2005, will discuss the state of the art in biomass conversion and opportunities for improvement; agronomic issues and plant breeding approaches; and biochemistry, molecular biology and chemical approaches.
03/11/05 - Johanns Announces Grants to Expand Value-Added Agricultural Business Ventures
Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns today announced the availability of $14.3 million in grants that will support the development of value-added agriculture business ventures and support President Bush's energy plan to develop alternative sources of renewable energy.
03/09/05 - Major Accomplishments of the Biomass R&D Technical Advisory Committee in 2004
The Biomass Research and Development Technical Advisory Committee recently completed its fourth year of activities. During the 2004 work year, the Committee consisted of 30 members from academia, non-profits, state government, agriculture, forestry, and other industry sectors.
02/20/05 - The ISU BioEconomy Initiative and the Role of Biomass in a Sustainable Future
ISU is hosting a roundtable discussion of "The Iowa State University BioEconomy Initiative and the Role of Biomass in a Sustainable Future" with Hunter Lovins. Lovins, the president of Natural Capitalism Inc., will be at ISU as the featured speaker of the John Pesek Colloquium on Sustainable Agriculture.
01/21/05 - Tech Works Wins State Grant
The Cedar Valley TechWorks was awarded $150,000 in state funds over the next two years to establish a biobased business accelerator program to help fledgling agribusinesses grow near downtown Waterloo.
01/14/05 - Iowa Top in Ethanol Production
The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association says that Iowa recently surpassed Illinois as the highest producing ethanol state. Iowa has 15 producers in the state so far and the numbers are expected to grow.