A fungus found in the Patagonian forest could offer a promising new alternative to fossil fuels.
According to the mycologist, Gary Strobel, the fungus emits gases, which under anaerobic conditions are similar to those associated with diesel fuel.
"The main value of this discovery is probably not the organism itself, but the genes responsible for the production of these gases"
And also: "It has certain enzymes which are responsible for converting substrates, such as cellulose, into 'myco-diesel'".
Very promising also: the fungus can develop in cellulose: "It is the most common of the organic molecules on earth"
A possible commercialization is not yet on the agenda, but scientists and specialists of various fields should join the team of Gary Strobel to optimize the production of the mushroom, and especially find the way to transform the gases emitted into liquid fuel, likely to replace petroleum diesel.
source:
http://www.montana.edu/cpa/news/nwview.php?article=6417