Biofuels: Promising Uses and Pitfalls

Hydrogen from Algae Genetically modified algae could be efficient producers of hydrogen and biofuels. is an article touting the potential utility of algea as a source of both hydrogen and oil. The idea would be to genetically engineer algae so as to develop strains which are chlorophyll-deficient. The deficiency would allow sunlight to penetrate more deeply allowing deeper algae layers to take advantage of the sunlight. Algae is already known to be easily handled and easily grown.

A second article, Biofuels Are Bad for Feeding People and Combating Climate Change, debunks the ecologically popular idea of using food as a source of energy through its conversion to fuel. The conversion process is energy intensive and consumes a significant amount of energy in order to create a fuel intended to be an energy source. Surely not a good strategy. In addition it removes a food source which drives up the price of food as less of it is available for consumer consumption. Going green does not eliminate the need for wise approaches to problem solving.

Organic Foods

The National Organic Program is a USDA website devoted to the topic of organic foods. From the site:

What is organic food?

Organic food is produced by farmers who emphasize the use of renewable resources and the conservation of soil and water to enhance environmental quality for future generations. Organic meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products come from animals that are given no antibiotics or growth hormones. Organic food is produced without using most conventional pesticides; fertilizers made with synthetic ingredients or sewage sludge; bioengineering; or ionizing radiation. Before a product can be labeled "organic," a Government-approved certifier inspects the farm where the food is grown to make sure the farmer is following all the rules necessary to meet USDA organic standards. Companies that handle or process organic food before it gets to your local supermarket or restaurant must be certified, too.


Organic sugar is now available from one of the industry heavyweights.

Strategies for Treating Varroa Destructor Infestation

Ross Conrad authored an excellent book titled Natural Beekeeping. Conrad is a beekeeper with hands on experience dealing with issues discussed in his book. One of the most prominent problems facing beekeepers is colony collapse disorder- a phenomenon that has led to the demise of many beehives. A high profile suspect in this whodunnit mystery is a species of mites known as Varroa destructor, more commonly known as varroa mites or simply varroa. These parasitic mites have been the bane of many a beehive. Keeping varroa from overwhelming their hives has been a challenge to apiculturists.

Not surprisingly treating the varroa problem has included the use of chemicals intended to kill off or weaken varroa. But this has some major drawbacks which include cost of chemicals, acquisition of resistence to chemicals by the mites, undesireable deleterious side affects on the bees themselves and contamination of honey subsequently purchased and eaten. In pointing to treatment alternatives Conrad has emphasized the importance of an alternative organic approach.

One approach to the varroa problem has been to make splits of existing hives to enhance winter survival rates. The idea is to reduce the mite count which a split would clearly do based on the mechanical nature of it alone. However, there is a more subtle fact that splits may be exploiting. The splits may disrupt the reproduction cycle of the mites when bee colonies must raise up a new queen. Slowing the growth rate of varroa can make the difference between a future colony collapse and a colony that survives and becomes a productive source of honey.1



References:

1. Natural Beekeeping; authored by Ross Conrad; Chelsea Green Publishing; Copyrite 2007; Chapter 4; Page 70.

Motor and Gearmotor Solutions

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