Abstract: Some aspects of this invention relate to methods useful for the conversion of a carbon source to a biofuel or biofuel precursor using engineered microbes. Some aspects of this invention relate to the discovery of a key regulator of lipid metabolism in microbes. Some aspects of this invention relate to engineered microbes for biofuel or biofuel precursor production.

Abstract: The charcoal-foam heating material is formed by combining a charcoal mixture with an aqueous surfactant and water to create a semi-homogenous charcoal-foam slurry. The slurry is poured into shaping molds so that the slurry dries into the charcoal-foam heating material. In the preferred embodiment, a concrete surfactant is used during the mixing process and the charcoal-foam slurry is formed into briquettes and used as a cooking fuel.

Abstract: A charcoal heating material, such as charcoal briquettes, includes a porous structure that facilitates the flow of oxygen about the charcoal, and thereby, enables the briquettes to ignite easily and quickly. In particular the lightweighted charcoal briquettes have a density from about 0.50 grams per cubic centimeter to about 0.80 grams per cubic centimeter. Methods of forming charcoal heating materials include mixing a rheology modifying agent and a moisture phase with a charcoal mixture to facilitate absorption of additional water into the solid matrix, providing increased porosity and lightweighting of the finished briquette after drying.

Abstract: Some aspects of this invention relate to methods useful for the conversion of a carbon source to a biofuel or biofuel precursor using engineered microbes. Some aspects of this invention relate to the discovery of a key regulator of lipid metabolism in microbes. Some aspects of this invention relate to engineered microbes for biofuel or biofuel precursor production.

Abstract: Some aspects of this invention relate to methods useful for the conversion of a carbon source to a biofuel or biofuel precursor using engineered microbes. Some aspects of this invention relate to the discovery of a key regulator of lipid metabolism in microbes. Some aspects of this invention relate to engineered microbes for biofuel or biofuel precursor production.

Abstract: The biopolymer additive, in combination with water, functions as a soil conditioner that affects soil erosion and water infiltration. The biopolymer additive is derived from complex galactomannon-rich succulent plants. The succulent-derived (biopolymer) additive (SDA) may be used alone or in combination with polymers and copolymers of polyacrylamide (PAM). The combination of the SDA and PAM has a synergistic effect so that the resulting composition yields unexpected results and is a more effective treatment than either SDA or the PAM alone.

Abstract: Some aspects of this invention relate to methods useful for the conversion of a carbon source to a biofuel or biofuel precursor using engineered microbes. Some aspects of this invention relate to the discovery of a key regulator of lipid metabolism in microbes. Some aspects of this invention relate to engineered microbes for biofuel or biofuel precursor production.

Abstract: A charcoal heating material, such as charcoal briquettes, includes a porous structure that facilitates the flow of oxygen about the charcoal, and thereby, enables the briquettes to ignite easily and quickly. In particular the lightweighted charcoal briquettes have a density from about 0.50 grams per cubic centimeter to about 0.80 grams per cubic centimeter. Methods of forming charcoal heating materials include mixing a rheology modifying agent and a moisture phase with a charcoal mixture to facilitate absorption of additional water into the solid matrix, providing increased porosity and lightweighting of the finished briquette after drying.

Abstract: The charcoal-foam heating material is formed by combining a charcoal mixture with an aqueous surfactant and water to create a semi-homogenous charcoal-foam slurry. The slurry is poured into shaping molds so that the slurry dries into the charcoal-foam heating material. In the preferred embodiment, a concrete surfactant is used during the mixing process and the charcoal-foam slurry is formed into briquettes and used as a cooking fuel.