Dear gentlemen,
Although has been known for some months what Craig Venter was trying to achieve, he gave a bit more details on TED talks (posted March 2008): http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/view/id/227.
It might be very interesting for the people not following his work. In short Craig is claiming that he can artificially create genome to optimise metabolism pathways for production of octane from CO2. Larry Page was in audience and asked question about efficiency of the process. I think Craig did not answer satisfactorily. (Like sequestering CO2, pumping to the ocean depths were bacteria are waiting, pumping back?, what quantities?, what is the energy balance?)
I also think money is coming out and they are scooping possible investors (Craig claimed 18 months until the end of the project. This 18 months reminds me on the 20 years for fusion).
Kind Regards,
Craig Venter's fuel bacteria
Re: Craig Venter's fuel bacteria
Risky to bet against Venter. He delivers.