I may be (slightly) obsessed with pandas, and there is some good news on the panda front. Their poop may help solve the energy crisis. Apparently they have enzymes that help break down plant material called cellulose--this cellulose is what is problematic for using biofuels for energy. It is difficult and costly to break down. But now, pandas to the rescue! The enzymes they use to break down bamboo and extract energy from it could be used for biofuel. Way to go, pandas (and panda researchers). More info:
http://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2013/09/10/giant-pandas-could-help-solve-the-global-energy-crisis
Showing posts with label pandas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pandas. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Monday, February 14, 2011
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
I didn't go to China...
...but I DID get to see pandas! I went to the San Diego zoo for my annual homage to my favorite animal, the giant panda. I had a panda obsession as a child and it is definitely resurfacing. Last year when I saw the newest member of the San Diego clan, Yun Zi, he was just a baby and was only in the exhibit for a few hours each day. This is Yun Zi a year ago, when he was 5 months old (pictured with his mom):
And this is Yun Zi now, happily eating bamboo. He is 17 months old and is almost fully weaned from his mother--they are still in the same enclosure but he will be independent in another month.
And this is Yun Zi now, happily eating bamboo. He is 17 months old and is almost fully weaned from his mother--they are still in the same enclosure but he will be independent in another month.
Interestingly, China owns all pandas, even if they were born in the United States. Apparently China does not recognize US citizenship laws--because if they were human, the pandas born here would be US citizens!