Algae farming has huge potential to transform various undesirable industrial processes into sustainable, predictable closed-loop systems. In these pictures, a 4,500,000 acre algae farm in Australia is being used to produce Beta Carotene. Cognis (a German pharmaecutical company) sold this operation to BASF recently. I often wonder how closely scientists who develop these wonderful technologies monitor the flow of funds and the control of intellectual property rights which ultimately determine how much social "Good" can comes out of their patents, processes and expertise. From the funding of initial research grants right through to the commodity pricing of marketable products, these scientists are used as pawns in a game they just barely see the edges of. Like racehorses at The Kentucky Derby, their energy and skill is confined and directed with blinders and bits so their "owners" can ultimately enjoy the benefits of the value they bring to the world.
Posted on: Sun, 04 Aug 2013 02:39:07 +0000
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