Michigan State University scientists, led by Robin Buell and Kevin Childs, are reportedly creating an easily accessible, web-based genomic database of information on crops that can be used to make ethanol. Genomic databases contain information on the molecular biology and genetics of a particular species. The project has obtained a $540,000 joint grant from the US departments of Agriculture and Energy.
The funds will be used to centralise the genomic databases, create uniform annotations (notes or descriptions of the genomes), provide data mining and search tools, and provide a website for scientists worldwide to access the databases. They will also regularly update the information.
The biofuel genomic database portal will include information on any crop that can be used to produce cellulosic ethanol. This includes all the grasses such as corn, rice, maize, wheat and other biofuel species such as poplar, willow and pine.
