Funding totalling £6.11 million has been awarded to scientists working in the UK and US to further understanding of photosynthesis, which could lead to more reliable crops and better processes for biofuels.
The money was awarded by the UK Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and the US National Science Foundation, aiming to draw on the best expertise and infrastructure from each country.
Professor Janet Allen, director of research at the BBSRC, said even a small change to the efficiency of photosynthesis could make a huge impact to problems facing the world.
"The world faces significant challenges in the coming decades – and chief among these is producing enough sustainable and affordable food for a growing population and replacing diminishing fossil fuels," she said.
Earlier this year, Pennsylvania State University said mimicking photosynthesis could lead to the production of inexpensive hydrogen to be used as fuel for cars and jet engines.
Typical Guttridge equipment used in the biofuels industry includes:
