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Scientists at Tulane University in New Orleans announced they have discovered a new strain of bacteria than can break down cellulose, the difficult-to-tear- down fiber present in plants.

The end result? Butanol, a fuel source that is more energy rich than ethanol and less corrosive.

And the place where strain of bacteria was found hiding out? In animal droppings, proving yet again that science, while rarely glamorous, is vital for the survival of the human race.

In a press release sent out by the university, Harshad Velenkar, a postdoctoral fellow in David Mullin’s lab in Tulane’s Department of Cell and Molecular Biology Department, :

Cellulose is found in all green plants, and is the most abundant organic material on earth, and converting it into butanol is the dream of many….In the United States alone, at least 323 million tons of cellulosic materials that could be used to produce butanol are thrown out each year.”

The newly discovered bacterial strain, which goes by the scientific nickname of TU-103,  is the only known strain of bacteria that can produce butanol in an oxygen environment (processes that use bacteria strains that require oxygen-free environments bump up the cost of production).

In addition to being less corrosive and more energy rich Butanol can be used in current automobiles without any requiring any engine modifications and can be transported in existing pipelines.