Palm oil is one of the cheapest and most widely used vegetable oils found in various products. From sauces and bread to soaps and cosmetics to chocolates and crisps, palm oil is in high demand. However, its production has severe environmental consequences. Increasingly, tropical rainforests and wetlands are being cleared to make way for palm plantations. This deforestation destroys wildlife habitats and leads to significant greenhouse gas emissions. A team of researchers made up of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) alumni developed a sustainable alternative called “Microbial oil.” This new alternative has the potential to revolutionize the palm oil industry. … Continue reading MIT Alumni Developed Microbial Oil Takes on Palm Oil Industry: Saving Rainforests, One Drop at a Time