The basic idea was to run the raw fats and oils over a sulfated zirconia catalyst to change them into biodiesel. This idea isn ’t new, but the duo thought they could improve on it. In the end, the pair enlisted the help of another scientist Ben Yan and and Augsburg alum Clayton McNeff.

Reader Jacob Varghese asked yesterday "what's the difference between ethanol and biodiesel? which one is better, cheaper..."

In this episode Fifth Gear compares two of Europe’s hottest superminis, the 208HP MINI Cooper S JCW and the 205HP Renault Clio RS Cup to find out which is the most rewarding car to drive. Along with the usual race track lap, Fifth Gear's journalists also perform an unconventional test in a tight circuit. Find out who wins in the video after the jump.

In less than 7 years, Mercedes-Benz plans to ditch petroleum-powered vehicles from its lineup. Focusing on electric, fuel cell, and biofuels, the company is revving up research in alternative fuel sources and efficiency.

1. Turn off your engine if you are going to be idling for more than 30 seconds. Millions of gallons of fuel are wasted each day from idling. Your starter and battery system can handle the increased activity. 2. Change your air filter every 10,000 miles. Just like a marathon runner, your car needs to suck in air without restriction.

So how much are you paying for gas (assuming, of course, you haven't yet gone car-free)? Those living on the West Coast (especially California) - or in Hawaii - probably already know that they're paying a nice premium over some of their fellow Midwestern drivers. There are an graphical representaion of gas price

Arios, a lesser known company in the competitive aftermarket tuner scene the world but renowned in its home country of Japan, has also set about giving the new GT-R a makeover.

It is a site where you can find alternative fuel stations in your area along with the price of fuel. AltFuelPrices.com uses a Google map which automatically brings you to your state. You then have the choice of choosing from a selection of alternative fuels such as: Biodiesel, CNG, E85 Ethanol, electric, hydrogen, LNG, and LPG.

What may be the ultimate prepackaged Mustang hot-rod has been released by Obsidian in the form of its SG-One. Tube-frame construction with a stealth roll cage, twin superchargers on a hand-built engine and all the custom work a person could dream of inside and out mark the Obsidian SG-One as one-of-a-kind.

New laws that came into effect in the UK this week mandating all fuels for cars and trucks must have some biofuel content has been found to do more harm to the environment than good. A number of charities including Oxfam and Greenpeace as well as science groups claim the production of biofuel will add more carbon-dioxide to the air than would be reduced by the amount adsorbed by the crops used to make the fuel.