A feat of reverse engineering!

Nikhil Nair and his team at Tufts University have engineered yeast to efficiently consume xylose, a sugar abundant in inedible plant materials. This innovation could revolutionize biofuel production by using sustainable feedstocks like agricultural waste, reducing competition with food supplies. The study's outcomes may also enhance the production of chemicals and drugs, making these processes more economical.

What are the implications of using agricultural waste or non-edible crops for biofuel production?

In what ways could the outcomes of the study make chemical and drug production more economical?