A scientific team from the Laboratory for Algae Research and Biotechnology of the University of Arizona, United States, has embarked on a project to develop a technology for converting algae into military jet fuel. It is backed by a $6.7 million grant from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. The team, headed by laboratory directors Qiang Hu and Milton Sommerfeld, will search for oil-rich algal strains; evaluate their oil production potential; and develop a cost-effective production technology. Director Milton Sommerfield estimates that “a minimum of 100 barrels of oil per year per acre is achievable”. The project is expected to be completed by 2008..