So Autoblog, and sister site AutoblogGreen, are reporting 2 new ways for the production of oil that don’t involve dead creatures from millions of years ago. The first (reported on Autoblog here) involves the use of livestock feed, and some genetically altered bacteria, primarily a genetically altered strain of E. coli.

The bacteria have been added to a 1,000 litre vat of the animal feed, and can turn out 40 gallons of crude oil (almost good enough to pour straight into your car) in a week. Very impressive. As long as they don’t escape. Or mutate. Or both of course!