While some researchers turn to algae or grasses, others are turning their attention to bacteria as potential biofuel sources. Bacteria perform functions that produce byproducts like ethanol and hydrogen, says Umair Irfan at ClimateWire. Bacterial cells can also be used as biodiesel precursors, Irfan adds. The US Department of Energy's Joint BioEnergy Institute is working on ways to control these processes in bacteria using RNA.