A NASA DC-8 airplane releases contrails over California in a mission to determine the effect a biofuel blend made with camelina plant oil has on the aircraft’s emissions and engine performance. NASA would like to conduct additional flight tests on other biofuels in the future, especially algae because it doesn't require fresh water to grow. (NASA/AP)
5:24 pm ET -Commercial jets could fly safely with a blend of jet fuel that includes a plant oil, NASA researchers said Thursday. NASA is one of several government agencies examining the use of renewable biofuels to reduce dependency on foreign oil while reducing carbon emissions.
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