Can Corn Husks Fuel Your Car? New Process Discovered!

What if the parts of a corn plant we usually throw away—like stalks and husks—could help fuel the future?

A team at Washington State University has discovered a new process to turn agricultural waste into usable biofuel. Instead of letting leftover plant materials go to waste, they’ve found a way to treat corn husks and stalks with a chemical mix that softens tough compounds like lignin and cellulose. Once softened, enzymes break these materials down into simple sugars—the building blocks for renewable fuels like ethanol.

This innovative method not only makes use of parts of the plant that are often discarded, but it also brings us closer to a future less dependent on fossil fuels. As we shift toward sustainable energy sources, using every part of common crops like corn could make renewable fuel more accessible, affordable, and environmentally friendly.

If you're into green technology, climate solutions, or just curious how everyday items like corn can unlock big energy breakthroughs—this Video Short is for you.