A tweaked yeast can make ethanol from cornstalks and a harvest’s other leftovers

The process could tap underused sources of renewable fuels

harvesting equipment in a cornfield

The leaves, stalks and spent cobs left behind after a corn harvest could one day become a large source of sustainable energy, a new study suggests.

United Soybean Board

When corn farmers harvest their crop, they often leave the stalks, leaves and spent cobs to rot in the fields.