Biofuel testing 'is America's Sputnik'

Biofuel testing could play a significant part in the future of the US economy, with President Barack Obama comparing the technology to Russia's launch of the satellite Sputnik.

Sputnik 1 was the first time an artificial satellite had been put into orbit around the Earth - and the US leader is now looking to break similarly new ground through biofuel testing.

In his recent State of the Union address, President Obama said biofuel development is a key component in breaking the nation's dependence on oil.

The issue was one area of research and development he singled out among many as the basis for a stronger US economy in the future.

"We'll invest in biomedical research, information technology and, especially, clean-energy technology - an investment that will strengthen our security, protect our planet and create countless new jobs," he told the American people.

Crispin Taylor, executive director of the American Society of Plant Biologists, responded to the speech, saying plant research is paving the way to solutions to many of the key challenges currently faced by the country.