Belgian researchers studying the feces of giant pandas to try to understand how they can digest the tough bamboo, hoping to find clues to develop new generation biofuels.

Genetic structure of giant pandas under threat of extinction, is the structure of carnivorous animal, but animals have adapted to a diet consisting almost exclusively of bamboo.

Despite the fact that several scientific studies have the digestive tract of the Panda, the researchers claim that their study is the first that focused on the microorganisms in the digestive tract of the animal.

Researchers are looking for new enzymes that can be used for breaking down tough biomass, said the biochemistry of the Ghent University.

The results of the study can point to new, cheaper ways of producing second-generation biofuels, produced from plants and biomass, not intended for consumption, such as corn stalks.

The study can also help the pandas. Perhaps scientists will be able to understand why animals eat only certain species and parts of bamboo.

Source: Thomson Reuters