The Nikkei reported that Panasonic Corp. has successfully developed technology which artificially induces photosynthesis five times more efficiently than other methods. The technology induces photosynthesis that is almost as efficient in the natural process occurring in plants. This development could also theoretically reduce the production of carbon dioxide while also producing ethanol which could be used as fuel for automobiles. Just like plants, artificial photosynthesis uses sunlight to create organic substances such as ethanol, water and carbon dioxide. To induce a reaction with sunlight, water and carbon dioxide, Panasonic used an original metallic catalyst and gallium nitride, which is used in the production of semiconductors like LEDs. Japan’s electronics giant plans to build a prototype system that will use catalysts that are shaped like solar panels, and wants to use the technology to produce ethanol by 2015. (July 29, 2012)