"When pigs make crude oil!" But it's not as far-fetched as it sounds. According to the Associated Press, scientists are experimenting with how to make crude oil from   pig manure. Don't laugh   this is absolutely serious!
The oil being pumped out of the ground today was made over the centuries from thick layers of dead plants under intense heat and pressure. But in the lab, the process can take as little as half an hour.
Scientists can easily create small batches of oil from waste, but they're still working on a way to convert massive amounts on a regular basis. But if they can figure it out, and do it inexpensively, it can make a big difference in the world.
Why? Well, we have to reduce our need for foreign oil. And getting rid of livestock waste is hard, especially when a single farm can produce thousands of tons of manure a year. And if you've ever been downwind from a pig farm, you know it's a big, stinky problem. So right there, it serves 2 huge purposes.
Bottom line is, you won't end up driving a car powered by pig manure gasoline--But the oil they make could be used in small electric or heating plants, and to make asphalt, ink or plastics. And just think, if that plastic ends up in an airplane   it looks like pigs will get that chance to fly!