The steady rise in global energy consumption is causing a rapid depletion of fossil fuel resources. …there is an urgent need to determine alternate renewable energy sources. …Biomass is readily available and its organic composition makes it a top choice for an environment-friendly energy resource. …However, plant biomass contains more than 50% moisture… researchers from Japan led by Dr. Toshiaki Ohara, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pathology and Experimental Medicine, Okayama University have identified an effective mechanical compression system for drying plant biomass for power generation without the need for thermal drying. Their novel method can be applied on both woody and herbaceous plants and generates a compression liquid with water-soluble lignin that has basic antiviral properties against influenza and pig epidemic diarrhea viruses. …both cedar board and ginger herb species compression liquids significantly inhibited influenza and porcine epidemic diarrhea virus infection.