There is no shortage of ambition at Amyris, Inc. (AMRS:  Nasdaq).  When the company staged its initial public offering of common stock in October 2010, its four founders told investors of their intentions to build a “farnesene” world with its synthetic biology platform.  Few attending at Amyris road shows had heard of farnesene until the team explained genetic modification of microorganisms. 

Ceres calls itself an energy crop company, part of the vernacular of 21st century energy production.  According to the company grass does grow “greener” on its side of the fence  -  greener because its grass are purportedly low-carbon and outside the food chain.  The company plans to sell its very “green” grass to ethanol and other biofuel producers.

One of the increasingly important relationships the past decade has been between 2 of the growing world powers contained within the "BRIC" - Brazil & China.  While most focus on the commodity output from Brazil feeding into China, China also has many boots in the ground within Brazil.  A strategy the Chinese have adopted worldwide in fact.

As highlighted last week, it has been a tough year for Brazilian stocks.  That said, it's been an especially tough year for Brazilian homebuilder Gafisa (GFA) - tougher still if you go back to the November high in the $17s.   One thing you never want to see is the CEO resign.  Even worse when it happens within 24 hours of your earnings report.  But that's what happened here.   One wonders if the stock is close to washing out as I cannot imagine the news cy

Looks like CNBC will be spotlighting Brazil this week in a series of stories and videos, with reporter MCC.  Thought I'd highlight it for those interested as this is definitely one of the most exciting countries on the globe right for both economic and investment reasons.

Three stories out today on this topic

1) Traffic Jams Boost Helicopter Traffic in Brazil - story here.  Video below