The scientists studied how steam-treated corn stover can help make enzymes that break down plant material into sugars for biofuel. They found that after just five days, these enzymes were most effective at converting the steam-treated corn stover into sugars. When the enzymes were used at the right level, they could turn almost all of the plant residue into sugars within 24 hours, with most of it becoming glucose. This method shows promise for efficiently converting agricultural waste into valuable biofuels.