Unlike animals, plants are pretty well amenable to genetic modification and today you can create a plant, you can say, “for every taste”. But what if a purely decorative ornaments to create something more useful? For example, sensors? That’s what I plan to do scientists from the University of Tennessee.
Responsible for the development of a group of experts headed by Professor Neil Stewart. The basic idea of scientists is that even without geneticheskoi modification of the flora may respond to the presence in the air various agents. According to Professor Stuart,
“Mold, radon gas or high concentrations of volatile organic compounds without problems trapped many plants. And even if you think that you are in a room alone – far from it. You are surrounded by this organic incubator. And not all of them useful. Plants can not only improve the microbiome, but also to recognize problems.”
The essence of development is that the plants were “genetic switch” that can respond to the content of certain substances. Stuart and his team have managed to create plants that respond to high nitrogen content in the atmosphere. At higher concentrations the plants begin to glow.
These “analyzers” can “equip” as the bedroom, flora street, which will serve as a “useful sensors”, because the function of air purification and oxygen production in plants, no one is going to take away. Moreover, such plants can be used in military and civilian areas if “teach” them to respond to the presence in the air of toxic substances.
Presents genetically engineered “smart” plants
Vladimir Kuznetsov