Genetic Engineering
'Chameleon' plant marks the landmine's spot
20 years, 2 months ago
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Posted on Jan 30, 2004, 6 a.m.
By Bill Freeman
Copenhagen - Researchers in Denmark say they have produced a plant that can help detect hidden landmines by changing its colour from green to red when its roots come into contact with explosives. Scientists at Aresa, a small biotechnology firm here, have worked on the genetically modified plant for nearly three years, hoping their discovery may help reduce the number of people hurt by stepping on forgotten explosives.
Copenhagen - Researchers in Denmark say they have produced a plant that can help detect hidden landmines by changing its colour from green to red when its roots come into contact with explosives. Scientists at Aresa, a small biotechnology firm here, have worked on the genetically modified plant for nearly three years, hoping their discovery may help reduce the number of people hurt by stepping on forgotten explosives. It is believed about 100-million unexploded landmines are lurking in the soil of about 75 countries and clearing them to cultivate the land is difficult and dangerous.
Source: http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?click%5fid=31%26art%5fid=vn20040126075709887C757495%26set%5fid=1
[Editor: The preceding article was not written by A4M/WHN]
