So maybe it is a bit strange when your plants send you messages. But it is only a matter of time before communicating plants become our next weapon in the fight against terrorism. Professor Medford at Colorado State University and her team of biologists are modifying plant proteins that react to specific chemicals. Once the receptors of the proteins are modified to react with the chemicals of choice, these proteins then activate physiological changes that modify the plant’s appearance rapidly, such as turning all of its leaves white. With this technique, flowers and ferns could send us visual signals when in proximity of trace bomb chemicals or toxins in the air. With funding from Darpa, the Office of Naval Research, and the Defense Threat Agency, Medford says it will only be about 4 years until these plants are used in airports instead of the backscatter technology we all love. Follow this link for the publication or click here for an interview with Medford.
- Michael Rosario
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