January 26, 2004
Modified plants detect landmines
Scientists in Denmark have developed a genetically modified plant that warns of landmines by changing colour from green to red.From Ananova, which also notes:According to the team at Aresa, a bio-technology company in Copenhagen, the GM plant changes colour when its roots come into contact with nitrogen-dioxide - a chemical used in explosives.
The scientists have also ensured that the plant cannot spread without the help of a human hand.Reassuring from the ecological point of view, but wouldn't one have to blanket vast areas with the stuff if it is to work as promised? I wonder how this is to be done?
Posted by David on January 26, 2004 6:45 PM
Cross it with Kudzu?
Posted by: Jon H on January 26, 2004 7:32 PM
Would the plant go red over every animal dropping that hits it or it grows over? Nice idea, but not workable it seems.
Posted by: gunner on January 26, 2004 10:26 PM
How about spraying seeds from a crop-dusting airplane?
Posted by: The Precision Blogger on January 28, 2004 8:51 PM
In response to Jon H:
Animal droppings don't produce NO2 (nitrogen dioxide). Feces contain organic nitrogen (a carbon chain of some sort with some nitrogen in it) that is rapidly decomposed in soil into ammonium by fungal and bacterial decomposers.
The ammonification process of feces is just one part of the nitrogen cycle. NO2 is a highly reactive oxidant and corrosive that is not a part of this nitrogen cycle at all. Its only common sources, other than landmines, are kerosene heaters, un-vented gas stoves and heaters, and tobacco smoke.
Posted by: Jess on February 28, 2004 1:03 PM
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