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Plant can root out land mines

Scientists have created a plant that can locate land mines by changing colour when it comes into contact with explosives. It is a breakthrough that they hope will save thousands of lives. The plant's genetic structure has been modified so that its leaves change from green to red when its roots come into contact with nitrogen dioxide, a chemical discharged from explosives when they are buried in soil.

Scientists have created a plant that can locate land mines by changing colour when it comes into contact with explosives. It is a breakthrough that they hope will save thousands of lives.

The plant's genetic structure has been modified so that its leaves change from green to red when its roots come into contact with nitrogen dioxide, a chemical discharged from explosives when they are buried in soil.

The plants have been developed by scientists from Aresa, a Danish company, in greenhouses in Copenhagen's botanic garden.

Source: http://www.sundaytimes.co.za/2004/02/08/news/news07.asp

[Editor: The preceding article was not written by A4M/WHN]

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