Two “science” links in one week?

Blame Karan for this one.

Within a few years we could be using genetically engineered plants to warn of landmines:

The genetically modified weed has been coded to change color when its roots come in contact with nitrogen-dioxide (NO2) evaporating from explosives buried in soil.

Within three to six weeks from being sowed over land mine infested areas the small plant, a Thale Cress, will turn a warning red whenever close to a land mine.

According to data compiled by Aresa, more than 100 million land mines have been spread out in 45 countries, hidden killers that often remain for years after a conflict is over.

Oestergaard said the problem of sowing the seeds in a potential land mine could be overcome by clearing strips through a field by conventional methods or by using crop planes.

Currently land mines are mostly removed by putting a stick into the ground to locate the mine, then removing it and detonating it. Dogs and metal detectors are also often used.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, January 28th, 2004 at 8:18 and is filed under Science. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.

7 Responses to “Two “science” links in one week?”

fluffy
January 28th, 2004 21:08
1

ok firstly god daisy your blog is beautiful. I normally surf the web using my laptop and the colours come out very different on there (hence i thought for a long time my blog looked alright!)
But this is gorge!

Secondly… crop dusting great.. i was thinking the same thing. Sounds good huh. Better than the poke the ground with a stick methos methinks! (poor doggies!)
graeme
January 28th, 2004 22:43
2

Where you go science follows…pink daisies identify potential land mines?
e
January 29th, 2004 00:14
3

That is a fantastic innovation! And utterly environmentally friendly. How do they propose sowing the seed?
e
January 29th, 2004 00:18
4

And I agree with Fluffy- your blog is beautiful, amongst other excellent qualities.
annipink
January 29th, 2004 10:57
5

They poke dogs into the ground? How cruel!
Daisy
January 29th, 2004 11:15
6

*blush* thanks guys.

As for sowing the seeds, the chap from Aresa Biodetection said:
“…clearing strips through a field by conventional methods or by using crop planes.”

Not sure about the conventional methods, sounds dangerous. I’m with crop planes.
e
January 29th, 2004 13:16
7

Jolly good thing I read your entire article thoroughly what what! Do you go huntin’? Pass the cigars old chap.

I read and re-read twice looking for that info, plus I read the original, and I didn’t find it. Damn my speed-reading!