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MIT scientists create plants that can glow
December 16 , 2017
2534 days
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- Researchers of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), US have proved that it is possible to inject the luminescent chemical used by firefliesinto leaves so that they shimmer brightly.
- To create the glowing plants, scientists has turned to luciferase, the enzyme that gives fireflies their glow.
- Luciferase acts on a molecule called luciferin, causing it to emit light, while a third chemical co-enzyme A helps the whole process along by removing the obstacles which block luciferase.
- All three components were packaged into tiny silica nano particles of different sizes so they could get into different parts of the leaves.
- They were then either injected into the plant or allowed to soak in over a few hours.
- The light is ultimately powered by the energy metabolism of the plant itself and it is considered a major step towards using plants to illuminate the workspace.
- This technology could also be used to provide low- intensity indoor lighting, or to transform trees into self- powered streetlights.
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