Posted by Armand on October 03, 1999 at 16:05:42:
In Reply to: Re: Boudin Bikers posted by ¦¬} formerly know as Bob on October 01, 1999 at 11:28:02:
Speaking of food, I found this one somewhere:
SHEFFIELD, UK - Edinburgh scientists have genetically engineered a
potato, using jellyfish genes, that glows when it needs water.
Researchers believe the new plant will help farmers stop over-watering
at a time when world water resources are in heavy demand.
Farmers tend to over-water crops because potato farming is an inexact
science, according to University of Edinburgh Professor Tony Trewavas.
The glow - caused by the jellyfish genes - is not visible to the naked
eye. A special detector is required to "read" the potato.
Concerns about the modified potatoes entering the food chain are
unwarranted, according to Trewavas. The new potatoes are designed to be
sentinels, harvested separately from regular potatoes.
Scientists plan to infuse the new plants with other florescent
proteins, which will report the plants' nitrate, phosphate and sucrose
levels.