Better Living Through Genetic Engineering
Via Winds of Change, we get this wonderful story:
COPENHAGEN, Denmark - A Danish biotech company has developed a genetically modified flower that could help detect landmines and it hopes to have a prototype ready for use within a few years. …
The genetically modified weed has been coded to change color when its roots come in contact with nitrogen-dioxide, or NO2, evaporating from explosives buried in soil.
Within three to six weeks from being sowed over landmine infested areas the small plant, a Thale Cress, will turn a warning red whenever close to a landmine.
If trials are successful, this plant could be one of the greatest humanitarian achievements of the century, helping to clean up minefields quickly, cheaply and with a minimum of effort.
Of course, the flower in question is a genetically modified organism. But I’m certain that forward-thinking organizations such as GreenPeace will be able to see the obvious benefit of such a plant, right?
Greenpeace is campaigning for a ban on all imports and exports of GE seeds and commodities such as soybeans, maize, rapeseed, potatoes, tomatoes and cotton. As the protocol has not yet entered into force, unilateral national emergency measures need to be taken. — GreenPeace GMO Campaign Overview