Five amazing ways plants have created new technologies
Wednesday, December 7, 2016 - 12:11
in Physics & Chemistry
Scientists have come up with a strange new method for detecting explosives: using spinach. The plants are impregnated with fluorescent "bionic" nanotubes that emit infrared light. In the presence of specific chemicals, the light turns off and this can be used as a signal that explosives are present. The change in fluorescence can even be detected using a modified mobile phone.