nivek
As Above So Below
Scientists investigate how Arctic plant was brought back to life after 32,000 years
The silene stenophylla, a plant with white flowers native to Siberia, was revived from 32,000-year-old seeds by Russian scientists. They were found covered in ice 124ft below the permafrost and regenerated in glass vials. But now Austrian scientists are trying to map the genomes of the age-old plants to determine how the seeds were able to survive for so long.
Professor Margit Laimer, a plant biotechnologist at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences in Vienna, said that now the permafrost soil in Russia is defrosting she and her colleagues are now able to investigate further.
The researchers want to see if there are changes in plant genes that can adapt to very dry, hot or cold conditions, which could be useful in helping to deal with climate change. Professor Laimer said: "I think mankind needs to be thankful for every piece of knowledge that we are able to create to protect our croplands."
