A team of scientists has manipulated ivy genetically to break down chloroform and benzene into
harmless substances which the ivy can use for growth.TANKS ARE FILLED
5 Inside the probe, the vapour condenses
and is stored as water in
the fuel tanks. Now the
probe is ready to continue.SOLAR PANELBIOTECHNOLOGY Cancer-causing
toxins can now be cleaned from the air of
our homes by genetically-manipulated
plants. Scientists from the University of
Washington in the US have genetically
manipulated ivy to be able to absorb
microscopic chloroform and benzene
particles which ordinary air filters cannot
eliminate. Chloroform exists particularly
in areas where chlorine is added to
drinking water, while benzene is found
mainly in houses with a garage from
which vapour can escape cars and mowers.
The extra gene that gives the plant
its new abilities is a synthetic imitation
of a gene that exists in all mammals,
including humans. In humans, the gene
is active in the liver, responsible for the
production of a protein that breaks downchloroform and benzene into harmless
substances. But being active only in the
liver, it doesn’t protect us against these
toxins when we breathe them.
Scientists tested the new cross-breed
in the lab, where it was placed in an
airtight glass tube and supplied with
the two toxins. After three days the
concentration of chloroform had been
reduced by 82%, and after six days the
substance was gone. The process was a
bit slower with benzene, achieving a
reduction of 75% after a week.
Scientists will now try to supply the
plant with more genes, allowing it to
break down other toxins such as
formaldehyde, which is released to the
indoor climate from tobacco smoke and
laminated furniture and floors.MA
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Plants decontaminate indoor climate
FLEXIBLE
LEGS
The prototype was tested in a vacuum chamber,
drilling into frozen soil to liberate water, then
taking off with its steam-powered engine.
Test yourself Answers to p82. No peeking!
PROBLEM 2:
Each circle moves in leaps of E.
45°, the innermost and outermost
ones clockwise, the central one
counter-clockwise.
PROBLEM 1:
.D and B
VISUAL INTELLIGENCE
ERACYNUM
LOGIC
which was B) The phonograph,7:
subsequently known as a gramophone.
tents existed, but Earlier pa D) The light bulb.8:
Edison’s was the first usable one.
, including telegraphs, telephones, C) 10939:
and moving pictures.
ved that. Thomas Edison belieA) Deafness10:
it helped him focus.
SCIENTIST IN FOCUS
PROBLEM 5:
Large barrel = 85 litres. Small barrel = 35 litres.
We have two equations: L + S = 120 and L = 2S + 15.
S, S + 2S + 15 = 120, and so S = 35.
PROBLEM 6:
ellow figures are located to All the y The circle.
the right of the hexagon.
4: PROBLEM
The totals of the two numbers 4.
in each radius alter between
6, 7, 8, 9 – 6, 7, 8, 9, etc.
PROBLEM 3:
wo numbers are T 35.
multiplied, and the third
one is added: 3 x 9 + 8 = 35.
scienceillustrated.com.au | 11
Editor: Babak Arvanaghi