Science
Scientist creates, enhances, flower scent
Jerusalem | October 08, 2008 12:01:13 AM IST
Israeli scientists say they've discovered a way to genetically enhance the scent of flowers or, in flowers that don't have a scent, genetically implant one. The Hebrew University of Jerusalem researchers say aroma is of major importance in life, influencing the choice of fruits, vegetables, perfume and even a partner. Professor Alexander Vainstein, who led the study, said aroma is a major factor in defining the taste of food, as well as attracting pollinating insects that aid in a plant's reproduction and creation of fruit. Vainstein, research assistant Michal Moyal Ben-Tzvi and colleagues say they found a way of enhancing the scent of a flower 10-fold, causing it to emit a scent day and night -- irrespective of the natural rhythm of scent production. Vainstein said his lab is the only one in the world that researches both the scent and color of flowers. The technology has been patented by Yissum, Hebrew University's technology transfer company, and was reported recently in the journal Plant Biotechnology. (UPI)
US committed to Iraq withdrawal, says Biden Police, protesters clash ahead of G8 in Italy Lady Liberty statue reopened to freedom tourists New swine flu case takes India\'s tally to 129 Mango festival starts in Haryana Revocation of AFSPA should be left to Centre: Ansari President urges civil servants to have a development-centric approach Serena turns tables on Venus for third Wimbledon title
| 
