Scientists tried to change the Spinach into a Bomb detection device

Scientists have been training rats, bees and even dolphins to sniff out land mines, but now they're turning their attention to something that has never been imagined before, namely Spinach.

It famous because has many health benefits, spinach as soon as possible can be a tool for human beings to reveal the existence of hidden explosives and prevent casualties. This has become possible thanks to the work of researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), which uses a technique called infusion of blood vessels to introduce the carbon nanotubes from the leaves of the plant.

Spinach is finally living up to its reputation as a Superfood. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1flCCW)

These nanotubes are specifically designed to interact with a chemical component called nitroaromatic, which is commonly used as an explosive. In their experiments described in the journal Nature Materials, the researchers focused on nitroaromatic called picric acid.

The acid is absorbed from the groundwater by plant roots, then transported into the mesophyll layer located on the underside of leaves, where most of the photosynthesis takes place and the same location as the nanotubes while it is working to locate the explosives.

When the researchers expose the laser light on the nanotubes, they will give a fluorescent signal detection as a sign nitroaromatik (chemical components used as an explosive). This signal can be viewed by using the infrared camera within 1 meter. Although at this time the team is still trying to widen the longer distances.

Overall, it takes about 10 minutes for nitroaromatics reach the leaves after being absorbed from the roots, and while some animals have been able to sniff out explosive chemicals faster.

Michael Strano co-author of the study said, "The plant is an excellent chemical analysis. They have an extensive network of roots in the soil, and has its own way to transport water up to the leaves."

If the researchers manage to do this experiment, do not be surprised if in the future casualties caused by explosives would be much less, thanks to the invention.. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | IFL SCIENCE]

Note: This blog  can be accessed via your smart phone