Scientists have known for many years that houseplants benefit people's well-being. Now researchers have found a way to make plants even better for human health. Using a method called genetic modification(基因编辑), they raised plants that reduce indoor air pollution. GM means changing a plant or animal by fixing its DNA, including adding DNA from another species(物种).
Indoor air pollution is produced by cleaning products, cooking, and dust, among other things, and it can be bad for people's health. In 1989, research done by NASA found that houseplants could clean the air in a home. Later studies, however, showed that plants actually made too small a difference to help much. Since then, scientists have been experimenting with the DNA of certain houseplants to try to create one that will reduce more air pollution.
In 2018, scientists from the University of Washington decided to adapt a houseplant called pothos, or devil's ivy, which is popular and easy to care for. The team added new DNA based on a chemical found in a rabbit's liver. In the animal, the chemical breaks down harmful matter. The team found that the new DNA made the plant better at taking in pollution.
More recently, a company called Neoplants added more DNA, from two types of bacteria(细菌). As the devil's ivy grow, the team studied it carefully. Tests suggested that it was up to 30 times better at taking in pollution than the non-GM plants that NASA tested back in 1989. The company is also planning to add bacteria to the soil that comes with the plant, which could help break down even more polluting gases.
There is more work to be done, but the team at Neoplants plans to use this technology in other types of houseplants. If all goes well, the company hopes people in the US will be able to decorate their homes with pollution-busting plants by next year. Another company, Origen Air, sells a plant-based system that cleans the air in businesses and homes. It has already appeared on the market in Canada.
