Researchers at UC Riverside have developed a house plant that changes color in the presence of certain toxic chemicals.
Led by associate professor Ian Wheeldon, the team aimed to create a plant capable of detecting environmental toxins while maintaining its natural growth processes and survival mechanisms. The plant’s response to the toxic chemical is a visible cue, as it turns a vivid beet red. This innovative approach to environmental monitoring could have far-reaching implications, allowing for real-time detection of harmful substances in various settings.
