Shooting the plant that feeds you
Article Abstract:
Improving the agronomic characteristics of crops takes on a new twist with the application of ballistics to the introduction of foreign genes to plant cells. The process, called microprojectile bombardment, shoots plant cells with transforming DNA-coated gold or tungsten particles accelerated at a speed of 500 m/sec. The DNA coating of the particles is then incorporated into the genetic material of the target cell by a yet unknown process. This technique of transforming plants has been applied extensively and has the additional advantage of being applicable for use in transforming practically all crops.
Publication Name: Agricultural Engineering
Subject: Agricultural industry
ISSN: 0002-1458
Year: 1992
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Framboidal pyrites in antique books
Article Abstract:
An electron-microscope examination of fragments of paper in books produced during the Middle Ages and Renaissance indicated the presence of framboids or spherical clusters of submicrometer-sized, iron sulfide-based, pyrite crystals. This is because ink during those ages was made by mixing tannin and iron sulphate, and the environment inside the ancient books resulted in the reduction of iron sulphate in the ink.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1997
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1993 festivals and events
Article Abstract:
Highlights of some of the more noteworthy festivals around Mexico are given. The country features about 5,000 festivals each year, many based on religious and national holidays.
Publication Name: Travel & Leisure
Subject: Travel, recreation and leisure
ISSN: 0041-2007
Year: 1992
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