Glow-in-the-Dark Trees. An Environmentalists' Nightmere
I think the world may be coming to end soon folks. Yes, when I see stories like this one, I have no choice but to think that the end is near.
The lastest from Dutch artist and designer Daan Roosegaarde, is that he wants to genetically modify trees to glow. Yes, glow. "I think this is a great idea!" said nobody ever. Okay I lied. All ravers, and 10 year old kiddos (that enjoy Nickelodeon Gak and drink pop rocks and coke) are all drooling over this concept.
So how are they doing this you might ask? Scientists are genetically modifying the molecular structure of the ornamental Nicotiana alata family of plants by infusing them with luciferin, the light-producing compound found in glowing organisms. See more details from this interview with Daan Roosegaarde on Dezeen
I think a better question to ask would be why? I never thought street lights were THAT ugly and annoying. Roosegaarde has quickly become the king of glow-in-the-dark technological innovations. Last year he made headlines with a photo-luminescent powder that can be painted on pavement.
I feel this will do more harm than good. Could you imagine the runoff from the trees getting into water supply? Who wants to be a glowing human? Not me. Okay unless I am an Avatar, but that's the only exception...
