Disease Proof

Some scientists devote their lives to unraveling the mysteries of the universe, while others invent super tomatoes—foliate-rich super tomatoes that is. Ed Edelson of HealthDay News has more:

"We used the tomato, because it is a very good model to work with," explained study co-author Andrew D. Hanson, professor of plant biochemistry at the University of Florida at Gainesville. "Now we want to move the strategy we have developed into cereal and tuber crops such as sweet potatoes..."


… The work is just beginning, he emphasized. "We have produced a few experimental plants," Hanson said. "This is a proof-of-concept study. With just two genes, it is possible to substantially increase the folate level of fruits. This is a demonstration that it can be done."