Synchrotron images of leaf discs reveal traces of gold.
Credit: Dr. Melvyn Lintern/The Australian
http://www.abc.net.au/local/audio/2013/10/23/3874913.htm?site=melbourne
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2471826/Australian-scientists-traces-gold-eucalyptus-leaves.html /cold hard cash gold researchers CSIRO CSIRO's Earth Science and Resource Engineering division found visible gold particles biological material study published online scientific journal Nature Communications discovered dry conditions Eucalyptus trees search moisture 35m below ground gold deposit precious mineral absorbed root system into the canopy leaves provide new way to locate gold deposits researcher research researched researching Melvyn Lintern collected field samples Australia Western Australia's gold mining town of Kalgoorlie from South Australia conducted greenhouse experiments experimentation experiment moisture in the ground interact with gold deposits dissolve small amounts Dr Lintern roots picking gold up absorbing gold ions ion into charged particles particle roots root moving water flow within the tree through continuum water going up through tree into the foliage replace water lost through transpiration breakthrough able actually see particulate gold particle particles magic equipment called Australian Synchrotron leaves leaf first gold occurs leaves visible particle biological material Melbourne based Australian Synchrotron accelerates electrons speed of light size of microns much smaller than a human hair study research team state confirmation biological biology geology geological biogeochemical absorption gold promotes confidence emerging technique may lead future exploration success maintain continuity of supply better able explore hidden gold deposits because hidden beneath sediments lower exploration costs reduce damage environment drill Australian companies company sponsored project sampled leaves obtained confidential results /
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