Plants comprising mouse genome will help to recycle toxic substances after drilling and mining operations. These genetically modified organisms are engineered by scientists from Kemerovo Institute of Human Ecology in cooperation with their colleagues from Bioengineering Laboratory, Altai State University.

      Kutsev Maxim, the head of the laboratory said, that "the scientists insert into plants the mouse genome that can produce benzopyrene antibodies." This is a steady, extremely toxic chemical compound, the scientist said. - It is a byproduct in the rig and mine waters, pumped out to the surface."

      According to him, at the moment the benzopyrene issue is solved like this: in closed areas they create artificial lakes, isolated from the soil; then they fill them up with soil and finally plant the greenery on the surface. It means that, contaminated soil is removed from circulation. They expect to create a plant that will utilize benzopyrene and will clean up the water," Kutsev said. Scientists have already selected the recipient plant, which is suitable for implantation of animal genome: it is prairie ragwort (Senecio pratensis) and a number of aquatic plants.