Ancient seed sprouts
Posted December 22, 2009 (as first read in Biblical Archaeology Review
An ancient lentil seed dating back 4,000 years that was discovered during an archaeological excavation has successfully germinated. The Middle Bronze Age site in the western Turkish province of Kütahya provided researchers with a number of seeds from the excavation—several of which were still viable. Scientists are hoping the plant that grows from the ancient seed will produce its own seeds, which would then allow researchers to compare the ancient organic lentil seeds with their modern, genetically modified counterparts.
The seeds were discovered within a structure that archaeologists believe was an ancient silo constructed for grain storage. The discovery of such an ancient live seed is extraordinary and seems to be a result of fire damage to the container the seeds were stored in, which created an environment capable of preserving the seeds for millennia.
More
http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/n.php?n=ancient-seed-came-into-leaf-2009-12-16
http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/health/scientists-successfully-germinate-4000-year-old-lentil-seed_100292005.html
Photos
Posted by Dr Ed

