India, March 30 -- I
n cutting-edge labs around the world, scientists are turning petals into power sources, tiny blooms into space snacks, and daffodils into climate warriors.
Watermeal, the tiniest flowering plant in the world, could potentially power breakfast (as well as lunch, dinner, and tea-time snacks) for future space travellers.
This plant grows to full capacity in a few days. It is high in protein, vitamins and antioxidants. Each bloom is as small as a grain of sand.
Because the plant grows so fast, it absorbs more carbon dioxide and releases vast quantities of oxygen (relative to its size). In this way, it could help clear the air on voyaging vessels too.
In 2023, scientists from Mahidol University in Thailand tested if thi...