Dhaka, Jan. 20 -- Scientists have, for the first time, developed a technology that allows humans to watch plants "breathe" in real time, a breakthrough that could help create stronger and more drought-resistant crops.

Researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have built a device called "Stomata In-Sight" that makes it possible to directly observe how tiny pores on plant leaves, known as stomata, open and close to regulate the exchange of carbon dioxide, oxygen and water vapour.

For centuries, scientists have known that plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen and water vapour through these microscopic pores. However, the process had never before been observed live and in such fine detail.

The new system combines...