Leaf your options up: Trees can help find hidden gold, says scientists

Helsinki (Uttam Hindu News): We adorn Christmas trees with gold and silver ornaments, but did you know that some trees actually grow gold? Finnish scientists have made a surprising discovery: spruce trees' needles (leaves) contain nanoparticles of gold. This discovery could completely change the way we find gold mines in the future.

The study, published in the journal Environmental Microbiome, revealed that Norway spruce trees absorb gold particles through their roots. Scientists conducted this study on trees near Kittilä, Europe's largest gold mine. Investigations revealed that many trees contained microscopic particles of gold in their needles.

How does this happen? Study lead author Kaisa Lehosmaa explains that trees absorb gold particles dissolved in the soil along with water through their roots. But gold can be toxic to trees. This is where miraculous bacteria called endophytes, living inside trees, come in handy. These bacteria, through a process called biomineralization, separate the toxic gold particles, make them less toxic, and then store them in the leaves.

However, the amount of gold in the needles is so low that cutting down the trees isn't enough to make anyone rich. But the real significance of this discovery lies in gold prospecting. Scientists can now analyze the leaves of these trees and the bacteria they contain to determine where large deposits of gold lie underground. This will make it easier for mining companies to find new mines and will also be a better technology for the environment.

This study reveals one of the countless mysteries of nature, where tiny microorganisms play a vital role in developing new technologies for humans.