How one fern can soak up so much arsenic – and not die
The Pteris vittata fern, also known as the Chinese brake fern, can hyperaccumulate and tolerate high levels of arsenic, making it an effective way to remediate contaminated soil and water. Purdue University researchers have determined the genetic mechanisms that allow the fern to do this, which could lead to modification of other plants that could remediate contamination even more quickly and efficiently.