Israeli Scientists Germinate 2000 Year-Old Palm Seed

Scientists in Israel have germinated the 2000-year-old seed of a date palm, taken from archeological excavations at Masada. The seedling, named Methuselah by the researchers, now stands 30 centimetres tall. Investigators are curious to see what variations appear in the plant compared to modern date palms. Newer strains have replaced the ones found in the region 2000 years ago, when dates were used to treat infection. It is hoped that DNA testing will reveal the plant's medical secrets.

Link: 2,000-year-old palm seed germinates from the CBC

Posted by Eric La Fountaine at 4:53 PM on June 14, 2005

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