Summary:
Recently a wildflower has been discovered that accumulates metals on its leaves, and it has been found to fight bacterial infection. In particular the Alpine Pennycres plants have been used because of their metals to "armor" against diseases. The metals help the plants become more resistant to certain bacterium. Another plant called Thlaspi, a small plant in the mustard family around Britain and Europe, is also known to collect zinc, nickel, and cadmium on its leaves. After many studies, a close relationship between the ability of bacteria to grow in the presence of high concentrations of metal, and their ability to infect plants is low. All of these discoveries could be very helpful in many cases looking toward the future.
Opinion:
With a direct link being discovered between these high metal concentrations and resistance to bacterial infections, a new door in medicine studies is being opened. The plants are using their metal-rich environment to protect themselves against diseases, so why can humans not do the same? From these metals, comes a benefit from enhanced protection against enemies such as pathogenic microorganisms and herbivores, which could possibly be a protection for humans as well. Previously it has been difficult for scientists to explain why these plants are so protected against diseases, but now we know the key is their metals. With these new discoveries, further advancement with treatment and prevention of infections with the use of these metals in wildflowers, is projected in the near future.
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