By Scout Nelson
A new research initiative in Nebraska is advancing the use of plants as real-time environmental sensors to detect chemical exposures. Teledyne Scientific, part of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated, has been selected by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to participate in the eX Virentia (eXVi) program. Working in collaboration with the University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL), the Plants as Silent Sentinels (PASS) team is launching an interdisciplinary project designed to transform native and widely distributed plant species into natural monitoring systems.
As part of the program, researchers will carry out rapid, high-throughput greenhouse experiments to build one of the most comprehensive datasets of plant responses ever created. These studies will closely examine how plants react to a wide range of chemical triggers. Scientists will observe both external and internal responses, including changes in plant structure, color, and biological processes. These observations will capture morphological, spectral, and molecular data with a high level of precision.
The research integrates advanced technologies such as hyperspectral imaging, multi-omics profiling, pigment chemistry, and artificial intelligence-driven modeling. These tools allow researchers to identify subtle patterns in plant responses and connect them to specific chemical exposures. By using probabilistic modeling, scientists can better understand the biological processes behind these changes and improve prediction accuracy.
The data and analytical tools developed through the eXVi program will support the creation of scalable systems capable of predicting plant responses under different environmental conditions. This work is expected to establish a strong scientific foundation for future plant-based sensing technologies.
In the long term, these systems could function as distributed chemical sensing networks. By using native vegetation and remote-sensing technologies, researchers may be able to monitor environmental conditions across large geographic areas. This approach offers a cost-effective and sustainable method for detecting chemical exposures and improving environmental awareness.
This project highlights the growing role of innovation at the intersection of agriculture, biology, and technology. By turning plants into living sensors, researchers are opening new possibilities for environmental monitoring and agricultural advancement.
Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA).
Photo Credit: pexels-greta-hoffman
Categories: Nebraska, Education, General, Sustainable Agriculture