Speed Reads
Scientists at the National Agriculture and Food Research Organization in Japan say they have uncovered a way to slow the aging process in flowers.
According to Phys.org, the Tsukuba-based researchers first discovered the gene responsible for the life expectancy of a Japanese flower known as "Morning Glory," which unfolds in the morning but withers by dusk. The researchers were then able to almost double the flower's lifespan by suppressing the gene (cleverly named EPHEMERAL1).
One of the lead researchers told AFP that the discovery could lead to new ways to extend the life of cut flowers. Unfortunately, the only human beneficiaries would be florists and flower lovers, so don't go changing your retirement plan yet.