Scientists grow plants from ancient fruit

Plants have grown up from fruit seeds stored away in permafrost by squirrels over 30,000 years ago.

Scientists in Russia have grown plants from fruit stored away in permafrost by squirrels over 30,000 years ago, the BBC reported.

The fruit was found in the banks of the Kolmya River in Siberia. The Institute of Cell Biophysics team raised plants of Silene stenophylla - of the campion family - from the fruit. The scientists note this is the oldest plant material by far to have been brought to life.

The fruits grew into healthy plants, though subtly different from modern examples of the species. The scientists suggest that research of this kind can help in studies of evolution, and shed light on environmental conditions in past millennia. But perhaps the most enticing suggestion is that it might be possible, using the same techniques, to raise plants that are currently extinct.