Here’s an inspirational quote about science:
“It was believed impossible to create a blue rose, since roses lack the gene to produce the color blue. However, a Japanese company spent 14 years in research and finally succeeded in developing the world’s first blue rose. I explained to President Obama how this blue rose, which holds the meaning ‘to accomplish the impossible,’ was created and said, ‘Let us work together to accomplish the impossible.’”
-Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama as quoted here (and boy will I feel silly if the whole story is a hoax)
“To accomplish the impossible”. When it comes to assigning meanings to flowers (as well as picking life goals), I’d call that a pretty good one.
The blue rose was actually developed by an Australian company called Florigene which has been acquired by a Japanese company called Suntory. I went into more detail about Florigene’s products here.
BTW, what do you think about florigen (plant hormon)? Is it FT protein, or it is just not exist like hormone?
Comment by Sergy — December 14, 2009 @ 12:23 am
If I had to guess, I’d say it really is FT protein traveling through the plant (that fact that TFL which is a homeologous gene with a few key changes to conserved animo acids has the exact opposite effect might support it), but I don’t think we have enough evidence to really know yet.
Comment by James — December 14, 2009 @ 12:55 am