"Long-Lost 'Zombie Seeds' Unearthed After 144 Years, Unveiling Astonishing Plant"
Seeds buried by botanist William Beal in 1879 have been germinating after being dug up 144 years later, surprising researchers at Michigan State University (MSU). The experiment aimed to study seed longevity and help farmers deal with persistent weeds. Genetic testing revealed that the germinated seeds were of the moth mullein and common mullein species, contrary to Beal's original description. The experiment, now the longest-running of its kind, will continue until 2100. The findings contribute to our understanding of seed viability and have implications for rare species conservation and ecosystem restoration.
