Cape Canaveral, Florida
October 21, 2002
In unprecedented space research,
DuPont scientists have
attained a significant scientific accomplishment regarding the
future development of soybeans -- one of the most consumed crops
in the world today. During a research mission that concluded
with the return of Space Shuttle Atlantis Friday, soybean seeds
planted and nurtured by DuPont scientists germinated, developed
into plants, flowered, and produced new seedpods in space. The
97-day growth research initiative is the first-ever to complete
a major crop growth cycle in space -- from planting seeds to
growing new seeds.
The research mission aboard the
International Space Station demonstrates that space crop
production can be accomplished, potentially supporting long-term
human presence in space. Through video monitoring and data sent
from the International Space Station, DuPont scientists also
examined the effects of zero-gravity and other elements in space
regarding plant growth. The soybeans returned to Earth Friday
afternoon aboard the Atlantis.
In June, DuPont subsidiary,
Pioneer Hi-Bred International,
Inc., with the Wisconsin Center for Space Automation and
Robotics (WCSAR) -- a NASA Commercial Space Center at the
University of Wisconsin-Madison -- launched the soybean seed
experiment on Space Shuttle Endeavour. As part of the research
mission, Pioneer-brand soybean seeds grew in a specialized tray
within a growth chamber developed by WCSAR. Pioneer scientists
monitored the soybeans' growth daily and provided nutrient
adjustments to facilitate growth. With the soybeans and seeds
now on Earth, Pioneer and WCSAR will analyze the harvested seeds
to determine if they have improved oil, protein, carbohydrates
or secondary metabolites that could benefit farmers and
consumers. Seeds exhibiting unique and desirable qualities will
be planted by Pioneer scientists to determine if the traits can
be inherited in future generations. Pioneer will identify the
genetics of those traits and use that information to further
improve the soybeans' efficiency and profitability for farmers.
According to the United Soybean
Board, soybeans are the largest single source of protein meal
and vegetable oil in the human diet. Domestically, soybeans
provide 80 percent of the edible consumption of fats and oils in
the United States. In 2000, 54 percent of the world's soybean
trade originated from the United States with soybean and product
exports totaling more than $6.6 billion. The world's largest
seed company, Pioneer, is the brand leader in soybeans with more
than 100 product varieties on the market. "This was an
incredible scientific opportunity for us and our partners," said
Dr. Tom Corbin, DuPont researcher on the project. "Studying the
effects of soybean plants grown in space will help us expand our
knowledge of soybeans and facilitate continued improvement of
soybean germplasm for farmers."
DuPont has a rich tradition of
space initiatives, dating to NASA's origination 33 years ago.
For example, when Neil Armstrong walked on the moon in 1969, he
wore 25 separate layers -- 23 of those layers were DuPont
materials. In 1984, Pioneer corn seeds were on board a
Challenger shuttle launch. The seeds, which were not planted
while in space, were used in science-based initiatives after
returning to Earth. "Innovation has been the hallmark of DuPont
for more than 200 years," said Chief Science and Technology
Officer Dr. Thomas M. Connelly. "As a science company, we know
that future research opportunities may come from totally
different venues and needs as we look ahead. The discovery
process often requires exploring in unprecedented avenues to
unleash the next wave of innovation and we are committed to
discovering new and meaningful innovation wherever it is."
WCSAR makes space available to
industry in the interest of development and commercialization of
new products and processes. It provides controlled environment
technologies and facilities, plant genetic transformation
technologies, enhanced biosynthesis technologies, as well as
robotic and automated technologies. During 2002, DuPont (NYSE:
DD) is celebrating its 200th year of scientific
achievement and innovation -- providing products and services
that improve the lives of people everywhere.
Based in Wilmington, Del.,
DuPont delivers science-based solutions for markets that make a
difference in people's lives in food and nutrition; health care;
apparel; home and construction; electronics; and transportation.
Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., a subsidiary of DuPont, is
the world's leading source of customized solutions for farmers,
livestock producers, and grain and oilseed processors. With
headquarters in Des Moines, Iowa, Pioneer provides access to
advanced plant genetics, crop protection solutions and quality
crop systems to customers in nearly 70 countries.
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