New genetically modified poplar trees no longer need strength processing by delignification

Although far behind genetically modified crops, genetically modified trees are slowly moving forward. So far, only insect-resistant poplar trees have been approved for commercial use in China, with several additional species, such as papaya and plume, being deregulated for commercial use across the United States. Research into this field began in 1988 and is still going strong, as proven by the genetically modified poplar trees that were tweaked by a team belonging to the University of Maryland.

The aforementioned team published the results of its research in Matter. According to Yiping Qi, a professor in the Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture at UMD and a corresponding author of the study, "Carbon sequestration is critical in our fight against climate change, and such engineered wood may find many uses in the future bioeconomy." To increase the strength or UV resistance of wood with the help of a chemical treatment, another treatment is needed to remove a component called lignin. Fortunately, Qi and his research team have managed to edit the genes of poplars, thus giving them a 12.8% lower lignin content when compared to wild-type poplar trees. 

In the end, the result is that the genetically modified wood is just as strong as the chemically processed natural wood. On the other hand, the compressed genetically modified wood that has been treated delivers a tensile strength comparable to aluminum alloy 6061, which is often used for bicycle frames and many other products. Those interested in using this alloy for various DiY projects can grab four bars measuring 1 x 2 x 8 inches off Amazon for $32.99.