Many new security measures have been introduced at the nation's airports. While some of the latest TSA anti-terrorism tools have received mixed reviews, there may be a less invasive security technology on the horizon.

Scientists have developed a plant that can detect chemicals and explosives. Researchers at Colorado State University are working on detector plants that change color, upon detecting a small amount of TNT. The green leaves of the genetically modified plants contain chlorophyll, and gradually turn white when exposed to chemicals found in explosive materials.

Many new security measures have been introduced at the nation's airports. While some of the latest TSA anti-terrorism tools have received mixed reviews, there may be a less invasive security technology on the horizon.

Scientists have developed a plant that can detect chemicals and explosives. Researchers at Colorado State University are working on detector plants that change color, upon detecting a small amount of TNT. The green leaves of the genetically modified plants contain chlorophyll, and gradually turn white when exposed to chemicals found in explosive materials.

The unassuming plants are in the early stages of development, but the technology could soon be utilized in various types of greenery. It takes the plants an hour to react to certain chemicals found in common explosives. Not surprisingly, it may take a few years to utilize this technology in a functional manner.

The terror-fighting plants' DNA have been reengineered, but could easily blend in with the landscape of many public spaces. The U.S. Department of Defense's agency of Defense Threat Reduction has awarded a research grant to the team at the university. Researchers have already grown varying plants with the DNA, and many a green creature could become the next members of security teams around the globe.