How to Re-grow the Rainforest in 10 Minutes or Less

Aggressive trees, out of control plant growth; these are often supporting or vilified roles in the world of sci-fi or fantasy.  Dr. Lago, a Sao Paulo University biogenetic research professor, explains that this fantasy may have come true.  Using gene splicing, amplification and second messenger systems, the rainforest advocate has invented a new possibility of plant repopulation.  Dr. Lago explains "Old growth rainforest can take centuries to establish and solidify a working ecosystem.  As we all know, this can be destroyed in days.  "Starting my research, I had to have a way to keep up.  For years I have been looking for a way to replenish as quickly as it is destroyed.  Now, I think I am there."  Lago explains genetically modified trees as his secret weapon.  "There are certain plants, bamboo, for instance, that can grow up to 6 feet in a day.  With genetic manipulation, this can be possible for other organisms."  Lago explains his first obstacle was isolating the genes in bamboo that allowed this rapid growth.  "I encountered countless obstacles; heat production and subsequent plant tissue death was foremost."  As Lago's research progressed over the past 15 years, he learned everything there is to know about the bamboo plant's rapid growth process: what initiates the growth, how resources are allocated, regulation, finalizing the structure, ect..  He was then able to apply these characteristics to his trees.  "The trick was modifying the tree without changing its quality."

On 8/18/2010, after 15 years of committed research, Dr. Lago planted his first modified hardwood seedling in a mobile research outpost near the equator.  "I came back to the station in two days and the tree had grown so quickly it was pushing the station's roof up." Lago says the tree had ruined the roof, almost pushing through the metal shingles in two days time.  Lago explains the unexpected growth as the different end sizes of the Brazilian hardwood and the bamboo.  Comparing the growth shows a similar percentage increase.  Lago says that the confounding factor is resources.  He cites a hardwood, with its usual slow growth, will have time to allocate proteins, nutrients.  He says that using his modified trees without adequate resources results in a flimsy porous type wood.  Lago has successfully grown a Trebol tree with calculations of required resources and subsequent provision allowing for the perfect fast-growing hardwood.  "It has reached 50 feet in 2 weeks.  I cannot tell it apart from its neighbor that took 10 years to reach that height".  Lago has already patented the process and hopes re-growth will be a possibility.  Associates hope to use the process for lumber farms, providing more diversion to elimination of old growth ecosystems.