January 01, 2026
Chinese scientists have made a landmark discovery that has the potential to deal with the demand for rare earth elements (REE). These elements are used in various industries, including electronics. Scientists have discovered the presence of a mineral called monazite that contains REE in a fern species called Blechnum orientale. This shows that the plants can create monazite by taking in REEs from the soil. Scientists believe discovering these monazite crystals in the plant is revolutionary, as it could lead to new ways of extracting REEs rather than depending on mining, which negatively affects ecology.
Watch this video to learn about REEs
Blechnum orientale Image Source: macaubiodiversity.org
