Plant biomarkers provide evidence of nerve agent attacks
Analytical method detects chemical weapon usage up to three months after exposure by probing plant proteins
Researchers in the Netherlands have shown how plant biomarkers can be used to track the use of nerve agents. The method worked across all plants tested – basil, bay laurel leaf and stinging nettle. As the adduct forms via a general mechanism, forensic scientists could use the approach with a far wider range of plant species.