This experiment utilised a new biomedical technology - magnetic nanoparticles (superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles) - to modulate aspects of plant behaviour by invoking dynamic motion in plants, directly. These magnetic nanoparticles, which become magnetic in presence of a magnetic field, were internalised in plants.
Three sets of seeds were germinated in mini petri dishes (15x60mm) in solution of 5ml (de-ionised) water, 13 February 2008.
The seed coats were removed, 22 February 2008.
Each dish was treated with iron oxide nanomagnetic particles, 23-24 February 2008.
On the 5th day the cress plants in two dishes showed very slight movement when an external magnet was positioned very close to the plants, 23-26 February 2008.
