Sci-fi movies and comic books are not the only place you can find “hair-raising” mutants with super-powers. With the help of some special bacteria, scientists are giving plants mutant roots with abilities that may one day make super-heros turn green with envy. These roots may become biofactories — natural factories that churn out fuels, food flavorings, and even medicine.

Intro theme and sound effects by Adam Dylewski; The Way Out music by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com); Creative Commons licensed audio from freesound.iua.upf.edu includes male scream by thanvannispen, factory sounds by kokuya, car ignition sound by Han1, underwater sounds by suonho and applause sounds by SandyRB.