Giner said the reason for the pheromone's presence in the plant's latex is unclear. It could be used as a tool for pollination. Latex is a defense mechanism. It contains a natural rubber that protects the plant against predators, mostly microorganisms. The latex contains a number of toxic chemicals, some of which are being investigated as anti-cancer and pain relief medications.
Every toxin is a medicine waiting to be discovered.
The pending publication was a nice detail to add to college applications, Berkowitz said. It's one of those things I can feel proud about. I was doing college-level research as a high school junior. He estimated he spent three to six hours a week working with Giner during the course of a year. The toughest part, he said, was learning the procedures and lab techniques.