Scientists have developed an artificial photosynthesis process that can grow plants in the dark.The process is designed to provide a new way to produce food as worldwide demand grows.Photosynthesis involves plants taking in energy from the sun to produce life-supporting carbon and oxygen.The process is important to support the growth of many plants.But scientists have estimated that only about 1 percent of energy from the sun is actually captured by plants that produce food.Researchers report in a new study that the artificial photosynthesis method they developed performed up to 18 times more efficiently in growing some foods.And the process can be carried out in complete darkness.Results of the study recently appeared in the publication Nature Food.The research team included members from the University of California Riverside and the University of Delaware.
