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Scientists are getting involved in Christmas trees now. That means, the next one you have might look or smell completely different.

It usually takes years to successfully cross and assess new breeds of trees. Researchers have been busy performing genetic analysis of Christmas trees, and this year, the Norway spruce became the first conifer to have its entire genome sequence. Now scientists can do some mad things with it.

The researchers from the University of Missouri in Columbia have been investigating which genes are related to needle dropping, and they spotted some links between Christmas trees and other plants. Another interesting possibility is that it may have new features too. According to New Scientist:
Trees such as balsam firs already have fragrant, pine-like odours. But it might be possible to use genes from other trees or plants to produce scents such as vanilla, cinnamon and lemon.

Trees with yellow or red needles may also be possible.
For now, those trees don't exist yet, but who knows what the future holds. I vote for a self illuminating tree.

[New Scientist]