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Could extinct insects trapped in ancient amber provide new
compounds useful for agricultural and industrial applications? That’s what two
laboratories in Auckland will attempt to find out. The laboratories, Industrial
Research Limited and BioDiscovery New Zealand, will be provided with
microorganisms from the amber by Ambergene, an American research company. The
company has identified about 3 500 different microorganisms from amber 20 to 135
million years old. Initially, 20 to 50 microorganisms will be brought into New
Zealand for screening. Similar collaborative efforts are going on at other
laboratories around the world. Possible uses of the compounds include as
insecticides and as emollients for reducing wrinkles.