US scientists' new method can measure rare-earth elements in plants without destroying them

Researchers at North Carolina State University developed a fluorescence-based method to measure rare-earth metals in plants without killing them.

The team used dysprosium as the test case and showed the approach could be extended to other rare-earth elements.

The method could make phytomining more practical by helping identify the right plants and the best time to harvest.

It may also support a cleaner source of critical minerals and reduce reliance on imported rare-earth supplies.