# Transparent Earth Innovations See-Through Soil is a Revealing Discovery with Exciting Applications By Amelia Roblin | Published 2012-10-05 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/seethrough-soil References: [abertay.ac.uk](http://www.abertay.ac.uk/about/news/newsarchive/2012/name,10495,en.html) & [plosone.org](http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0044276) The development of see-through soil can lead one to imagine what the natural world might look like if it was coated in invisible dirt. Of course, this is not going to happen, and the experimentation that's been conducted by researchers at the [University of Abertay Dundee](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/asd-fieldspec-4) was undertaken for a fairly specific purpose. A revealing look into the realm of root systems is possible thanks to this discovery. Scientists will be able to analyze the [growth of plants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plantafrom-smart-indoor-garden) in a telling and truly revolutionary way. What you're looking at in these photos is the [synthetic substance Nafion](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/apple-clear-series) in action, a close replica to the chemistry of dirt. This extraordinary see-through soil is rendered translucent when it is doused with a water-based formula. As such, the delicate radicles are still kept predominantly protected from the light. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.7/10 - Popularity: 44% | Activity: 60% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **See-through Soil:** The development of see-through soil opens up possibilities for analyzing root systems in a revolutionary way. - **Plant Growth Analysis:** The use of see-through soil allows scientists to analyze the growth of plants in a revealing and precise manner. - **Translucent Substances:** The creation of translucent substances like Nafion can have exciting applications in various industries. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Agriculture:** See-through soil can revolutionize farming practices by providing a deeper understanding of plant root systems and nutrient absorption. - **Pharmaceuticals:** Translucent substances could be used in drug delivery systems, allowing for enhanced tracking and analysis of medicines. - **Environmental Conservation:** The use of see-through soil can aid in understanding the impact of pollutants on plant health and ecosystem dynamics. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Growth-Stimulating Electronic Soils](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/electronic-soil.md) - [Sustainable Growth Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/treesoil.md) - [Portable Soil Monitors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/portable-soil-monitor.md) - [Transparent Plant-Based Membranes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yutoeco.md) - [Sustainable Decomposing Containers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rootmaker.md) - [Aeroponic Desktop Planters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/izestee.md) - [Living Printable Materials](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/living-ink.md) - [Fluorescent Nano Fertilizers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nano-fertilizer.md) - [Transparent Bean Bag Furniture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/transparent-bean-bag.md)