Blight destroyed the American chestnut tree. Can scientists bring it back?

The American Chestnut Foundation has launched a multi-pronged effort to restore the American chestnut tree, devastated by a blight fungus in the early 20th century.

In the early 20th century, a blight fungus destroyed nearly all of the 4 billion American chestnut trees on the eastern seaboard, causing significant ecological disruption.

Controversy surrounds the plan to plant genetically modified chestnuts in the wild, as scientists work towards resurrecting a species that has been functionally extinct.

Short Wave host Emily Kwong explores ongoing scientific efforts to revive the American chestnut through genetic modification, emphasizing environmental and ethical discussions.

Read at www.npr.org