Name: Robert Last, professor of biochemistry and molecular biology, and other researchers from MSU, the University of Michigan and the University of Arizona

Department: Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Date of research: Last has been working with tomatoes for about six months.

Type of research: Plant biology and genetics

Basics of research: "We are interested in finding the genes that are involved in making trichomes, the little hairs on plants, and the chemicals involved in making the chemicals in the little hairs," Last said. "We use genetics to find the genes that make the hairs and chemicals."

The chemicals and hairs found on plants they are trying to grow are sticky and have an odor that keeps bugs away. Researchers are using plant seeds they produce to eventually make plants that have the chemicals to use as a natural bug repellent for the leaves.

Social impact of research: "We are interested in how plants make chemicals that are useful to the plant and could be useful to humans," Last said.

The research is useful to farmers and people with gardens because the chemicals produced by the plants protect them from pests. The chemicals are sticky and pests often get stuck to the plants and cause other bugs to keep off the leaves.

Anyone who enjoys eating tomatoes also benefits because it could possibly omit the need for pesticides, Last said, adding that humans would not be affected by the chemicals because they don't eat the leaves.

Other research plants such as peppers, eggplants and potatoes are closely related to tomatoes.

"It is possible we will be able to translate what we learn from tomatoes to use for other related vegetables to make these compounds," Last said.

Difficulties of research: "It takes a lot of patience," Last said adding that, it also takes a lot of waiting. The researchers have to wait until the plants produce seeds and use them to grow different plants.

Weird/unknown fact: Tomatoes originated in the Andes, Last said. They were originally from South America and explorers brought them back to Europe.

Funding for research: The National Science Foundation awarded $3.6 million to MSU to fund the project.

"The Plant Genome Research Program funds basic research on crop plants," Last said. "This will hopefully teach us how to make plants grow healthier and faster in different environments."