Researchers have genetically modified a houseplant to clean indoor household air. Household air contains toxins from smoking, showering, furniture and cooking. A team of scientists at the University of Washington introduced the mammalian gene which encodes the enzyme cytochrome P450 2E1 into devil’s ivy (Epipremnum aureum). The researchers demonstrated that the modified plants decreased the concentrations of chloroform and benzene in the air. They want to introduce a protein that will break down formaldehyde next. The results were published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology.