Announcing the first crop of alien grain

In recent exploratory forays, the Princess fleet scouts encountered alien plant life on a planet of the Elysium V system. Bolygo genetic researchers, under the direction of Dr. Gal Tzalul were among the first to begin analysis of these new life forms.

Mercury Traces Removed

Dr. Tzalul's tests indicated that the grain-like crops contained considerable amounts of mercury, which made them unsuitable for human consumption. Surprisingly, however, no biological pathogens or incompatibilities with the human digestive system were detected.

After several weeks of intensive research and experimentation, Dr. Tzalul developed a novel technique for extraction of the mercury compounds, by prolonged soaking of the plant matter in a carefully prepared series of saline solutions.

The end result was a batch of seeds that could be grown hydroponically, contained no traces of mercury and were comparable in terms of nutritional value to terrestrial wheat. Dr. Tzalul named the ensuing plant CUREAT (merCURy whEAT); the Bolygo hydroponics labs yielded their first crops a few weeks later.