Summary:

- The American chestnut tree was once a dominant species in the eastern United States, but a devastating fungal disease nearly wiped it out in the early 20th century.
- Scientists have been working for decades to breed a blight-resistant chestnut tree, using genetic engineering and selective breeding techniques, in an effort to restore the species to its former glory.
- The successful reintroduction of the American chestnut could have significant ecological and economic benefits, as the tree was an important food source for wildlife and had valuable lumber for human use.