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Scientists are busy trying to take the fun out of the hunt for the perfect Christmas tree. Danish researchers are trying to crack the genome of the conifer for the first time, a development that could lead to oh-so-perfect trees and possibly even flame-retardant needles. Another group in Britain is experimenting with an enzyme used by fireflies to create a tree glows all by itself.

"The most important thing is good shape," one scientist in Copenhagen tells Der Spiegel. "It would also be good if it had fewer needles." (Read more Christmas tree stories.)