An invasive fungus wiped out 4 billion American trees in 1904. Can scientists bring them back in 2026? Find out here

A genetically engineered chestnut has cleared a major hurdle a century after an invasive fungus almost wiped out one of America’s most important forest trees. Scientists are making attempts to revive what was destroyed in the 1900s. Four billion American chestnut trees died. The ecosystem where they flourished now has barely any left. So, can a 2026 breakthrough bring American chestnuts back to life? Let's find out.