Biochemists at Washington State University are genetically engineering poplar trees to produce 2-phenylethanol, a chemical that produces a floral scent. The goal, according to researchers, is to produce specialty chemicals to sell in the hope of propping up the biofuel industry. "We've been trying for many decades to understand how plants make these special chemicals that can be used in flavorings, fuels and medicinals, and that seemed like the obvious first place to target," said Norman Lewis, director of the Institute of Biological Chemistry at the university.