Molecular biologist Keith Woeste and his colleagues at the Hardwood Tree Improvement and Regeneration Center are, according to this story, wagering they can grow better hardwoods through a combination of classical breeding and biotechnology to give a boost to the nation’s $14 billion a year hardwood industry. The story says that Purdue University scientists are trying to create superior black walnut, black cherry and northern red oak trees - a trio coveted by the fine furniture and wood flooring industry - that can be planted by the millions in tree plantations.