Researchers have found a way to deliver proteins directly into live human cells, bypassing the need to damage or kill the cell membrane. This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize medical research and treatment of diseases, including cancer and regenerative medicine.
A Texas A&M-led study has found that body clock dysregulation plays a key role in the development of metabolic diseases, including obesity and diabetes. The researchers discovered that overnutrition causes circadian clock dysregulation, leading to pro-inflammatory activity in adipose tissue and worsening insulin resistance.
Dr. Kevin Conway and his team have made two groundbreaking discoveries in the study of Western Atlantic Clingfishes. The researchers identified a new species of clingfish less than an inch long and discovered a unique venom gland in a well-studied group of fish, highlighting the vast diversity and complexity of marine ecosystems.
A Texas A&M AgriLife Research study found that peach extract inhibits breast cancer metastasis in mice by targeting metalloproteinases. Consuming two to three peaches per day may provide similar benefits for humans, according to the study published in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry.
Dr. Joshua Yuan's project aims to develop a way for plants to produce terpenoid directly, making it easily accessible as a combustible fuel. The US Energy Department grant will help increase the amount of combustible fuel produced by plants, with the goal of creating a commercially viable product.
Researchers found that diet complexity affects gut bacteria composition, with complex diets promoting beneficial Lactobacillales and simple diets increasing harmful Proteobacteria. The study suggests steroid hormone nuclear receptors play a role in microbiota maintenance.
Researchers have discovered that meclizine inhibits mitochondrial respiration, leading to reduced cellular oxygen consumption. This finding opens up new applications for the drug in treating diseases such as heart attack, stroke, and neurological disorders.
Dr. Xiuren Zhang has been awarded a $1.3 million National Science Foundation CAREER grant to further his research on RNA silencing and plant stem cells. His team's discovery of bidirectional processing of microRNAs in plants could lead to more productive breeding practices.
A recent study found that electron-beam pasteurization can significantly reduce the risk of viral food poisoning from consuming raw oysters. The research, led by Texas A&M University graduate student Chandni Praveen, used human norovirus and hepatitis A virus surrogates to test the technology's effectiveness.
Researchers aim to identify genetic markers for improved dairy cow fertility, focusing on cyclicity and pregnancy timing. The study will involve collecting DNA from cows in five states and analyzing variables such as time from calving to conception.
Four new white peach varieties, White Delight series, are being released for production in nurseries this year, catering to growers in warmer climates. The three clingstone and one semi-freestone varieties ripen consecutively from late-May through mid-July with high-taste scores.
Scientists aim to understand how promiscuous enzymes can be engineered to tackle new functions, such as removing toxins from the environment. The goal is to develop biodegradable enzymes that can replace toxic chemicals in industrial processes.
Researchers will explore yielding more high-quality organic rice using environmentally friendly methods. The studies aim to improve soil quality, reduce disease loss and increase yield and milling quality for the crop.
The project aims to convert lignin into lipid, a substance usable for biodiesel production, and reduce hazardous waste. The researchers expect to result in a way to convert at least 40% of processed lignin, mitigating over 20 million tons of carbon dioxide.
A collaborative project will analyze the impact of environmental conditions and management tactics on mite populations and disease incidence in wheat. The team aims to develop an accurate forecasting model to help growers anticipate and take action against wheat streak mosaic virus, high plains virus, and triticum mosaic virus.
Researchers at Texas A&M AgriLife Research have made significant breakthroughs in producing oil from algae, a sustainable alternative to traditional fossil fuels. The team aims to combine the slow-growing traits of Botryococcus braunii with faster-growing alga species to create a high-yielding oil producer.
A team of scientists from Texas A&M AgriLife Research is conducting a study to monitor fertilizer runoff and establish management practices for new turf in Central Texas. The study, sponsored by The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, aims to understand how different fertilization and irrigation methods affect runoff volume and nutrient load.
The university has upgraded its research facilities with a $2.7 million NMR spectrometer, allowing for faster and more detailed molecular imaging. This will enable researchers to study macromolecules at the molecular level, benefiting disease research and biological problem-solving.
Researchers found that mesquite biomass can be a viable option for bioenergy use, with the potential to offset higher harvest and transport costs. The study estimated costs of delivered biomass at $347-561 per acre, depending on the density and harvesting scenario.
A Texas AgriLife Research team is conducting a 3-year study to analyze the benefits of converting traditional cotton land to grow switchgrass or biomass sorghum for bioenergy crops. The study aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote agricultural sustainability.
A recent study found that a specific gene linked to fat tissue inflammation may protect against diet-induced obesity-related health problems. The researchers discovered that overexpressing this gene increased fat deposition while suppressing inflammatory responses and improving insulin sensitivity in genetically modified mice.
A recent study by Dr. Paul DeLaune found that reduced tillage has no impact on cotton yields and can even increase net returns through deficit irrigation. The research suggests that conservation tillage systems can conserve water resources and reduce energy usage, making them a viable option for cotton producers in semiarid environments.
A dairy study funded by the American Jersey Cattle Club Research Foundation investigates how breed and conformation affect cow longevity. Dr. Pablo Pinedo aims to compare the productive life of Jerseys, Holsteins, and their crosses in multi-breed herds.
Researchers are investigating three popular wheat varieties to understand their drought tolerance mechanisms and how they can be improved. The study aims to identify key genetic regulators of drought tolerance, which is crucial for maintaining crop yields in dryland areas affected by drought.
The US Energy Department has granted over $1.8 million to a researcher studying terpenoids in plants as a potential fuel source. The goal is to create a sustainable fuel production method that can be easily extracted from plants, reducing dependence on oil fields.
A study published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology found that electron-beam irradiation can inactivate viruses on leafy greens, reducing the risk of foodborne illness. The research provides quantified data on the reduction in health risks through this technology, which could lead to greater adoption in the fresh produce industry.
Researchers at Texas A&M AgriLife Communications identified heat-tolerant rose varieties that performed well despite extreme temperatures. These plants exhibit high levels of black spot tolerance and produce abundant white, single flowers.
Researchers at Texas AgriLife Research have discovered a gene regulating sorghum flowering, which can delay flowering and increase biomass accumulation by up to 200 days. This breakthrough enables the development of sorghum as a dedicated bioenergy crop with potential to produce lignocellulosic-based biofuels.
Researchers from Texas A&M Institute of Renewable Natural Resources discovered a freshwater mussel species, Quadrula mitchelli, thought to be extinct in the San Saba River. The find indicates that small populations may exist and is a significant discovery for conservation efforts.
Researchers develop method to extract ammonium from liquid animal manure using gas-permeable membrane technology, removing 50% of dissolved ammonium in 20 days. The captured ammonia can be converted into ammonium sulfate fertilizer, potentially offsetting the cost of removal and mitigating environmental pollution.
The global bioterrorism threat is a growing concern for the world animal health office, with evidence of biological agent development in some countries. The article discusses potential perpetrators, priority diseases, modern biology, trade and regulatory restraints to prevent such threats.
Texas researchers are studying microalgae's benefits, including its use as a sustainable source of fuels, animal feed and fertilizer. The microscopic algae thrive in freshwater and marine systems and have the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Researchers discovered a unique regulatory circuit in plants that controls their immune sensor, which could lead to new ways to understand and treat autoimmune diseases. By studying this mechanism, scientists hope to develop treatments for allergies and other ailments.
A new Texas AgriLife Research study reveals that fathers' role in childhood obesity is more significant than previously thought. Lenient dads are more likely to allow their kids frequent fast-food restaurant visits, which have been linked to obesity. Fathers need education on nutritional content and taking a responsible parenting role.
Researchers at Texas AgriLife Research have identified a key molecular mechanism regulating plant stem cell development, which could lead to increased fruit, seed, and leaf production. By understanding how microRNAs interact with RNA silencing proteins, scientists can engineer plants to produce more biomass.
The project, 'Texas Grow! Eat! Go!', aims to test the impact of several Extension programs on behaviors related to childhood obesity. AgriLife Extension's Junior Master Gardener program will be a key factor in engaging children and their families in healthy food choices.
Researchers have discovered two classes of peptaibols with potential therapeutic value, including antibiotics and growth promoters. The fungus Trichoderma virens produces diverse compounds that can be tested for various applications.
Researchers at Texas AgriLife developed a method to reduce food irradiation levels by cutting them in half. This method uses pure oxygen to kill 99.999 percent of salmonella, E. coli, and other pathogens on fresh produce. The process preserves quality while reducing radiation needed, resulting in safer and more nutritious produce.
Researchers discovered a virus component, P19, that can introduce foreign genes into plants without harming them. This technology has potential applications in pharmaceutical development and biotechnology.
Researchers at Texas A&M AgriLife Research are developing wireless sensing networks to monitor field conditions in rice and cotton production. The systems use sensors to track temperature, soil moisture, and fiber quality, enabling farmers to make data-driven decisions. This technology has the potential to improve crop management, incr...
Texas A&M University is part of a global conservation study that reviews the status of thousands of species and finds worldwide efforts have fallen short of biodiversity targets. Ongoing global-conservation efforts prevent extinction rates from worsening, with 50 species moving closer to extinction each year.
Researchers at Texas A&M AgriLife Communications developed a computer program to provide rice farmers with accurate forecasts and recommendations. The Rice Development Advisory program combines climate, soil, and weather data to help farmers plan planting, irrigation, and harvesting.
A new study by Texas A&M AgriLife Communications found that using test-tube calf embryos can double pregnancy rates and increase heifer births during the summer months. The method uses fresh or frozen embryos fertilized in a lab, bypassing heat stress's negative effects on fertility.
Researchers have identified a single dominant gene from the Colorado germplasm line that provides resistance to wheat streak mosaic virus. The Wsm2 gene was mapped to chromosome 3B and can be used to track its presence in wheat breeding programs.
A teaching and research program will explore how conflict affects agriculture and natural resource management in conflict-ridden countries. The Howard G. Buffett Foundation Chair in Conflict and Development aims to promote scholarship and understanding of this critical issue.
A team of biochemists has identified the molecular mechanism by which an immune response is triggered by invading viruses, according to recent research. The results could lead to new therapies for viral infections, including the common cold and hepatitis. By understanding how the immune system recognizes viral RNA at the atomic level, ...
Dr. Seong Park's research found that manure provides higher economic returns than chemical fertilizers due to its multiple essential crop nutrients and lower costs. The study showed that swine effluent was the most cost-effective option, with breakeven prices lower than anhydrous ammonia.
Researchers have discovered that peach and plum extracts induce the death of breast cancer cells without harming normal cells. The compounds chlorogenic and neochlorogenic were found to be responsible for this differential effect.
A new system developed by Texas AgriLife Research can automatically scan water samples and detect potential pathogens like cryptosporidium and giardia, providing results immediately. This technology has the potential to address key challenges in pathogen detection in food and water, making it accessible globally.
Researchers used electron microscopy to observe Xylella fastidiosa bacteria breaking down plant cell walls, weakening and killing grape plants. The study aims to understand the disease's progression and develop prevention strategies.