A team of researchers has successfully engineered a drought-resistant gene into tomato plants, resulting in stronger root systems that can better utilize limited water. The technology could be applied to all crops, addressing the global concern of water scarcity and potentially increasing food production.
Research highlights rapidly declining fish numbers in inland waters globally, with total catch quadrupling since 1950 and biodiversity at risk. Inland water fishing pressure shifts from species to species, leading to ecosystem collapse if left unmanaged.
Researchers studied the genetic markers of African mole-rats to understand their complex social behavior. They found that these microsatellites can reveal how traits pass from mother to offspring, potentially explaining why family members support a single mother naked mole-rat.
Wastewater can be safely reused for irrigation if pretreated, monitored, and using correct crops, say researchers. The study found that viruses in wastewater could linger in soil for up to a month, but were not detected on spinach leaves.
The study found that Bermudagrass lawns support twice as many fungal spores as St. Augustine grass, which can trigger allergic reactions. Leaving grass clippings on the lawn after mowing is also recommended to reduce potential allergens.
A study by Texas A&M AgriLife Communications reveals that planting containerized seedlings in the fall can significantly increase the survival rate of pine tree seedlings, with a 93% survival rate compared to 67%. The shift in reforestation methods may help landowners improve their forest land management and reduce waste.
Dr. Leonard Pike aims to breed a carrot containing lutein, carotene, anthocyanin, and lycopene, which have been shown to ward off various diseases and improve health. The goal is to create a healthier snack option for Americans who consume over 5 pounds of carrots annually.
A new protein, Lyz, has been discovered to transform into a different structure, enabling medical researchers to design drugs that can turn proteins on or off at the cellular level. This discovery could lead to treatment for difficult-to-cure diseases such as cancer and HIV.
Research by Texas Agricultural Experiment Station scientists has shown that citrus compounds called limonoids targeted and stopped neuroblastoma cells in the lab. The finding is promising not only for its potential to arrest cancer but also because limonoids induce no side effects, according to Dr. Ed Harris.
The Texas Bison Herd is struggling due to inbreeding depression, a condition caused by lack of genetic variation. The herd's average age has increased, and birth rates are low, posing a threat to its survival.
Researchers are studying the genetic mutations that make mosquitoes resistant to pyrethroid pesticides, a key strategy for controlling diseases like St. Louis encephalitis and West Nile encephalitis in Texas urban areas. The study aims to develop new methods of mosquito control to prevent resistance.
A new grant will investigate how electron-beam irradiation can sterilize spacecraft components, focusing on heat-sensitive materials. The goal is to develop a more effective and reliable sterilization technique for deep space missions.
A recent study found that adding natural mycorrhizal fungi to synthetic fertilizers can significantly improve plant growth while reducing pesticide use and water consumption. Researchers at Texas A&M AgriLife Communications discovered this inexpensive additive makes better use of fertilizers, saving money and improving the environment.
Researchers created a controlled environment to test various weather conditions and their effects on post oak, bluestem grass, and juniper species. The study aims to understand how these changes may alter land use and wildlife survival in the region.
Researchers have identified three new Geophagus fish species in South America, shedding light on the region's biodiversity and ecosystem importance. The discoveries add to ongoing efforts to catalog the approximately 4,475 freshwater fish species found in the region.
Researchers are cloning mosquito genes to understand the hormone-controlled mechanism of diuresis, a fast process by which mosquitoes excrete waste. This study aims to develop new, selective insecticides targeting the hormone receptor, potentially controlling vector-borne diseases like dengue fever.
Researchers explored the potential of copper to control cancerous growth by depleting it of essential nutrients. Studies have shown that regulating copper levels can stop tumor growth, although no cures have been found yet, and further research is needed for a more comprehensive approach.
Research at Texas Agricultural Experiment Station has led to a patent for derivatives of DIM, a natural compound derived from certain vegetables, to treat cancer. These compounds have shown promise in inhibiting the growth of breast, pancreatic, colon, bladder, and ovarian cancer cells in laboratory studies.
A $2 million sorghum genome grant is funding a project to train students from diverse backgrounds in genetic analysis and presentation. The goal is to attract more scientists from underrepresented groups to plant genomics research, promoting diversity in the field.
The Binding Interface Database is an extensive, searchable internet site that brings together all known information on protein interactions. The database currently contains 245 interacting protein pairs and over 1,500 key interaction areas, providing a valuable resource for researchers to study complex biological systems.
Researchers have identified a system in a mutant arabidopsis that signals cells to pause during stressful situations, allowing plants to regulate themselves and adjust before growth resumes. This discovery may lead to breeding plants with improved stress handling techniques and enhanced drought tolerance.
A recent study by Texas Cooperative Extension found that kids' gardening programs increase a child's interest in science and nutrition. The program, Junior Master Gardener (JMG), was developed to teach horticulture skills while promoting healthy eating habits.
A year-long study on Texas A&M University campus found that male urban squirrels are more likely to die on roads, with males darting about through streets more frequently. In contrast, female squirrel death was mostly attributable to predation, highlighting the need for effective wildlife management strategies in urban landscapes.
A Texas Agricultural Experiment Station scientist has developed a method of producing collagen and other health-related proteins from plants, replacing human or animal sources. The process involves introducing collagen proteins into sugarcane callus, transforming the cane to produce both sugar and collagen protein in cane stems.
A Texas forestry sciences researcher has developed a two-dimensional warping model based on the mechanics of layered composites, enabling factory managers to make changes in manufacturing processes. The model uses commercial spreadsheet software to calculate and plot overall linear expansion and out-of-plane warping of wood-based panels.
Researchers discovered that the removal of MTase1, a viral protein, did not impact virus replication rates in tissue culture. This finding suggests that proteins essential to virus function may be more complex than previously thought, with implications for understanding virus behavior and potential applications in pest control.
Researchers are using Arabidopsis plant mutants to study salt stress in plants and potential connections to HIV research. Mutants with altered genes have been identified, offering insights into the mechanisms behind these complex conditions.
Bazer and Roberts identified proteins and mechanisms that regulate embryo development, fetal growth, and immune competence. Their research has clarified the biological mystery of signaling between embryo and mother to establish and maintain pregnancy in mammals.
A study found that acidified calcium sulfate is effective in killing Listeria on the surface of cooked products and preventing its regrowth. The treatment was shown to be safe and did not affect the taste or texture of the product, making it a potential solution for improving food safety.
Researchers at the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station have discovered a promising new treatment for eliminating mistletoe from urban trees. The plant hormone has shown to be effective in controlling up to 90% of mistletoe infestations, with potential applications for widespread use across the United States.
A team of US researchers study Polish forest plots with 14 different temperate tree species to understand biodiversity and ecosystem structure. They investigate how tree species influence the environment, soil acidity, and decomposition.
A study by Dr. Ron Randel found that fall-born Brahman bulls take longer to reach sexual maturity than spring-born bulls, delaying breeding by up to 39 days. This delay has little impact on long-term reproductive efficiency, but affects commercial cattle producers who buy young bulls for early use.
A Texas Agricultural Experiment Station study found that early planting, even in September, can give slash pine trees a growing head start towards better survivability. Container-grown trees showed more than 90% survival after the first year, compared to 60% for bare-root trees.
The new assessment tool identifies critical nodes in agricultural production processes and assesses relative vulnerability to attacks. Local authorities will use the process to evaluate their capability to respond and identify needs for additional planning, training, and equipment.
A breakthrough in genetic engineering has enabled scientists to transform loblolly pine trees with improved drought tolerance and disease resistance. The study demonstrates the use of a shoot-based transformation method, which can accelerate the improvement of this important species.