Articles tagged with Agricultural Biotechnology
Researchers at MIPT have created a compound screening technique that quickly determines how chemicals affect plant growth, accelerating the process by pollen germination. The new method allows for the identification of 65 chemicals that promote or inhibit tobacco growth in just two hours.
The USDA is working to incentivize the development of biomass feedstocks and strengthen supply chains to promote the use of renewable energy sources. The agency's efforts aim to address climate change by supporting the production of biobased products and materials.
Researchers screened over 2,000 plant samples for biological activity, revealing compounds with potential applications for crop improvement and protection. The study presents the results of large-scale screening for insecticidal and fungicidal activity in 1,200 plant samples.
Researchers at NC State University have made significant advancements in the genome editing technique CRISPR-Cas, identifying key molecular elements that drive its activity. The study sheds light on how guide RNAs interact with the Cas9 endonuclease, enabling more precise genetic modifications.
Researchers suggest genetically edited fruit could be more acceptable in Europe, with potential applications in vitamin A production and browning prevention. Genome editing tools like CRISPR enable precise adjustments to natural ingredients.
African experts will share updates on disease-resistant crops, genetic technologies, and youth empowerment in agriculture. The session aims to nurture the growth of bioscience revolution in Africa's smallholder farming sector.
The institute will utilize the UAV to monitor thousands of crop plots, enabling detailed evaluations of growth and functionality. The technology will substantially increase throughput and precision in analysis, contributing to various crop improvement projects.
Biotechnology and sustainable bioenergy crops are crucial to overcome challenges such as global atmospheric change, yield stagnation, and societal acceptance. The US has a unique opportunity to increase crop production and modify crops for rising CO2 levels.
A Swiss government-protected field site will provide a secure environment for GM crop researchers, enabling them to conduct experiments without security measures. This model could help European countries evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of GM crops in an objective manner.
A £16M initiative will develop ways to improve the sustainability of vital food crops in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. The projects aim to increase sustainable crop yields and improve global food security.
Researchers identified trust as a crucial factor in the success or failure of agbiotech public-private partnerships. The study found that integrity, open communication, and accountability were essential components of trust in these partnerships, while a lack of transparency and poor performance can erode trust.
A new bioluminescent real-time reporter (BART) technique combined with loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) detects genetically modified crops at 0.1% GM contamination levels, surpassing EU limits. This approach simplifies DNA extraction and detection, providing a field-ready solution for monitoring GMOs.
Biotech has added billions to farmers' incomes globally, with the four main crops of soybeans, corn, cotton, and canola experiencing significant increases. The study found that biotech benefits were particularly pronounced in developing countries, with GM insect-resistant cotton and herbicide-tolerant soybeans driving these gains.
The new ARC Center of Excellence in Plant Cell Wall Biology will enhance biotechnologies for crop industries, associated food industries, and renewable transport fuels. The center will be led by the University of Adelaide and involves collaboration with international partners to develop new technologies and processes.
A new yeast strain, TMB3130, has been developed to ferment pentose sugars, significantly improving aerobic growth rate and biomass concentration. This breakthrough enables the efficient production of ethanol from non-food materials, such as agricultural residues.
To address global food security challenges, researchers recommend embracing agricultural biotechnology, aquaculture, and crop breeding to improve yields in dry areas. They also suggest using nitrogen more efficiently to reduce water pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
A study examines how public officials obtain information about debatable scientific issues, including agricultural biotechnology. Results show that Texas legislators relied more on the Cooperative Extension Service, while state FFA officers preferred online sources.
Newly emerging biotechnology clusters globally showcase life science expertise across various disciplines. China's Shanghai and Beijing are home to the largest groupings of biotech companies, while Brazil has strong centers in Belo Horizonte, São Paulo, and Rio de Janeiro.
Experts from Queen's University are in India to advise on reducing parasitic infections that destroy plants and animals, costing the world economy $200 billion annually. The delegation will share their expertise on managing drug resistance in livestock and promoting modern agricultural practices.
A survey of college students revealed mixed opinions on the benefits and drawbacks of biotechnology in sustainable agriculture, with some supporting genetically modified crops and others expressing concerns over environmental and social impacts. The study suggests that educators should provide neutral exposure to both sustainable agric...
Biologists call for making detailed maps of biotech crops available to researchers, allowing them to analyze the effects on wildlife and water quality. The government's current data collection system is limited in spatial resolution, making it difficult to answer key questions about genetically engineered crops.
A recent study reviews the current state of public knowledge on biotechnology, revealing popular misperceptions and scientific illiteracy. The article emphasizes the need for a rational public debate to discuss risks and benefits of agricultural biotechnology.
Ronald Cape will receive the 2007 Biotechnology Heritage Award for his contributions to the growth of biotechnology. He was a pioneer in genetic engineering and helped launch the creation of the entire biotech industry.
The World Trade Organization is expected to rule on biotechnology-altered foods, with differing perceptions about the 'precautionary principle' leading to trade clashes. The Japan-based Institute for Advanced Studies of the United Nations University calls for international agreement on common approaches to risk assessment.
The BiOS Initiative aims to develop inclusive technology toolkits by mapping patent landscapes and fostering collaboration among scientists, farmers, and innovators. This effort seeks to provide better problem-solving options for developing countries, prioritizing local needs and independence.
Scientists at IGER have created a genetic map of pearl millet DNA, enabling the rapid development of downy mildew-resistant plants. This approach allows for faster breeding techniques than traditional methods, benefiting farmers in Africa and India.
The study reveals that light-to-moderate grazing has no ill effects on the ecosystem, and can even increase vegetative ground cover and plant diversity. In contrast, ungrazed lands show more cheatgrass and reduced plant variety, highlighting the benefits of managed livestock grazing.
A Cornell University researcher found that awareness and knowledge of golden rice among Filipino farming community leaders is almost nonexistent. Vitamin A deficiency affects over 100 million children worldwide, leading to preventable blindness and high mortality rates.
A recent poll found that New Yorkers are divided on the use of biotechnology in food and agriculture, with 39% opposed to its use. The study also revealed demographic differences among those who support or oppose biotechnology, with opponents being more likely to be female, liberal, and younger.
The University of California, Riverside is part of PIPRA, a collaborative effort to review public sector patenting practices and develop shared technology packages. This initiative aims to enhance the impact of technology transfer on public benefit, addressing critical global agricultural needs.
The Public-Sector Intellectual Property Resource for Agriculture (PIPRA) is a roadmap guiding public research institutions in managing and sharing intellectual property. PIPRA aims to facilitate the commercialization of new crops by allowing multiple institutions to hold parts of intellectual property rights.
The US-EC Biotech Task Force is exploring the potential of transkingdom biology to bring together life forms from diverse kingdoms. This new field has opened up a broader relevance due to commonalities in molecular machinery, enabling researchers to share findings and perspectives.
The MdBioLab offers state-of-the-art facilities and online access to resources, reaching up to 20,000 students and 100s of science teachers annually. The mobile lab will inspire interest in bioscience and expose students to cutting-edge technology.
Researchers found that chemicals in detergents, plastics, and medicines can mimic natural estrogens, disrupting the sexual development of juvenile zebrafish. The study suggests that these compounds can affect not only the reproductive capacity but also sex ratios of fish populations.
A natural compound found in tomatoes has been patented and licensed for production as an insect repellent. The substance, IBI-246, is considered slightly safer than DEET and repels a range of insects, including mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, and biting flies.
Researchers at the University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute have identified specific amino acid residues in the Gumboro-causing viruses responsible for their infection and disease development in poultry. This discovery will enable the creation of more effective genetically engineered vaccines to protect against severe outbreaks.
Researchers have discovered a microbe that can break down polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), a toxic substance released into the environment for over 70 years. The breakthrough could lead to the development of bioremediation technologies to tackle the pollutants.
Researchers found transgenic DNA in four out of six native Mexican corn samples, including the presence of a popular insecticidal bacterium. The contamination is believed to have occurred through multiple pollinations over time, threatening the region's diverse genetic heritage.
A four-year project led by Virginia Tech aims to investigate the social and economic effects of agricultural biotechnologies. The study will examine the distributional effects of early adopters versus late adopters, as well as the impact on producers and consumers.
Prominent plant scientists share their perspectives on genetically modified crops, exploring their potential to address world hunger and improve nutrition. The publication addresses concerns over safety, regulation, and social impact, offering a science-based understanding of the GMO controversy.
A team of scientists discovered a stable strain of bacteria living in a specific type of sea sponge, found along the Great Barrier Reef near Australia. The presence of this bacterium is linked to the health of the sponge and has potential as a model for finding new medicinal compounds.