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Indigenous territory maintains ecological stability amid agricultural expansion in the Brazilian savanna

A recent study reveals that the Pimentel Barbosa Indigenous Territory, home to the Xavante ethnic group, has maintained its environmental configuration amidst agricultural expansion and deforestation. The area, dominated by Cerrado vegetation, has been preserved despite surrounding areas being converted to soybean farming and livestock...

Selenium nanoparticles and glutathione synergistically enhance soybean salt tolerance by activating the JA pathway and arbutin-mediated rhizosphere microbiota

Researchers developed a nano-biostimulant (SeG) combining selenium nanoparticles and glutathione to alleviate salt stress effects on soybean growth. SeG triggers metabolic reprogramming via the JA pathway, promoting arbutin secretion and rhizosphere microbiota growth, leading to improved salt tolerance in soybean.

Why does the body deem some foods safe and others unsafe?

Researchers have identified three new proteins, called epitopes, that help the body determine 'safe' foods, aiding in food tolerance and allergy understanding. The epitopes were found in seed proteins from corn, wheat, and soybean, and interact with regulatory T cells to inform tolerance-or-rejection decisions.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalScience Immunology·DateMar 6, 2026

Comprehensive genetic library for soybean cyst nematode could renew resistance, profitability for soybean growers

A multi-institution research team has developed a comprehensive genetic library for the soybean cyst nematode, which could help renew resistance and profitability for soybean growers. The pangenome allows for population genetic analysis to understand how nematodes are overcoming resistance.

Bigger is not always better: Smaller leaves optimize light use in soybeans

Researchers found that narrower soybean leaves can improve how efficiently plants use available light. By altering leaf shape through a single gene, they reduced total leaf area by 13% without affecting yield, resulting in more efficient sunlight conversion into seed.

Chinese scientists reveal how isoflavone 6-hydroxylase mediates soybean resistance to Phytophthora sojae

Researchers discovered the biosynthetic pathway of glycitein, a key soybean isoflavonoid, and its role in plant immunity. They found that GmIF6H1 enzyme catalyzes the production of glycitein, which acts synergistically with glyceollins to defend soybeans against infection by Phytophthora sojae.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 11, 2025

Disrupting ‘communication’ with plants could limit soybean cyst nematode infections

A study co-authored by an Iowa State University professor identified a single protein that triggers chemical signals called effectors in cyst nematodes, which hijack plant cells. Disrupting this protein could severely reduce nematode infections, making it a powerful method for reducing crop damage.

SourceIowa State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 17, 2025

Miso made in space tastes nuttier, researchers find

Scientists successfully fermented miso on the International Space Station, discovering differences in bacterial communities and flavor profiles compared to Earth-made miso. The study's findings suggest that food fermentation can thrive in space, opening up new possibilities for astronaut well-being and performance.

SourceCell Press·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 2, 2025

Traditional breeding falls short in boosting soybean photosynthesis

A team from the University of Illinois found that traditional breeding methods are unlikely to improve soybean light-harvesting efficiency. Gene editing is likely needed to unlock soybean potential. The researchers gathered detailed measurements throughout an entire growing season to understand photoprotection relaxation in soybeans.

Topple weeds with a PRE-POST combo

Researchers found that a combination of preemergence and postemergence herbicide treatments provided the greatest and most consistent weed control in early planted soybean. The study's results suggest that using both PRE and POST treatments can optimize weed control outcomes and yield in early planted soybeans.

SourceCambridge University Press·JournalWeed Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 5, 2025

New discovery paves the way for more resistant soybeans to combat $1.5 billion crop loss from nematode infection

Researchers have identified a key protein responsible for nematode infection in soybeans, paving the way for the development of more resistant crops. By engineering 'decoy' proteins that trick nematodes into cleaving themselves, scientists aim to reduce reliance on chemical pesticides and lower agriculture's environmental impact.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalMolecular Plant-Microbe Interactions·DateJan 27, 2025

Scientists predict what will be top of the crops in UK by 2080 due to climate change

Climate change may lead to increased production of legumes such as chickpeas and soybeans, while oranges and okra become more widely grown. This could support shifts towards a more balanced diet and lower carbon footprint, but also poses economic and environmental risks.

SourceUK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology·JournalClimate Resilience and Sustainability·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 23, 2025

Yeast as food emulsifier? Easily released protein as strong as casein

Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have discovered yeast cell wall-derived proteins that exhibit high emulsifying activity, comparable to commercial casein emulsifier. These easily released protein molecules could potentially replace emulsifiers derived from milk, eggs, and soybeans, reducing allergenic concerns.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalFood Hydrocolloids·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 16, 2024

Should postmenopausal women eat soy? University of Toronto researchers dispel myth about soy and cancer

A study of 40 randomized controlled trials found that estrogen-like compounds in soy had no effect on key markers of estrogen-related cancers. The findings support the idea that soy isoflavones behave differently from human estrogen, particularly when it comes to cancers that depend on estrogen to develop.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalAdvances in Nutrition·TypeSystematic review·DateNov 27, 2024

Growing soybeans has a surprisingly significant emissions footprint, but it’s ripe for reduction

A new study by Iowa State University researchers finds that nearly half of soybean-related emissions come from the natural processes in soil, which can be mitigated through strategies like planting winter cover crops and adjusting planting schedules. These solutions have been found to reduce emissions by one-third while increasing yields.

SourceIowa State University·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 20, 2024

Killing giant ragweed just got harder for some Wisconsin farmers

Research from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign reveals that some giant ragweed populations in Wisconsin have evolved resistance to critical post-emergence herbicides. This development limits chemical options for non-GMO soybean growers, potentially forcing them to switch to GMO soybean...

How media impacts digital technology adoption in U.S. and Brazilian agriculture

A study found that farmers in both countries rely on interpersonal meetings, social media, and mass media for technology adoption, with social media playing a more significant role in Brazil. The researchers suggest that understanding the complex process of technology adoption can help tech companies reach potential customers.

Synchrotron-based imaging techniques enhance understanding of soybean nodule structures for improved nitrogen fixation efficiency

Researchers used synchrotron-based imaging to visualize and assess the functional structures in soybean root nodules, enhancing our understanding of nitrogen fixation efficiency. The study revealed the importance of central infected zones and vascular bundles in nodule function.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalPlant Phenomics·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 9, 2024