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Researchers boost rice yield by overcoming trait tradeoff between panicle number and size

Researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences have developed a method to overcome the tradeoff between rice yield component traits, including panicle number and size. By modifying the cis-regulatory region of the Ideal Plant Architecture 1 gene, they increased grain yield by 15.9% while maintaining tiller number.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 21, 2022

From gene to function

Researchers have identified 68 genetic variants involved in platelet formation, including a novel role for tropomyosin 1 in platelet production. The study found that genes associated with heart attacks and strokes overlap with those affecting platelets, offering potential new targets for treatments.

Evolution of fruit size in tomato

Researchers have identified two key loci responsible for extreme fruit size in tomatoes, including the fas locus that controls cell division and the locule-number locus that affects carpel number. This study provides a significant breakthrough in understanding tomato domestication and opens up new avenues for crop improvement.

Why small dogs are small

Researchers have identified a piece of doggy DNA that reduces growth in small breeds, ensuring they stay small. The study found a haplotype in all breeds of small dogs, suggesting it is a major contributor to body size.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalScience·DateApr 5, 2007

New tumor-suppressor gene discovered

A new tumor-suppressor gene called mats has been discovered by researchers at Penn State, which works with another tumor suppressor to control tissue growth. The study found that the mats gene can shrink tumors in flies and may regulate cell number and tissue growth by restricting cell proliferation.

SourcePenn State·JournalCell·DateMar 10, 2005