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Researchers uncover the inside story on plant organ growth

A study by John Innes Centre researchers reveals that inner tissues play a crucial role in shaping plant organs, contradicting the widespread assumption that external layers control growth. By analyzing cell division orientation and gene editing techniques, they discovered genes affecting stem thickness in Arabidopsis.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 8, 2026
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Genomic techniques can streamline breeding for grain quality

Researchers developed a strategy to predict multiple traits at once based on the whole genome, increasing predictive ability by 2-10 times. This method, called multi-trait genomic selection (MT-GS), combines genetic markers with known trait links for more accurate predictions, making it a promising tool for efficient and cost-effective...

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalThe Plant Genome·DateAug 7, 2025

New study reveals episodic and gradual patterns in plant diploidization process

A recent study has revealed that the diploidization process in plants can be both episodic and gradual, depending on the type of mutation. The researchers used population genomics to uncover a nuanced picture of this process, including gene fractionation, transposable element accumulation, and homoeologous expression bias.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 27, 2025
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Genetic secrets of rice pave way for future farming and conservation

Researchers at King Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST) have discovered genes that can strengthen rice crops against environmental stresses such as heat, drought, and salinity. The study also identified a comprehensive framework for developing robust rice crops that can thrive in challenging environments.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNature Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 28, 2025

Pangenome study unveils genetic diversity of wild and cultivated rice

A pangenome study has constructed an unprecedented map of wild and cultivated rice, decoding the genetic architecture and diversity of rice. The researchers found 3.87 billion base pairs of novel genetic sequences absent from the single acknowledged reference genome, as well as 69,531 genes spanning the pangenome.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature·DateApr 18, 2025
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Phytobiomes Journal publishes landmark focus issue on the phytovirome

The Phytovirome Focus Issue addresses fundamental and translational aspects of phytovirome science, highlighting the transformative role of high-throughput sequencing technologies. Researchers discovered a remarkable diversity of viruses in plants, with complex communities interacting with hosts in both pathogenic and beneficial ways.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPhytobiomes Journal·DateApr 11, 2025

High-yield rice breed emits up to 70% less methane

Scientists have identified chemical compounds released by rice roots that determine how much methane the plants emit. A new strain of rice was bred using traditional breeding methods, resulting in yields of 8.96 tons/hectare while emitting up to 70% less methane.

SourceCell Press·JournalMolecular Plant·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 3, 2025

Across southeastern US, weedy rice steals herbicide resistance from crop rice

A new study found that over half of weedy rice sampled in the southeastern US has become resistant to certain herbicides, including imidazolinone and a newer class of herbicides. The researchers also discovered that individual fields have distinct compositions of weedy rice strains, making management harder.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateDec 16, 2024
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Study reveals key gene protecting plants from harmful metals in soil

A new study by Salk scientists reveals a key gene that enhances plants' zinc tolerance, allowing them to thrive in toxic conditions. The discovery enables the development of crops more resilient to soil contamination, a major goal of Salk's Harnessing Plants Initiative.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 18, 2024

Innovative use of hyperspectral data and DCGANs enhances rice protein content estimation

A study using hyperspectral data and DCGANs improves the estimation of rice grain protein content, achieving high validation accuracy and identifying genetic loci related to GPC. This approach demonstrates the potential for combining hyperspectral technology and DCGANs for efficient genetic analysis and selection of high-quality rice v...

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalPlant Phenomics·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 7, 2024

Changes Upstream: RIPE team uses CRISPR/Cas9 to alter photosynthesis for the first time

Researchers from the University of Illinois have used CRISPR/Cas9 to alter the upstream regulatory DNA of a food crop, increasing gene expression and improving downstream photosynthesis. This approach, which does not require adding foreign DNA, has shown promising results in increasing photosynthetic activity in rice.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 7, 2024
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Fusion of a rice endogenous N-methylpurine DNA glycosylase to a plant adenine base transition editor ABE8e enables A-to-K base editing in rice plants

Researchers developed four plant-based A-to-K base editors, rAKBEs, that enable simultaneous adenine transition and transversion base editing in rice. The rAKBEs, including rAKBE03 and rAKBE04, showed improved efficiency and capacity for different editing products.

SourceBeijing Zhongke Journal Publising Co. Ltd.·JournalaBIOTECH·DateMar 27, 2024

Analytic tool reveals more cream of the crops

The KAUST team developed an open-source platform to detect small DNA differences, revealing over 2 million previously overlooked genetic variants in rice and other crops. This tool will accelerate the discovery of genetic variations for developing crops with improved resilience and yield.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalBMC Biology·DateMar 20, 2024

Weedy rice gets competitive boost from its wild neighbors

A study found that weedy rice's promiscuity allows it to crossbreed with wild rice, enabling it to adapt and outcompete cultivated rice. This process, called adaptive introgression, has contributed to the evolution of Southeast Asian weedy rice.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 21, 2024
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

New rice lines for Africa offer virus protection

A research team has developed rice lines resistant to Rice Yellow Mottle Virus (RYMV) using genome editing, offering hope for African small-scale farmers. The resistant varieties were created by inserting a resistance gene into Asian rice, which can be easily transferred to local elite varieties.

SourceHeinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf·JournalPlant Biotechnology Journal·DateJan 11, 2024

DNA barcoding identifies the plants a person has eaten

A new technique using DNA barcoding can identify the plant matter in human feces, improving clinical trials, nutrition studies and historical research. The method detected specific plant species and their relative amounts consumed, varying according to diet, age, and household income.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateJun 27, 2023

New discovery set to boost disease-resistant rice

A new gene variant, RBL1, has been identified in a type of rice that can be modified to improve performance without yield penalties. This breakthrough could lead to more disease-resistant rice crops with high yields, addressing a major threat to the industry and meeting growing global demand.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 19, 2023

Genome editing used to create disease resistant rice

A team of scientists used CRISPR-Cas genome editing to create a disease-resistant rice variety, which showed high yields and resistance to the fungus that causes rice blast. The new rice variety produced five times more yield than the control rice in small-scale field trials.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 15, 2023
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Striking gold with black, brown and red rice

International researchers have identified nutrient-rich black rice varieties with improved agronomic traits, including shorter stem length and early maturity. These findings provide important resources for crop bioengineers to improve pigmented rice for human health and sustainable agriculture.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNature Food·DateJun 5, 2023

Rice University scientists get fungi to spill their secrets

Researchers at Rice University have developed a multiplex base-editing platform that significantly improves the pace of new drug discovery by inducing fungi to produce more bioactive compounds. The technique has been deployed as a tool for mining fungal genomes for medically useful compounds, reducing research timeline by over 80%.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 6, 2023

Researchers uncover key codon repeats regulating chilling tolerance in rice

A recent study has revealed a novel cold domesticated repair mechanism for DNA damage in rice, providing elite modules for improving chilling tolerance. The discovery of GCG codon repeats in the first exon of COLD11, a DNA repair protein, has opened the way for fine regulation of rice chilling tolerance with a single site.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience Advances·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 6, 2023
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

New strategies to save the world’s most indispensable grain

Researchers have identified a cork-like substance called suberin that helps protect rice roots from floods and drought. By understanding how suberin is produced, they hope to use gene editing or selective breeding to make the crop more resilient to climate change.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalDevelopmental Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 19, 2022

Latin American rice breeding gets a boost from genomic tools

New research enables regionally relevant eating-quality traits to be selected early in breeding programs, saving time and effort. Genetic markers associated with 10 grain-quality traits have been identified, which can now be used by rice breeders in Latin America and potentially worldwide.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalThe Plant Genome·DateNov 8, 2021

Pusan National University researchers shed light on the early development of rice seeds

A team of scientists led by Assistant Professor Lae-Hyeon Cho identified a single mutation in the gene that codes for cytidine triphosphate synthase (CTPS), an enzyme crucial for early endosperm development. The study showed that overexpressing CTPS in genetically modified rice plants results in a larger endosperm, opening up opportuni...

SourcePusan National University·JournalPlant Biotechnology Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2021
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Bioinformatics tool accurately tracks synthetic DNA

A new bioinformatics tool called PlasmidHawk has been developed by Rice University researchers to track the origin of synthetic genetic code. The tool uses a sequence alignment-based approach and was found to outperform recent deep learning approaches in lab-of-origin prediction, achieving 76% accuracy.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 26, 2021

Rice has many fathers but only two mothers

Two distinct maternal lineages have been identified in rice through a study of over 3000 genotypes. This discovery sheds light on how rice adapted to its environment and could help improve breeding for climate change adaptation and food security.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalBMC Plant Biology·DateNov 10, 2020
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Study finds 'dark matter' DNA is vital for rice reproduction

Researchers identified a specific non-coding genomic region essential for proper development of male and female reproductive organs in rice. The discovery highlights the importance of non-coding RNAs in plant reproduction and could lead to increased productivity and stable yields of rice.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 19, 2020

Weedy rice is unintended legacy of Green Revolution

A new study reveals the extent to which high-yielding rice varieties favored in the Green Revolution have evolved into weedy populations worldwide, outcompeting cultivated varieties. The scientists found that over a third of Asian weed strains originated from elite cultivars developed during this era.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalGenome Biology·DateMar 25, 2020

Genome editing strategy could improve rice, other crops

Researchers developed a new genome editing strategy using CRISPR to precisely target genes for desirable traits, such as high beta-carotene levels and disease resistance. This approach reduces the need for marker genes and allows for more complex trait clusters.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 4, 2020
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

NYU scientists sequence the genome of basmati rice

Researchers at New York University have sequenced the genome of two basmati rice varieties, including one with improved drought tolerance and resistance to bacterial disease. The study provides insights into the evolutionary history of basmati rice and its unique genetic traits.

SourceNew York University·JournalGenome Biology·DateFeb 5, 2020

Grain traits traced to 'dark matter' of rice genome

Researchers found that key changes during rice domestication reflect selection on traits determined by a portion of the genome that does not transcribe proteins. Non-coding RNAs, suspected to play important roles in regulating growth and development, were also implicated.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 18, 2019

Okinawan sea grapes reveal secrets of plant evolution

Scientists decoded the genome of umi-budo, a popular Okinawan seaweed, to understand its unique shape and assist farmers in proper cultivation. The study revealed key genes controlling growth and development, potentially helping ease crop issues and address environmental concerns.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalDNA Research·DateMar 28, 2019
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Researchers reveal unexpected genome-wide off-target mutations caused by cytosine base editing

Researchers found that cytosine base editors (BE3 and HF1-BE3) cause unexpected genome-wide off-target mutations in rice, with single-nucleotide variants predominantly occurring in transcribed genic regions. The high frequency of these mutations suggests a need for optimization to increase the specificity of cytosine base editors.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience·DateFeb 28, 2019

Flood of genome data hinders efforts to ID bacteria

A recent study published in Genome Biology found that the rapid growth of genomic databases is affecting the accuracy of bacterial species identification. The research, led by Rice University scientist Todd Treangen, reveals that the imbalance in database coverage hinders the ability to quickly identify pathogens.

SourceRice University·JournalGenome Biology·DateOct 30, 2018

Genome's gyrations fit right into Rice University model

Researchers at Rice University have developed an energy landscape model that details the combination of forces driving nuclear motion in cells. The model, based on a protein folding algorithm, reveals the presence of dynamically associated domains and phase separation in chromatin segments.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 9, 2018

More rice, please: 13 rice genomes reveal ways to keep up with ever-growing population

Researchers have sequenced the genomes of 13 wild and domesticated rice species, revealing valuable genetic information for developing new, efficient, and sustainable rice varieties. The newly created genetic resource provides insights into disease resistance genes, which could help reduce pesticide use and ensure reliable rice harvests.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNature Genetics·DateFeb 1, 2018
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Chromosome organization emerges from 1-D patterns

Using computer models, researchers analyzed epigenetic marks to predict how chromosomes fold in three dimensions. By training a neural network on these marks, they were able to identify the structural types of chromatin and validate their findings with additional data.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 31, 2017

Ancient viral 'fossils' reveal evolutionary mechanisms

Researchers at Hokkaido University discovered that non-autonomous viruses can infect the same plant and exchange DNA to help each other prosper. This 'commensal' partnership with another virus species is crucial in establishing life cycles, with exchanging noncoding regulatory sequences playing a key role.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJun 29, 2017
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

New rice strain could help farmers predetermine harvest time

Scientists have developed a new rice strain that flowers within a certain period after being sprayed with commercial chemicals, enabling farmers to control harvest timing. The research, led by Professor Takeshi Izawa at the University of Tokyo, uses a genetic approach to manipulate flowering time in cereal crops.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Plants·DateMar 27, 2017

Scientists assemble Zika virus mosquito genome from scratch

A team developed a new way to sequence genomes, assembling the Zika virus mosquito genome for less than $10,000. This allows for rapid creation of reference genomes for all species, including humans, tumors, and patients, enabling better diagnosis and treatment.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalScience·DateMar 23, 2017

Scientists use new technology to assemble genome of Zika virus mosquito

A team of researchers has developed a new method, called 3D genome assembly, that can create a human reference genome from scratch for less than $10,000. This technology allows scientists to assemble the genome of Zika virus-carrying mosquitoes at a fraction of the cost and time required by traditional methods.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalScience·DateMar 23, 2017

TGAC trains the next generation of rice breeders in Vietnam

The Genome Analysis Centre (TGAC) is training the next generation of rice breeders in Vietnam in advanced bioinformatics and genomics. The programme aims to characterise genetic diversity in Vietnamese native rice lines to accelerate crop breeding and improve yields, addressing climate change threats such as drought and rising sea levels

SourceEarlham Institute·DateMay 25, 2016
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GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.