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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...

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

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%.

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.

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.

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Evolution study finds massive genome shift in one generation

A study on the apple maggot pest discovered a massive genome shift in just one generation, with 32,000 genetic changes occurring within a single year. This significant finding highlights the importance of ecological selection at early stages of divergence and calls for further integration of studies on speciation and genome divergence.

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.

Chromosome-folding theory shows promise

Researchers at Rice University have developed a new theory on chromosome folding, which is crucial for understanding gene regulation and other biological processes. The theory predicts the folding mechanisms and resulting structures of chromosomes using statistical tools and energy landscapes.