Researchers sequenced nearly 400 wild and domesticated cotton plants to confirm the Northwestern Yucatán Peninsula as the center of upland cotton's domestication. The study reveals valuable genetic diversity in wild cotton populations that can improve breeding efforts and make modern cotton more resilient.
Researchers created a synthetic fiber material with a cotton-like structure that repels water while maintaining heat retention in extreme cold. The new fabric outperformed regular cotton and commercial insulations in both heat retention and release, showcasing promising potential for use in clothing designed for extreme cold.
Scientists have identified the Yucatan Peninsula as the origin of modern cotton, tracing back its lineage to a diverse population native to Mexico. The study reveals that domestication led to a genetic bottleneck, narrowing the gene pool in successive generations.
Researchers are analyzing leaf and soil samples from diverse areas to determine beneficial or harmful roles of different microbes. The study aims to improve crop production practices and overall yield by assessing the health of soil rhizosphere.
The third edition of Compendium of Cotton Diseases and Pests features significant updates and new content, including expanded focus on entomology and emerging diseases. Hundreds of new images enhance identification and diagnosis, making it a comprehensive guide for plant pathologists, agronomists, and growers.
Researchers found biochar improved soil's ability to hold nutrients and moisture, giving cotton plants better growth conditions. Biochar also helps improve water quality by keeping nitrates in the soil and out of groundwater.
Researchers found cotton leafroll dwarf virus (CLRDV) infecting plants in southern US states as early as 2006, contradicting the assumption that it emerged more recently. The study used modern data-mining tools to uncover hidden threats and highlights the importance of maintaining accessible databases for disease surveillance.
Researchers use CRISPR/Cas9 and CRISPR/Cpf1 genome editing to precisely edit the promoter region of key high-temperature-responsive gene GhCKI, leading to improved anther development and heat tolerance in cotton. The breakthrough provides novel genetic resources for breeding heat-tolerant cotton varieties.
A new process converts polycotton textile waste into glucose, a key bio-based feedstock, and separates polyester fibers for reprocessing. The technique is scalable and cost-effective, offering a viable solution to textile waste recycling.
Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a non-toxic coating that can reduce the flammability of cotton using a single step. The technology uses a polyelectrolyte complex coating and has been optimized for scalability and efficiency, making it suitable for industrial applications.
New research on genetically modified crops reveals potential environmental impacts, including increased pesticide use, deforestation, and greenhouse gas emissions. The study highlights the need for further research to support sustainable agriculture practices.
Researchers developed more resilient varieties of cotton by analyzing its genes and physical traits. They found two key regulatory genes that help cotton plants manage water stress while maintaining fiber production.
A study on the Industrial Revolution in Great Britain found that limited waterpower resources contributed to the adoption of coal-based steam power. Waterpower was scarce in industrial regions like Manchester by 1838, prompting manufacturers to switch to coal.
MSU researchers developed a new cotton quality module as part of the GOSSYM application, simulating plant growth and yield. The tool can predict crop growth, yield, and fiber quality, providing valuable insights for farmers to maximize income and resiliency in the face of climate change.
Researchers at HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology have created high-quality genome sequences for three modern upland cotton cultivars, providing necessary resources for breeders. The new genomes revealed genetic material from Pima cotton within modern varieties, enabling efficient selection of progeny with improved fiber quality.
A study by researchers at the University of Leeds found that changes to fibre composition and yarn spinning system significantly reduce microfibre release. Current product specifications do not include these details, making it challenging for brands to make informed choices about garment sustainability.
Scientists at Lund University have successfully developed a method to recycle cotton textiles into viscose fibers, a common component of clothing. The process involves treating old cotton with zinc chloride solution and then dissolving it in sodium hydroxide, producing high-quality viscose fibers.
Researchers at Cornell University have developed nanofiber-coated cotton bandages that exhibit excellent antibacterial performance against gram-negative and gram-positive bacterial species. The bandages, infused with lawsone, a red-orange compound found in henna leaves, also show antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Scientists have developed a technology to recycle used clothes by separating different fibers, which could significantly increase textile recycling rates. The method uses heat and chemicals to break down elastane fibers in mixed fabrics, allowing for the processing of materials that were previously impossible to recycle.
Researchers propose using waste materials like agricultural residues and old cotton textile waste to produce regenerative textiles. The study evaluates the potential of these waste sources for textile applications, identifying soybean, wheat, rice, sorghum, and sugarcane residues as suitable candidates.
Researchers at Washington State University have developed a single strand of fiber that combines the flexibility of cotton with the electric conductivity of polyaniline. The newly created material showed good potential for wearable e-textiles, including detecting hazardous exposures and tracking human vital signs.
A study published in PLOS ONE reveals that pre-Columbian Caribbean cultures consumed a wide variety of plants, including sweet potato, chili peppers, and domesticated tomatoes. The analysis also detected tobacco and cotton, challenging the traditional staple food narrative.
Researchers have discovered a gene, B5, in Egyptian cotton that confers powerful resistance to bacterial blight. The gene enables strong resistance to the disease under Oklahoma field conditions and accumulates high amounts of defense chemicals.
A breakthrough solution has been discovered to recycle blended fabrics like polyester/cotton using a simple technique involving heat, non-toxic solvent, and household ingredient. This environmentally friendly approach can recover cotton on a scale of hundreds of grams while preserving the plastic component.
A new computer model forecasts yield for four key crops in the southeastern US, drawing on climate, groundwater, and agricultural data. The tool helps farmers and water resource managers identify ways to maximize crop yields while efficiently utilizing water and energy.
A biologist at Binghamton University has developed a new method to uncover the parent species of hybrid plants and animals. By examining genomic patterns within these hybrids, researchers can identify distinct ancestries and determine the order in which chromosomes were inherited from their progenitor species.
A new webcast from the American Phytopathological Society provides insights into soil biophysical properties and nitrogen application rates in predicting cotton yield and quality. The study suggests including soil biophysical information in making N recommendations to maximize profits and reduce environmental impact.
A new webcast on Grow: Plant Health Exchange presents an overview of the physiological drivers of yield in cotton. The presentation discusses factors influencing each driver and results from research with advanced breeding lines.
A severe begomovirus-satellite DNA disease complex has been detected in okra fields in the lower Rio Grande Valley area of Texas, posing a significant threat to cotton production. The complex involves the exotic cotton leaf curl Gezira virus and its associated satellite DNA molecules.
Researchers estimate that UK laundry releases between 6,860 and 17,847 tonnes of microfibers every year, equivalent to around 600 to 1,500 double-decker buses. Fabric characteristics have a greater impact on microfiber release than washing conditions.
Global market trends are changing as Brazil catches up with US cotton exports, driven by trade policies and increased production. Brazilian cotton exports have risen significantly, while US exports have declined, especially in the Chinese market.
Researchers have successfully bred flame-resistant cotton lines by interbreeding white cotton lines. The new cultivar's fabric exhibits natural flame resistance due to synergistic epistasis, a complex interaction between multiple genetic factors.
Researchers developed a bioeconomic model to overcome the cost barrier of high-density planting for weed suppression. The study found distinct physiological differences in crops that impact the balance needed to achieve a cost-neutral result.
The Texas Climate-Smart Initiative aims to expand climate-smart commodity markets and leverage greenhouse gas benefits. Project partners will provide technical and financial assistance to producers to implement climate-smart production practices.
A three-year project aims to research novel pest management tools for cotton production by modifying terpene biosynthesis in cotton using a transgene-free CRISPR/CAS9 approach. The goal is to silence genes that produce monoterpenes, reducing infestations and pesticide use.
A team of WVU researchers has developed a biodegradable composite material using cotton fibers from recycled mattresses, with the goal of replacing single-use plastics. The new material will be created through 3D printing and can be used to produce various consumer products, such as beverage straws and disposable packaging.
Researchers present a 'green' process for tie-dyeing cotton with renewable resources and wastes, linking science, art, and sustainability. The natural dyes used produce designs of white, brown, orange, and bluish-black colors on fabrics.
A recent study by CityU researchers found that clothes dryers are a significant source of airborne microfibers, with some releasing up to 40 times more than washing machines. The team suggests installing filtration systems in dryer vents to mitigate this environmental concern.
A new analysis found that domestic dryers produce far more microfibers than washing, but using fabric conditioners and lint filters with smaller pore size can significantly reduce their release. The study suggests improving dryer design or switching to heat-pump condenser dryers as the best long-term solution.
Researchers have developed biobased materials derived from fungi that can produce sustainable faux leather, paper products, and cotton substitutes. These materials have properties comparable to traditional materials, with the added benefit of being 100% biobased and taking less time to produce.
Researchers analyzed skin cell data to identify gene expression patterns responsible for inflammation in atopic dermatitis. Crustacean-inspired cotton was found to control water flow through a special wicking mechanism. Autonomous water treatment systems were also developed to improve energy efficiency and waste reduction.
A pilot study reveals that a single dryer can discharge up to 120 million microfibers annually, exceeding washing machine releases. Microfibers from natural and synthetic fabrics are released through friction in the dryer, posing environmental concerns.
A recent study has revealed that Fusarium wilt of cotton is more aggressive and diverse than previously understood, affecting Pima and Upland varieties. The researchers identified a population shift towards FOV4, a fourth race of the fungus, which has overcome some resistance in commercial Pima varieties.
Researchers at EMPA created a flame retardant cotton textile that retains the natural properties of cotton fibers while providing fireproof and antimicrobial functionalities. The fabric does not contain carcinogenic formaldehyde and can absorb water, maintaining a favorable microclimate on the skin.
Researchers found that homemade face masks made from cotton towel fabric are most effective in blocking aerosolized viruses. The study suggests that a three-layered mask is recommended for maximum efficacy, and washing has a negligible influence on mask effectiveness.
A new study from the University of Colorado Boulder found that washing and drying reusable cloth masks doesn't compromise their ability to filter out viral particles. The research confirms that layering a cotton mask on top of a surgical mask provides more protection than cloth alone, with filtration efficiency reaching up to 40%.
Researchers have created a durable, oil- and water-repellent cotton fabric for recreational water activities. The new coating method uses a three-part solution that impregnates the fabric with nanoscale air pockets, reducing drag and increasing buoyancy.
Researchers used high-speed videos of a person sneezing to identify optimal cloth mask designs. Masks with hydrophilic inner layers, absorbent middle layers and hydrophobic outer layers were found to be most effective.
Researchers developed a reversible textile that traps warmth in cold temperatures and reflects it in hot weather, generating small amounts of electricity. The textile's ability to harness temperature gradients makes it suitable for various technologies, such as wearable electronics and camouflage.
Researchers have developed a new separation method using chemically modified cotton wool to separate single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) into metallic and semiconducting specimens. The method achieves high efficiency and scalability, making it suitable for industrial applications.
MIT engineers develop wicking fabrics from polyethylene, a material previously dismissed for textile use due to its water-trapping properties. The new fabrics show improved moisture-wicking ability compared to cotton, nylon, and polyester.
Researchers found that cotton fabrics become better filters when exposed to humid conditions, increasing filtration efficiency by an average of 33%. Synthetic fabrics performed poorly relative to cotton and did not improve with humidity.
Researchers at Lund University develop a method to convert cotton into sugar, which can be turned into spandex, nylon, or ethanol. The process involves soaking fabrics in sulphuric acid, producing a clear, dark amber-coloured sugar solution with potential uses in various industries.
This study evaluated the setting behavior of two bioceramic materials under different environmental conditions. The results showed that MTA Angelus exhibited significantly higher hardness values compared to NeoMTA Plus, regardless of wet or dry conditions.
A two-year study in Brazil found that fertilizing a grass cover crop with potassium improved cotton fiber quality, leading to higher market value. The technique also reduced production cost by optimizing operational logistics and conserving water.
A UBC study reveals the most effective fabric combinations for COVID-19 face masks, with a focus on filtration efficiency and breathability. The researchers recommend specific materials and construction techniques to optimize mask performance.
The study maps cotton fiber quality to determine how in-field practices impact fiber growth, enabling growers to maximize profitability and reduce environmental impact. By combining data on yield, fiber quality, and sustainability metrics, producers can provide customers with information on the cotton they use.
A collaborative effort involving genetically engineered cotton and mass releases of sterile pink bollworm moths has successfully eliminated the invasive pest from cotton-producing areas of the US and Mexico. This strategy saved U.S. cotton growers $192 million from 2014 to 2019.
A new study by ARS and UofA scientists found that genetically engineered cotton and sterile pink bollworm moths synergistically suppressed the pest. This collaboration among farmers, scientists, and industry resulted in a 90% reduction of pink bollworm population and saved US cotton farmers $192 million from 2014 to 2019.
Researchers found dicamba interferes with glyphosate and clethodim control, reducing effectiveness by 25% and 6.5% respectively. Junglerice was the most prevalent weed to escape treatment in dicamba-resistant fields.