Uncovering how parasitic plants avoid attacking themselves to improve crop resistance
Researchers at Nara Institute of Science and Technology discovered that parasitic plants recognize
Genetically Modified Crops
Articles tagged with Genetically Modified Crops
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Growing transgenic plants in weeks instead of months by hijacking a plant’s natural regeneration abilities
Plant biologists developed a method to grow transgenic plants in weeks instead of months by hijacking a plant's natural regeneration abilities. The technique uses bacteria carrying genetic instructions for wound healing and regeneration to trigger plant growth.
In chromosome of key biotech bacterium, different setups bring different strengths
Researchers found that Agrobacterium's virulence is more effective in its natural two-chromosome state, but it grows faster and handles stress better when fused into a single chromosome. This study opens the door for optimizing its use as a crop improvement tool or devising new ways to protect crops vulnerable to crown galls.
Consistent policy, not “patchwork” regulations, recommended for the coexistence of crops
A new review from the University of Adelaide highlights inconsistencies in Australian crop regulations, affecting the coexistence of genetically modified (GM) and non-GM crops. The current regulatory framework is inadequate, leading to varying standards across different sectors, making it difficult for farmers to ensure compliance.
Wheat: Extreme dwarfism impairs gluten composition and baking quality
A recent study by Leibniz Institute for Food Systems Biology at the Technical University of Munich shows that extremely dwarf wheat has a less favorable gluten composition than semi-dwarf or tall wild-type wheat. This can lead to poorer baking properties. Environmental conditions also play a significant role in shaping gluten composition.
Researchers identify key survival strategy for soybeans during heat and drought
Researchers at the University of Missouri discovered that soybeans employ differential transpiration as a natural defense strategy to cool reproductive tissues under extreme weather conditions. This adaptation allows plants to save significant amounts of water while protecting their flowers and seed pods.
Scientists propose AI-driven biotech model for future crop breeding
A team of scientists proposes an integrated framework combining biotechnology and AI to revolutionize crop breeding, exploring multi-omics, genome editing, and high-throughput phenotyping. The authors present a forward-looking framework for AI-assisted crop germplasm design, offering a roadmap for sustainable agriculture.
The EU should allow gene editing to make organic farming more sustainable, researchers say
Gene editing technologies could enable climate-resilient crops, higher yields, and reduced fertilizers and pesticides. Researchers advocate allowing gene editing in organic farming to support the EU's goal of 25% organic agriculture by 2030.
New digital tool provides satellite monitoring of crop health across US
A new digital tool provides free satellite monitoring and analysis of vegetation and crop health across Kansas and the nation. The Sentinel GreenReport Plus combines satellite imagery with climate datasets to provide users with insights into vegetation greenness, changes in land cover over time, and climate abnormalities.
Targeting gluten: researchers delete proteins in wheat harmful to people with celiac disease
Researchers have developed new seed varieties of wheat that remove harmful gluten proteins without affecting breadmaking quality. The modified wheat can reduce the risk of triggering celiac disease in people without the condition and improve flour quality.
Method uses drone and low-cost camera to select drought-tolerant plants
A new method using free software and a drone with a low-cost camera has been developed to select drought-tolerant corn plants. The approach allows for optimized data collection, faster processing, and reduced costs compared to conventional methods.
Scientists discover genes to grow bigger tomatoes and eggplants
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have discovered genes that control fruit size in tomatoes and eggplants, opening up opportunities for new varieties and improved agriculture. The study could lead to the development of larger, more nutritious fruits, and has significant potential for global food security.
50 years after the Asilomar conference, Trends in Biotechnology explores regulations for genetic modification technology
The Asilomar conference set the groundwork for evidence-based safety guidelines, but regulations hinder scientific innovation. A new focus issue in Trends in Biotechnology explores how genetic modification is regulated.
Biomedicine shows the way to future food crops
University of Queensland researchers have successfully introduced genetic material into plants via their roots using nanoparticle technology, enabling rapid crop improvement. This innovative approach could lead to the development of new crop varieties with improved yield and quality without traditional breeding methods.
From root to shoot: How silicon powers plant resilience
Researchers at Okayama University have identified the Shoot-Silicon-Signal protein as a crucial regulator of silicon uptake and accumulation in rice and other grasses. The study highlights the importance of silicon in enhancing plant resilience and productivity, particularly under climate change conditions.
Repairing a domestication mutation in tomato leads to an earlier yield
Researchers from the University of Lausanne used genome editing to repair a deleterious domestication mutation in the tomato genome. This resulted in an earlier yielding variety, which could have implications for agriculture and sustainability. The study demonstrates the potential benefits of genome editing for crop breeding.
With “electro-agriculture,” plants can produce food in the dark and with 94% less land, bioengineers say
Researchers propose a method called electro-agriculture that can produce food without sunlight, reducing the need for agricultural fields by 94%. The method uses a solar-powered chemical reaction to convert CO2 into acetate, which is then used by genetically engineered plants to produce energy and carbon.
The environmental impacts of genetically modified crops
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.
Greenhouse gains: cucumbers get a genetic upgrade through innovative pollen tech
Scientists at Pusan National University have achieved a breakthrough in plant biotechnology by introducing foreign genes into cucumber pollen using DNA-coated magnetic nanoparticles. The new technique significantly streamlines crop genetic modification, offering a quicker and more accessible method to produce transgenic plants.
Building a roadmap to bioengineer plants that produce their own nitrogen fertilizer
Researchers discovered that nodulation evolved in a two-step process, with the basic genetic toolkit developed first and then refined through multiple genetic mutations. This complex circuit breaker-like mechanism suggests that nodulation is not controlled by a single switch.
Not so simple: mosses and ferns offer new hope for crop protection
Non-flowering bryophytes, including mosses, have sophisticated immune receptor repertoires that can be transferred between flowering and non-flowering plants. This discovery offers a new source of resistance genes against pathogens for major crops facing climate change threats.
Transgenic expression of rubisco factors increases photosynthesis and chilling tolerance in maize
Scientists at Boyce Thompson Institute have developed a method to enhance Rubisco production in maize, increasing carbon assimilation and boosting plant height. The transgenic plants also showed improved resilience to chilling stress, maintaining higher photosynthetic rates during cold exposure.
Escaped GMO canola plants persist long-term, but may be losing their extra genes
A new study found that genetically engineered canola plants with pesticide resistance are persisting in roadside populations, but may be losing their engineered genes. Almost a quarter of the feral plants were found to not contain transgenes.
Gene seekers discover atypical two genes that control multiple valuable soybean traits
A team of researchers has identified two long noncoding RNA genes that control multiple traits in wild soybeans, including insect resistance and leaf growth. These findings can aid in the development of new domesticated soybean varieties with improved seed composition and nutritional traits.
Advancing crop breeding through targeted genome modification
Targeted genome editing tools have revolutionized crop breeding methods, significantly improving breeding efficiency and precision. The latest advances in base editing, prime editing, and precise manipulation tools are expected to become critical foundational technologies for future crop research and breeding applications.
Marine algae implants could boost crop yields
Researchers have discovered the gene responsible for producing a unique type of chlorophyll in marine algae. This breakthrough could lead to improved crop yields on less land, making it a key step towards achieving a more sustainable food supply. The study also demonstrated that a land plant can produce this specific type of chlorophyll.
CRISPR-copies: New tool accelerates and optimizes genome editing
Researchers at CABBI developed a computational pipeline for identifying CRISPR/Cas-facilitated integration sites, which can pinpoint neutral integration sites in two to three minutes. This tool enables researchers to efficiently locate all the needles that align with their specific criteria, transforming the genome editing process.
Protecting the protector boosts plant oil content
Scientists at Brookhaven Lab demonstrate new genetic strategy to boost plant oil content by protecting the oil-protector protein, resulting in 54% more oil accumulation in leaves and 13% more in seeds. This approach can increase biomass energy content and provide sustainable fuels.
Using CRISPR technology, researchers succeed in growing tomatoes that consume less water without compromising yield
Researchers used CRISPR to modify a tomato gene, resulting in reduced water consumption without affecting crop quality. The discovery holds implications for basic scientific knowledge and could help increase plant yields in dry conditions.
Natural GM crops: grasses take evolutionary shortcut by borrowing genes from their neighbours
A new study reveals that grasses can transfer DNA from other species into their genomes through lateral gene transfer, giving them an advantage in growth and adaptation. This process could inform future work to improve crop productivity and resilience.
Pusan National University scientists explore OsMATL2 gene as a candidate for haploid induction in rice
Researchers found that the OsMATL2 gene triggers haploid induction when inactivated, resulting in plants with half the normal chromosome number and reduced seed setting. This discovery could revolutionize rice cultivation by accelerating breeding processes.
Modifying shelf-life of melons via gene editing
Researchers successfully modified the ethylene synthesis pathway in the Japanese luxury melon to increase its shelf-life. The study found that introducing a mutation into the CmACO1 gene reduced ethylene generation, resulting in firmer fruit and longer shelf life.
Engineering plants for a changing climate
The PLOS Biology special issue explores plant engineering to combat climate change, from ancient breeding techniques to genome engineering. The collection highlights strategies for enhancing climate-resilience in crops, including microbiome manipulation and synthetic biology.
Genetically modified rice could be key to tackling food shortages caused by climate change
New research from the University of Sheffield reveals genetically modifying rice to reduce stomata can make it more salt-resistant and survive in environments with high salt levels. This adaptation could help tackle food insecurity caused by climate change.
Science misinformation on GMOs reaches quarter of a billion people, study finds
A recent study found that science misinformation about genetically modified crops reached a quarter of a billion people globally. The majority of articles containing GMO-related keywords contained false information, especially on human health concerns, which had the highest readership.
University of Missouri is helping the aviation industry go “green”
MU researchers, including Jay J. Thelen and Dong Xu, are exploring genetic modification to increase seed oil production in camelina and pennycress for biofuel use in the aviation industry. The team aims to create a sustainable 'green energy' source as an alternative to petroleum-based fossil fuels.
Researchers propose new framework for regulating engineered crops
Researchers suggest a new approach for regulating genetically engineered (GE) crops by examining the specific characteristics of the crop itself. The '-omics' methods can be used to scan new crop varieties for unexpected DNA changes, eliminating the need for safety testing if the product is substantially equivalent to existing varieties.
Keeping toxic cadmium out of rice, the genetic way
Researchers discovered a genetic mechanism that lowers cadmium accumulation in rice without affecting its quality and yield. The duplicated OsNramp5 gene increases the uptake of manganese, competing with cadmium for translocation to shoots, reducing its accumulation.
How light and temperature work together to affect plant growth
A recent study published in Nature Communications has revealed that PIF7 and auxin proteins accelerate plant growth when exposed to warm temperatures and canopy shade. This discovery will help scientists predict how plants respond to climate change and increase crop productivity, enabling the development of more resilient crops.
Understanding the genomic modifications in transgenic papaya
A new study has identified genomic modifications in the transgenic papaya 'SunUp', which was developed to resist the papaya ringspot virus. The researchers used advanced sequencing technologies to read long stretches of DNA and found that the insertion did not cause any change in gene expression.
Insights from algae genes unlock mysteries of plant growth and health
Researchers discovered hundreds of new gene functions in algae, which have counterparts in plants, enabling better understanding of photosynthesis, DNA repair, and stress responses. The findings can improve biofuel production and develop heat-tolerant crops.
Nanocarrier spray: Better crops without genetic modification
Researchers at RIKEN CSRS have developed a non-transgenic method to modify plant genes using a bioactive molecule spray, which can be used to improve crop yield and resistance to pests. The technique has shown promising results in improving economically desirable quality traits in crops.
Genetic engineering can have a positive effect on the climate
A new study suggests that widespread use of genetically modified crops in the EU could prevent the release of 33 million tons of CO2 equivalents, equivalent to 7.5% of annual greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture. This is mainly due to reduced land-use change and preservation of the Amazon rainforest.
Researchers find tradeoff between water quality and emissions on the farm
New study reveals tradeoff between water quality and emissions on farms, highlighting potential environmental benefits of conservation practices. Researchers found that split nitrogen applications had no impact on nitrous oxide levels, but cover crops increased emissions by spikes in summer.
Plant pathologists collaborate to share knowledge on a growing threat to corn production
A group of plant pathologists have compiled a recovery plan to mitigate tar spot's impact on corn production. The plan reviews current knowledge and future needs, enabling the dissemination of best management practices across state lines.
Healthier tapioca starch is on the way
Researchers at RIKEN have developed a healthier form of tapioca starch by suppressing multiple genes that increase its resistance to digestion. The resulting starch is composed of longer chains with fewer branches, making it harder to digest and potentially improving intestinal function and blood sugar control.
Mitigating environmental impact of herbicides
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis are developing a framework to understand how herbicides interact and drift onto unintended plants, affecting crops and the environment. The study found that genetically modified crop introduction influences herbicide use rates and practices, leading to increased drift.
Unlocking the cotton genome: Space-bound research 'large step' toward feeding Earth's rapidly growing population
A Clemson-led study aims to accelerate crop breeding by editing the cotton genome in microgravity. The research seeks to understand gene function and develop new methods for precision genetics, which could lead to improved crop yields and disease resistance.
Pest resistance to transgenic insecticidal crops
A study from 2011 to 2016 found that transgenic corn can be less damaged by the western corn rootworm through crop rotation. The research suggests using multiple transgenic corn varieties as a strategy for reducing resistance.
Returning to farming's roots in the battle against the 'billion-dollar beetle'
A study finds that crop rotation effectively mitigates western corn rootworm damage to Bt cornfields, increasing yields and reducing fertilizer use. Farmers must diversify their Bt crops and rotate to prevent the pest's resistance.
Sharing benefits of digitized DNA
A proposed change to the Nagoya Protocol could require users of genetic data to pay fees to donor countries, potentially hindering innovation and public health. Proponents argue it will conserve biodiversity, while opponents claim it discourages research and development.
Concerns about a US defense agency program aimed at modifying crops (and more?)
A US defense agency program aims to genetically modify crops using infectious viruses, sparking concerns about its potential military applications and the risk of creating new biological weapons. The approach, known as HEGAAs, would deliver the viruses through insects, raising questions about transparency and public deliberation.
Exposure to glyphosate, chemical found in weed killers, increased over 23 years
Human exposure to glyphosate has increased significantly since the introduction of genetically modified crops, with 70% of study participants having detectable levels by 2016. Glyphosate use has also increased 15-fold since 1994.
New tool can help estimate genetically modified pollen spread
A new analytical tool developed by University of British Columbia researchers provides accurate estimates of genetically modified pollen spread to non-modified crops. This enables the calculation of optimal separation distances to minimize cross-pollination, benefiting both crop-growers and policymakers.
Study IDs ways to encourage 'refuge' planting, slowing resistance to Bt crops
A North Carolina State University study reveals a significant shortfall in refuge cropland planting, potentially increasing Bt crop pest resistance. Researchers identified factors influencing growers' willingness to plant refuge crops, including financial incentives and high-yield non-BT seed.
Genetically modified Golden Rice falls short on lifesaving promises
A new study from Washington University in St. Louis finds that genetically modified Golden Rice is still years away from field introduction due to scientific challenges. The research suggests that GMO opponents have not been the problem, but rather the rice's inability to yield well and meet its nutritional goals.
Study: Monsanto's glyphosate now most heavily used weed-killer in history
The study found that glyphosate use has increased dramatically, with over 18.9 billion pounds applied globally between 1974 and 2014. This represents a significant increase of nearly 15-fold since genetically engineered Roundup Ready crops were introduced in 1996.
MSU to lead $5.8 million USAID grant to improve Bangladesh, Indonesia potato production
Michigan State University is partnering with the University of Minnesota and J.R. Simplot Company to develop improved potato varieties for smallholder farmers in Bangladesh and Indonesia. The project aims to reduce pesticide use and increase sustainable growing methods.
The appeal of being anti-GMO
A team of Belgian philosophers and plant biotechnologists explores the widespread anti-GMO sentiment, attributing it to cognitive processes and emotional representations. They argue that the public should form opinions on GMOs on a case-by-case basis, rather than focusing on the technology itself.
Regulating genome-edited crops that (according to current regulations) aren't GMOs
A survey of genome-edited crops reveals many may not be subject to current GMO regulations due to advanced genetic engineering techniques. Bioethicists propose new models for regulation to address social issues associated with such crops.