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Controlling insect pests by targeting genes acquired from other species

Scientists have identified horizontally transferred genes in insect genomes as valid targets for selectively killing green peach aphids and whiteflies. Silencing these genes using RNA interference reduces pest survival by up to 40%, with potential expansion to other insects through 'stacking' multiple targets.

SourceBoyce Thompson Institute·JournalPlant Biotechnology Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 30, 2023

Motile sperm and frequent abortions in spreading earthmoss

A study by the University of Freiburg has found that auxin influences the fertility of spreading earthmoss, with PINC protein playing a crucial role. The research reveals that sperm swim better without PINC and that its absence leads to increased abortions in Physcomitrella moss.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNew Phytologist·DateJan 27, 2023

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.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·DateNov 9, 2022

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.

SourceOkayama University·JournalNature Food·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2022
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Resistance to mosaic disease explained

Researchers have discovered the genetic basis of natural resistance in cassava to mosaic disease, which is transmitted by whiteflies and causes significant yield losses. The gene, known as CMD2, is a DNA polymerase that corrects errors during replication, making it essential for the virus's survival.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 21, 2022

Wild tomato genome will benefit domesticated cousins

A reference genome for the wild relative of cultivated tomatoes has been developed to improve crop yields and disease resistance. Researchers have also created online tools to facilitate gene discovery and analysis.

SourceBoyce Thompson Institute·JournalThe Plant Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 24, 2022

A new light in rice flowering

The study clarifies the role of photoperiodism in regulating rice flowering time. Phytochrome B makes connection between light and Evening Complex, while active ELF3-1 protein triggers late flowering. Evening Complex plays essential role in inducing flowering, with inactive proteins leading to no flowering.

SourceInstituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier da Universidade NOVA de Lisboa ITQB NOVA·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 23, 2022

New study in Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis reveals influence of host plant on medicinal qualities of mistletoe

A study published in Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis found that the quality of mistletoe, a traditional Chinese medicine, is affected by its host plant. The researchers used metabolomics to investigate the influence of host plants and environmental factors on mistletoe's medicinal qualities. The results show that both host plants an...

SourceCactus Communications·JournalJournal of Pharmaceutical Analysis·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 8, 2022
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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.

SourceRIKEN·JournalACS Nano·DateFeb 23, 2022
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Cheers! Scientists have developed gene-edited barley that could better your beer

Researchers at Okayama University used CRISPR/Cas9 technology to genetically edit barley, creating mutants that resist pre-harvest sprouting and can be promoted with cold temperatures or hydrogen peroxide treatment. This breakthrough has significant implications for high-quality barley production and could lead to improved beer quality.

SourceOkayama University·JournalPlant Biotechnology Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 12, 2021

Scientists can switch on plants’ response to light

Researchers have identified a key component of plants' light response, allowing them to regulate gene expression and control stem growth. By reducing PIF protein activity, they can slow down stem growth and promote leaf and seed production, leading to increased crop yields and improved food supply.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 6, 2021

Chemical discovery gets reluctant seeds to sprout

A new chemical discovered by a UC Riverside team helps dormant seeds germinate, increasing crop yields and food supply. The compound, Antabactin, blocks ABA hormone receptors, allowing seeds to sprout in response to environmental stressors.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 17, 2021

Grow and eat your own vaccines?

Researchers aim to produce enough mRNA vaccines from spinach and lettuce to rival traditional shots. They're exploring chloroplasts as a key to making plant-based mRNA vaccines that can be stored at room temperature.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateSep 16, 2021

Scientists from Pusan National University emphasize the health benefits of ginseng

Researchers from Pusan National University have compiled a comprehensive review of ginsenosides, the main component of ginseng, which can prevent inflammation, diabetes, and cancer. The study provides insights into how to improve ginsenoside production through chemical and enzymatic treatments, as well as microbial action.

SourcePusan National University·JournalCritical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 15, 2021
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Coconut tree cloning breakthrough will help propagation and preservation

Researchers at KU Leuven and the Alliance of Bioversity International have developed a method to multiply coconut trees faster and store them more efficiently in gene banks. This technique allows for the preservation of coconut shoots for eternity through cryopreservation, ensuring the long-term conservation of genetic diversity.

SourceThe Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 15, 2021

Increasing production of seed oils

By extending the oil synthesis phase and suppressing protein synthesis, researchers increased seed oil content by up to 140% and 170%, respectively. This breakthrough reveals that the length of oil synthesis is a primary factor in determining final oil content.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalPlant Biotechnology Journal·DateNov 9, 2015

Rubber from dandelions

Researchers at TUM and IME identified a protein complex on rubber particles responsible for the formation of polyisoprene, the main component of rubber. The study found two key proteins necessary for natural rubber biosynthesis in dandelion plants. This discovery brings biotechnological manufacturing of rubber closer.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Plants·DateApr 28, 2015
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