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
A new system developed by Boyce Thompson Institute makes affordable, mobile and high-throughput phenotyping tools accessible worldwide. This allows researchers to conduct data-driven studies on plant growth and responses over time, accelerating breeding of more resilient crop varieties.
SourceBoyce Thompson Institute·JournalPLANT PHYSIOLOGY·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 5, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
Researchers identified an ideal small-grain gene, GSE3, and used CRISPR-Cas9 technology to edit it in male sterile lines, achieving fully mechanized hybrid seed production. This breakthrough enables significant yield improvements and enhances food security.
SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Plants·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 3, 2024
A study reveals that salty soil conditions can facilitate disease in plants caused by the Gram-negative bacterium Pseudomonas brassicacearum R401. The researchers identified a phytotoxic metabolite, brassicapeptin, which is toxic to plants under salt stress and forms pores in plant membranes.
SourceMax Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 28, 2024
A new study finds significant variation in pollinator attractiveness among annual flower cultivars, with some varieties drawing in more insects than others. Begonia and impatiens cultivars were found to be particularly attractive to bees and other pollinators.
SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalJournal of Economic Entomology·TypeObservational study·DateMay 13, 2024
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.
Researchers have developed a system to generate clonal sex cells in tomato plants, which they used to design the genomes of offspring. The resulting plants contain the complete genetic information of both parents, offering a potential solution to the labor-intensive and expensive process of producing hybrid seeds.
SourceMax Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research·JournalNature Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2024
Researchers at Chiba University have developed a novel method for plant regeneration that modulates gene expression to control cell differentiation. The approach uses transcription factor genes to induce cellular differentiation in tobacco, lettuce, and petunia tissue cultures without the need for external phytohormones.
SourceChiba University·JournalFrontiers in Plant Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 1, 2024
The Phytopathology Research Forum successfully concluded its spring edition, showcasing cutting-edge developments in plant disease research and molecular breeding technology. Experts discussed the importance of adopting provenance security measures to ensure agricultural product integrity.
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.
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.
SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Reviews Genetics·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 25, 2024
A study provides genomic insights into Mei tree breeding, enhancing ornamental qualities and environmental adaptability. Researchers have identified key gene families influencing traits such as flower fragrance and cold hardiness.
SourceMaximum Academic Press·JournalOrnamental Plant Research·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 25, 2024
A comprehensive review of breeding strategies and the role of new plant technologies in advancing cassava brown streak disease (CBSD) resistance. The study highlights the integration of traditional and modern breeding techniques to develop disease-resistant varieties with balanced trait sets that meet market preferences.
SourceMaximum Academic Press·JournalTropical Plants·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 24, 2024
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.
The review highlights the transformative impact of gene-based breeding on improving crop and livestock genetics, enabling molecular precision agriculture and medical science. GBB has been instrumental in enhancing fiber length and grain yield in cotton and maize, achieving high prediction accuracy and reliability.
SourceMaximum Academic Press·JournalTropical Plants·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 24, 2024
A rapidly spreading virus is attacking cacao trees in Ghana, resulting in harvest losses of between 15-50%. Researchers have developed a new strategy to combat the spread of the disease using mathematical data to determine safe planting distances for vaccinated trees.
SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 23, 2024
Researchers discovered that plant immune proteins condense into droplets to become activated and protect against infections. Phase separation plays a crucial role in the activation of TIR domain proteins, a class of important immune receptors.
SourceMax Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 13, 2024
The Global Hemp Innovation Center is working with 13 Native American Tribes and other partners to spur economic development through sustainable supply chains and education. The project aims to create jobs in the emergent biobased economy and explore industrial uses of hemp.
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.
Researchers utilized femtosecond X-ray crystallography to track structural alterations in PSII after laser flash illumination. The findings revealed intricate dynamics of electron transfer, proton release, and substrate water delivery, providing insights into the mechanisms underlying oxygenic photosynthesis.
SourceOkayama University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 29, 2024
A team of University of Copenhagen researchers has created a large reference catalogue of plant cell wall compositions from 287 species, representing the entire plant kingdom. The study reveals that carbohydrate composition is more closely related to a plant's family history than its habitat and growth form.
SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalPlant Cell & Environment·DateJan 30, 2024
Researchers at the University of Adelaide have developed a new software tool called CoreDetector to improve plant breeding through enhanced genome-sequencing powers. The tool can efficiently handle large and evolutionary diverse genomes, allowing for more resilient crops in a changing climate.
SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalBioinformatics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 20, 2023
A team of scientists led by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture has been awarded a $3.57 million grant to develop spinach cultivars resistant to fungal pathogens. The project aims to expedite breeding for disease resistance, reducing fungicide use and supporting sustainable spinach production.
SourceUniversity of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture·DateNov 15, 2023
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.
Researchers identified genetic mutations in peas that enable high iron accumulation, opening doors for biofortification of staple crops like wheat and barley. This breakthrough has the potential to reduce iron deficiency anaemia globally.
SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalThe Plant Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 15, 2023
Researchers found that cold temperatures increase glucosinolate levels in some kale varieties, while others decrease it. This affects the nutritional value of the plant, with curly kale and Lacinato kale showing different responses to temperature.
SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalHorticulturae·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 7, 2023
Researchers at UMass Amherst have found evidence for evolutionary syndromes in wild tomatoes, which explain the development of their unique color, sweetness, acidity, and aroma. The study provides valuable insights into how fruits evolve in the wild and will be useful for breeding more nutritious and appealing varieties of fruits.
SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalAmerican Journal of Botany·DateSep 11, 2023
A team of researchers at the University of Johannesburg has made a groundbreaking discovery about how tomato plants defend themselves against the devastating ToCSV virus. By studying the molecular genetics of infected tomato varieties, they found that viral DNA methylation plays a crucial role in resistance to ToCSV.
SourceUniversity of Johannesburg·JournalFrontiers in Plant Science·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 28, 2023
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.
SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalFrontiers in Genome Editing·DateJul 26, 2023
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.
Plant roots detect temperature changes and adjust their growth accordingly. Researchers found that root cells produce more auxin in response to elevated temperatures, stimulating cell division and allowing roots to grow deeper into the soil. This discovery could help develop new approaches for plant breeding against climate change.
SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalThe EMBO Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 10, 2023
Researchers discovered that BraRGL1 interacts with BraSOC1 to regulate bolting and flowering in Brassica rapa. Overexpression of BraRGL1 promotes stalk development, while loss-of-function mutants display advanced flower bud differentiation.
SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalHorticulture Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 7, 2023
Biotechnology holds promise for saving endangered tree species through a combination of traditional breeding approaches and innovative genetic engineering. The study emphasizes the need for public acceptance and regulators' support to harness biotech's potential.
SourcePurdue University·JournalNew Forests·TypeSystematic review·DateJul 6, 2023
GoPro HERO13 Black
GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.
A study of maize hybrid varieties over 81 years found that while maize's tolerance to moderate heat stress has improved, its tolerance to severe heat stress has decreased. This shift in tolerance could have significant implications for climate change's impact on agriculture.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 6, 2023
A study by the University of Tsukuba found that changes in F1-hybrid metabolites lead to increased biomass in Arabidopsis plants. The researchers analyzed 202 Arabidopsis lines and found altered production of intermediate metabolites of the TCA cycle in high-heterosis combinations.
SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 28, 2023
The study uses AI-assisted methods to discover novel deaminase proteins with unique functions through structural prediction and classification, expanding the utility of base editors. New DNA base editors with remarkable features were developed, enabling tailor-made applications for various breeding efforts.
SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalCell·DateJun 27, 2023
Researchers developed a novel DNA marker-based system for identifying Japanese citrus cultivars, enabling quick detection of counterfeit fruit. The method can accurately identify cultivar-specific DNA polymorphisms within minutes, safeguarding Japan's unique citrus industry and its breeders.
SourceOkayama University·JournalBreeding Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 21, 2023
Researchers have unlocked the large-scale genomic analysis of foxtail millet, an important cereal crop that has been grown for roughly 11,000 years. The study identified key genes and marker-panels for its evolution and improvement in different environments.
SourceNew York University·JournalNature Genetics·DateJun 8, 2023
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.
Researchers have identified a novel gene WTS that confers broad-spectrum resistance to clubroot disease in Brassica crops. The WTS protein complex functions as an endoplasmic reticulum-localized calcium release channel, increasing cytosolic calcium ions and activating plant defenses.
SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 8, 2023
Despite years of research, few salt-tolerant crops have been released commercially. KAUST researchers argue that increasing crop salinity tolerance is essential due to climate change impacts. New genetic tools and approaches like grafting or domesticating wild species can help develop more resilient crops.
SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalAnnual Review of Plant Biology·DateMay 22, 2023
A study using multiple-model GWAS identified optimal allelic combinations of quantitative trait loci for higher malic acid content in tomatoes. The researchers deciphered the polygenic architecture of malic acid content and provided new genetic insights into its evolution during breeding.
SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalHorticulture Research·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 24, 2023
Researchers develop PrimeRoot, a tool for efficient and precise targeted insertion of large DNA segments in plants, achieving efficiencies up to 6% and inserting segments up to 11.1 kb.
SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Biotechnology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 24, 2023
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.
Researchers discovered that adding cell layers to corn bran can increase iron and zinc content by up to 35% and 15%, respectively. The technique also enhances anthocyanin production, a natural pigment in corn prized for its colorant properties.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalG3 Genes Genomes Genetics·DateApr 19, 2023
Researchers at Nagoya University used PESI/MS/MS to analyze anthocyanins in crops, detecting 81 types of compounds in just 3 minutes. This technique simplifies and accelerates the analysis of plant metabolites, which contribute to crop quality and functionality.
SourceNagoya University·JournalHorticulture Research·DateApr 12, 2023
Researchers have made significant discoveries about DELLA proteins, a family of 'promiscuous' proteins that regulate various plant functions. The study reveals complex interactions between DELLA proteins and transcription factors, which could lead to designing new crops with improved resilience and yields.
SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature Plants·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 3, 2023
Scientists have identified specific genetic variants in wheat and barley that enable plants to adapt to nitrogen deficiency by increasing root growth and improving nitrogen content. These findings offer promising opportunities for plant breeding to develop varieties with enhanced nitrogen use efficiency.
SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNew Phytologist·DateMar 30, 2023
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.
Researchers discovered a plant biological clock-regulated mechanism that helps plants tolerate cold temperatures and damage from bright light. The mechanism, controlled by the SIG5 gene, signals proteins in chloroplasts to protect against environmental stress, potentially improving crop resilience for colder climates.
SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalNature Plants·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 30, 2023
A University of Illinois project uses AI-powered object recognition to quantify kernel damage in wheat, enabling faster disease analysis and improved resistance. The technology has shown promising results, with potential for an online portal to automate scoring and support breeders in their efforts to eliminate fusarium head blight.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalThe Plant Phenome Journal·DateMar 15, 2023
Researchers have developed a new method for downregulating gene translation in plants using upstream open reading frames (uORFs). The study, published in Nature Biotechnology, demonstrates the potential for precise and incremental regulation of gene expression.
SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 9, 2023
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.
The faba bean genome has been fully sequenced for the first time, providing a genetic toolkit for breeding lines with beneficial traits. This achievement aims to improve nutritional content and sustainability of production, with a focus on increasing UK-grown pulses and promoting plant-based diets.
SourceUniversity of Reading·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 8, 2023
Researchers have developed a robotic system called AngleNet that measures leaf angles on corn plants, providing plant breeders with accurate data more quickly. The technology uses stereo vision and deep convolutional neural networks to capture images of leaves at different heights, enabling 3D modeling and precise measurements.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Field Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 6, 2023
Researchers have decoded the genetic composition of self-incompatibility in grasses, enabling new breeding strategies. The study found that two loci control self-incompatibility, allowing for more diverse populations to be bred.
SourceETH Zurich·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateJan 11, 2023
Meta Quest 3 512GB
Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.
A team has achieved a clonal efficiency of 95%, allowing the mass production of hybrid seeds and enabling farmers to save and replant rice from season to season. This breakthrough could help meet global food demands sustainably.
SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 10, 2023
A study from Cornell University found that broccoli grows abnormally in warmer temperatures, resembling cauliflower. Researchers identified the genetic basis of this phenomenon, revealing that DNA methylation plays a key role in regulating floral development and causing abnormal growth.
SourceCornell University·JournalMolecular Horticulture·DateJan 9, 2023
A WSU-led survey found that US consumers value grape taste more than gene editing, with appearance and pesticide concerns ranking second and third respectively. Most participants were indifferent to the use of CRISPR technology in table grapes.
SourceWashington State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 9, 2023
Researchers discovered a species of grass, seashore paspalum, that can tolerate diverse stresses and aid in crop development. The study revealed the plant responds to nutrient deprivation by doubling its production of a sugary molecule called trehalose, which helped corn seedlings grow faster and larger without added nutrients.
SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 15, 2022
Researchers at Washington State University found that two types of quinoa bred specifically for the Pacific Northwest climate worked well as a high-fiber, high-protein additive flour in commercial cookies. Preliminary results show people preferred sugar cookies with 10% quinoa flour over traditional wheat flour cookies.
SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Food Science·DateDec 12, 2022
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.
A simple breeding experiment identified genes that promote cooperation and higher yields in plant populations. Plants with specific alleles were found to produce 15% more biomass when grown in close proximity, while reducing root competition.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 29, 2022
Researchers developed disease-resistant maize genotypes for smallholder farmers, increasing safe yields and reducing aflatoxin contamination. The findings offer a promising strategy to protect food security in Sub-Saharan Africa.
SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPlant Disease·DateNov 16, 2022
Researchers have developed perennial rice that allows farmers to plant once and harvest up to eight times, reducing labor and costs. The crop provides significant environmental benefits, including improved soil quality and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalNature Sustainability·DateNov 7, 2022
A research team led by the IPK Leibniz Institute has identified a new resistance mechanism for winter barley against two major viruses, BaYMV and BaMMV. By targeting the PDIL5-1 gene using Cas9 gene scissors, the researchers were able to establish novel resistances in barley varieties.
SourceLeibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research·JournalPlant Biotechnology Journal·DateNov 2, 2022
The Honeycrisp apple genome has been sequenced, providing valuable resources for understanding genetic traits and enhancing breeding efforts. The U.S. apple industry is worth $23 billion annually, with Honeycrisp being its most valuable cultivar due to its favorable traits such as crispness and cold-hardiness.
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.
Researchers found evidence supporting a new theory on how chromosome recombination is regulated during sexual reproduction. By manipulating protein expressions in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, they discovered that boosting HEI10 levels significantly increased crossovers, while disrupting ZYP1 expression had a similar effect.
SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 24, 2022
A recent study from the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT shows that tricot, a citizen science approach for on-farm experimentation, generates agricultural data via local organizations in Central America. The approach enables farmers to contribute their time and land, reducing trial costs and increasing applicability.
SourceThe Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture·JournalCrop Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 19, 2022
Researchers used machine learning to predict sugarcane yield based on DNA. The technique improved accuracy by over 50% compared to traditional breeding methods.
SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 19, 2022
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.
A study reveals that domesticated banana varieties contain traces of three unknown wild ancestors, which were likely hybrids between subspecies and may hold useful traits such as parthenocarpy. The researchers believe these 'mystery ancestors' might still be alive in the wild, particularly in regions including the Gulf of Thailand, Bor...
SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Plant Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 7, 2022