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How debit cards helped Indonesia’s poor get more food

A digital food voucher system in Indonesia has significantly increased the frequency with which poor households receive their full allocation of food, from 24% to 81%. The program's success was achieved by replacing traditional rice-bag delivery with digital card vouchers, allowing recipients to purchase food themselves.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAmerican Economic Review·DateMar 2, 2023
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

What makes brown rice healthy? Decoding the chemistry of its nutritional wealth

Researchers at Okayama University have identified cycloartenyl ferulate as the main contributor to brown rice's health-promoting effects. The compound's antioxidant properties help protect cells from oxidative stress and inflammation, leading to benefits such as weight reduction and improved cholesterol levels.

SourceOkayama University·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 19, 2023

Need a hand? This robotic hand can help you pick your food items and plate your dish

Researchers from Singapore University of Technology and Design developed a new reconfigurable workspace soft robotic gripper that can pick and place a wide range of consumer items. The RWS gripper's adaptive capabilities make it particularly useful in logistics and food industries where robotic automation is crucial.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalSoft Robotics·DateJan 10, 2023
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.

Rice breeding breakthrough to feed billions

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

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.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience Advances·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 6, 2023

How a policy to address a groundwater shortage inadvertently increase air pollution in northern India

A government policy that pushed back the sowing of rice in northwest India led to a delay in harvests and agricultural burning, exacerbating air pollution. Without this delay, cities like New Delhi would have seen an average of 11-21% less smoke-related air pollution between 2008 and 2019.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Atmospheres·DateDec 15, 2022

Ancient stone tools from China provide earliest evidence of rice harvesting

Researchers identified two methods of harvesting rice, which helped initiate rice domestication. The findings showed that the early Neolithic cultures in southern China used both 'finger-knife' and 'sickle' techniques to harvest rice, with the latter method becoming more widely used as rice became more domesticated.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 7, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Farmers in China, Uganda move to high-yielding, cost-saving perennial rice

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

Plant hormones to help prevent Striga invasion

Researchers discover chemical inhibitor TIS108 significantly lowers Striga infestation without affecting plant growth or grain yield. The study shows canonical strigolactones contribute to seed germination in root parasitic weeds and play a major role in stimulating invasion by Striga.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 2, 2022

Novel mutant "low grain weight" found affecting grain size

Researchers at Hefei Institutes of Physical Science found that a novel mutant, low grain weight (lgw), affects grain size by regulating GW7 expression and cell elongation. The discovery sheds light on the molecular mechanisms controlling grain size in rice.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalFrontiers in Plant Science·DateNov 1, 2022
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.

Climate change hurts crops yet boosts community spirit

Research suggests that climate change can increase trust among Vietnamese rural households, particularly during periods of poor rice yields. As temperatures rise, communities come together to help each other, leading to increased social cohesion and trust.

SourceDe Gruyter·JournalPeace Economics Peace Science and Public Policy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 27, 2022

Study reveals factors relating to hybrid rice eating quality

A recent study has identified key factors influencing the eating quality of hybrid rice, including single-grain composition and physicochemical indicators. The research developed a novel technology to analyze these traits, enabling rapid and nondestructive detection of high-quality rice.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAgriculture·DateOct 18, 2022

Balanced fertilization: a fulcrum for sustainable production of maize and rice in Africa

A new analysis of nutrient omission trial data reveals that balanced fertilizer application can significantly improve maize and rice yields in sub-Saharan Africa. The study found that doubling current yields through balanced fertilization with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can lead to more consistent results across regions.

SourceAfrican Plant Nutrition Institute·JournalAgronomy for Sustainable Development·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 22, 2022

New study published in The Crop Journal cracks the code to increasing grain size and reducing chalkiness in rice

A new study published in The Crop Journal has identified the gl9 gene variant as a key factor in increasing grain size and reducing chalkiness in rice. By introducing this allele into elite rice varieties, scientists have improved grain length, width, and weight, leading to enhanced appearance quality and yield.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalThe Crop Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 14, 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.

Weedy rice has become herbicide resistant through rapid evolution

Scientists found that weedy rice has developed herbicide resistance through gene flow from crop rice, with most fields showing resistant plants within 20 years of herbicide-resistant rice cultivation. This rapid evolution is due to the close proximity of weedy and crop rice in the same fields, allowing for pollen transfer and outcrossing.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 8, 2022

Researchers identify key factor in exosome-mediated viral transmission from insects to plants

Exosomes have been identified as possible vehicles for virus transmission, and a recent study found that the saliva protein exportin 6 plays a crucial role in this process. The researchers isolated exosomes from the saliva of insect vectors and showed that they can transport plant virions into rice plants.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 5, 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
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.

Earlier wheat planting will boost yields in eastern India

Researchers found that adjusting sowing dates for wheat in eastern India can increase production by 69% while maintaining rice productivity. The study provides new recommendations for rice sowing dates and cultivar types to accommodate earlier wheat planting.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Food·DateAug 3, 2022

It takes three: The genetic mutations that made rice cultivation possible

Researchers discovered three gene mutations that, when combined, allow rice plants to retain more seeds, increasing crop yield. The study sheds light on the emergence of cultivated rice from wild rice plants and its potential applications in improving rice cultivation.

SourceKobe University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 4, 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
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.

Digital rice selection technology

Researchers are utilizing UAVs to capture real-time images of rice crops, extract crop phenotypic traits from the images, and analyze that information to discover superior, high-yielding rice genotypes. The team aims to develop automated algorithms to identify key traits and select best-performing rice genotypes.

SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·DateMay 25, 2022

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalDevelopmental Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 19, 2022

50 years of traditional crop conservation a success but some crops still lack protection

A recent study reveals that nearly two-thirds of traditional farmer crop varieties are already represented in genebanks, but conservation gaps persist for key crops like pearl millet and potatoes. The analysis highlights areas with high diversity in landraces, such as Bangladesh, Ethiopia, and India.

SourceThe Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture·JournalNature Plants·DateMay 9, 2022

Saving the Mekong delta from drowning

The Mekong delta, Southeast Asia's most productive agricultural region and home to 17 million people, is at risk of disappearing by the end of the century due to subsidence. Sediment loss from upstream dams and poor water management exacerbates the issue, threatening food security and livelihoods.

SourceStanford Woods Institute for the Environment·JournalScience·DateMay 6, 2022
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.

Researchers boost rice yield by overcoming trait tradeoff between panicle number and size

Researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences have developed a method to overcome the tradeoff between rice yield component traits, including panicle number and size. By modifying the cis-regulatory region of the Ideal Plant Architecture 1 gene, they increased grain yield by 15.9% while maintaining tiller number.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 21, 2022

Cereals take control of bacterial production of ammonia fertiliser

Researchers have made a breakthrough in controlling bacterial nitrogen fixation by cereals, enabling them to produce their own ammonia fertiliser. This development has the potential to reduce reliance on industrially produced ammonia-based fertilisers and mitigate environmental pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 11, 2022

World’s first LED lights developed from rice husks

Researchers at Hiroshima University have created the world's first silicon quantum dot (QD) LED light using waste rice husks, offering an eco-friendly alternative to toxic semiconducting materials. The new method transforms agricultural waste into high-quality LED lights with high luminescence efficiency and low environmental impact.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateApr 11, 2022

Southeast Asia must close yield gap to remain a major rice bowl

The region needs to close its yield gap substantially to reduce rice imports and maintain a surplus for exports. Closing the existing yield gap will require improvements in crop management practices such as fertilizer use, irrigation, nutrient management, and integrated pest management.

SourceInternational Rice Research Institute·JournalNature Food·DateMar 24, 2022
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.

The root of it: Understanding molecular basis of lateral root development in rice

Researchers discovered two WOX genes controlling lateral root primordium size in rice, improving drought stress tolerance and crop production. QHB/OsWOX5 regulates S-type roots, while OsWOX10 mediates L-type root development, enhancing water uptake under drought conditions.

SourceNagoya University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 27, 2022

How humans in middle-late Neolithic China process plant food

Researchers discovered that mortars and pestles were preferred for processing rice and other plants in middle-late Neolithic China, while grinding slabs and rollers declined in use. The study provided solid evidence for the rise of mortar and pestle usage, revealing their high processing efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalArchaeometry·DateFeb 22, 2022
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

New study sheds light on seed vigor control in rice

Researchers discovered a bZIP23-PER1A module that regulates rice seed vigor, improving crop quality. They found two cultivars with huge phenotypic differences, Kasalath and Jigeng88, and identified a novel detoxification pathway to enhance seed vigor.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 21, 2022

Root symbiosis is regulated through nutrient status of plants

Researchers discovered a protein called PHR regulates arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) symbiosis based on phosphate availability. AM promotes phosphate uptake and other nutrient absorption, enhancing plant resistance to stressors.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 8, 2022

Rice production depends on TAB1 gene, researchers find

A study published by Hiroshima University researchers reveals that the TAB1 gene is essential for rice grain formation. The gene plays a critical role in maintaining stem cells until the last stage of flower development, leading to ovule formation and seed production.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalDevelopment·DateFeb 4, 2022

New grafting technique could combat the disease threatening Cavendish bananas

Scientists have discovered a novel way to combine two species of grass-like plants using embryonic tissue from their seeds, offering disease resistance and stress tolerance. The breakthrough technique allows for the addition of beneficial traits to monocotyledonous crops without genetic modification or lengthy breeding programmes.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 22, 2021

Implementing sustainable nitrogen use in smallholder rice

Research comparing site-specific nutrient management approaches to existing farmer fertilization practices shows SSNM improves average rice yield by 644 kg/ha, increases profitability, and reduces N losses. SSNM also promotes better nutrient balance and considers micronutrients like zinc and iron.

SourceAfrican Plant Nutrition Institute·JournalFrontiers in Sustainable Food Systems·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 14, 2021
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

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.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalThe Plant Genome·DateNov 8, 2021

Comparing photosynthetic differences between wild and domesticated rice

Researchers compared wild rice species to domesticated rice to understand differences in photosynthetic capabilities. They found that wild rice has faster photosynthetic induction but domesticated rice quickly closes its stomata, reducing water loss.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 5, 2021

Study shows evidence of beer drinking 9,000 years ago in Southern China

A new study reveals evidence of beer drinking 9,000 years ago in southern China, with ancient pots found at a burial site containing residues consistent with beer fermentation. The discovery suggests that ritualized drinking played a significant role in forging social relationships and cooperation among ancient communities.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 31, 2021
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.

Pusan National University researchers shed light on the early development of rice seeds

A team of scientists led by Assistant Professor Lae-Hyeon Cho identified a single mutation in the gene that codes for cytidine triphosphate synthase (CTPS), an enzyme crucial for early endosperm development. The study showed that overexpressing CTPS in genetically modified rice plants results in a larger endosperm, opening up opportuni...

SourcePusan National University·JournalPlant Biotechnology Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2021

Why middle-class residents want to stay put after floodwaters recede

A new study from Rice University finds that middle-class people who made plans to stay in their neighborhoods before flooding are less likely to relocate even if they suffered significant damage. Long-term planning and social pressure played a key role in residents' decisions to stay or leave flooded homes.

SourceRice University·JournalSocial Problems·TypeSurvey·DateAug 9, 2021

Farm-centric research focuses on yield variability in Nepal’s smallholder cereal systems

Researchers developed a 'site-specific' strategy to improve cereal yields in Nepalese smallholder farms, outperforming traditional generalized approaches. The Nutrient Expert system uses machine learning to identify crop-specific nutrient requirements, optimizing yield and resource efficiency.

SourceAfrican Plant Nutrition Institute·JournalAgricultural Systems·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 30, 2021
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.

Millet based diet can lower risk of type 2 diabetes and help manage blood glucose levels

A recent study published in Frontiers in Nutrition found that consuming millet as part of a daily diet can reduce blood glucose levels by 12-15% and help manage diabetes. The research, which analyzed data from over 1,000 human subjects across 11 countries, also found that millets have a lower glycemic index compared to other grains.

SourceInternational Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT)·JournalFrontiers in Nutrition·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 29, 2021

Making progress in developing probiotic beverages without animal protein

A team led by Professor Monique Lacroix at INRS has demonstrated that fermenting drinks fortified with pea and rice proteins yields the same quality of protein as casein. The study found that plant proteins can be predigested by lactic acid bacteria, facilitating their absorption during digestion.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalJournal of Food Science·DateJul 28, 2021

Drought changes rice root microbiome

Research finds that drought changes the community of microbes living in rice plant roots, allowing them to tap deeper water sources after dry spells. This 'memory' of drought enables plants to grow more resilient roots, reducing crop losses in a changing climate.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature Plants·DateJul 22, 2021

Pathogens get comfy in designer goo

Rice University and Baylor College of Medicine researchers have developed a new model for studying intestinal infections, using custom hydrogel-based platforms. The study found that softer hydrogels promote bacterial adhesion to epithelial cells, which is crucial for understanding the dynamics of infectious diseases.

SourceRice University·JournalActa Biomaterialia·DateJul 22, 2021

RNA breakthrough creates crops that can grow 50% more potatoes, rice

Researchers from the University of Chicago have made a groundbreaking discovery in plant biology, using RNA manipulation to increase crop yields by 50% and boost drought tolerance. The breakthrough has potential applications beyond food production, including engineering plants to withstand climate change and other environmental pressures.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJul 22, 2021
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.

Reaping the benefits: Training in rice growing system ups yields and well-being

A randomized trial in Bangladesh shows that training in the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) method increases rice yield and profit by 14-17% and 22-31%, respectively. Additionally, household well-being is higher for farmers in training communities compared to those without training.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalAmerican Journal of Agricultural Economics·DateJul 21, 2021

Experts recommend a varied and moderate consumption of sushi limiting quantities of tuna

A research group from Universitat Rovira i Virgili analyzed the concentration of toxic elements in various sushi types, finding higher levels of arsenic and mercury in maki and nigiri. They recommend adults limit tuna-based sushi to 8 pieces a day, while infants can have 3 pieces, citing methylmercury as a major concern

SourceUniversitat Rovira i Virgili·JournalFood and Chemical Toxicology·DateJul 8, 2021