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Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Genetic discovery promises high-iron vegetables and cereals

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

How does the social behavior of wheat plants influence grain production?

Researchers found that behaviors nourishing individual plant fitness can be detrimental to the whole community in high-density stands. Simulated shade may improve breeding for high-yielding cultivars by understanding molecular and genetic components of interactions between wheat plants.

SourceLeibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research·JournalPlant Cell & Environment·DateSep 6, 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.

Spelt or common wheat? Their diversity of nutritional components prevents identification of one species as the healthiest

A recent study by the University of Córdoba analyzed the genetic variability of spelt and common wheat varieties, revealing their diverse nutritional components. While spelt generally has higher concentrations of micronutrients like iron and zinc, it also contains more phytic acid, which reduces assimilation.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 30, 2023

Starch discovery reaps benefits for brewing, baking and milling industries

Research has clarified how starch granules form in wheat seeds, unlocking diverse potential benefits for various industries. The discovery of the enzyme PHS1 crucial for B-type granule initiation offers opportunities to create variations in starch for different food and industrial applications.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalThe Plant Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 25, 2023

De-code of the crop

A research group at Kyoto University has successfully developed a self-fertile buckwheat variety and a new type of the crop with a sticky texture. This breakthrough could contribute to the efficient breeding of less-common orphan crops, addressing the world's growing food demands.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Plants·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2023

Chemicals from maize roots influence wheat yield

Researchers from the University of Bern found that maize roots secrete chemicals that improve soil quality and increase wheat yields. The study demonstrates potential for using specialized plant compounds to enhance crop productivity through variety-specific rotations.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2023

Laboratory research finds gluten caused brain inflammation

Researchers at the University of Otago have found that gluten can cause brain inflammation in mice, a discovery that may have implications for human physiology. The study showed that gluten increased the number of immune cells in the brain, leading to hypothalamic inflammation.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalJournal of Neuroendocrinology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 7, 2023
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.

The history and future of ancient einkorn wheat Is written in its genes

Researchers sequenced einkorn wheat's genome, tracing its evolutionary history and identifying resilient properties that can be reintroduced into modern bread wheat. The study's findings provide insight into human migration and settlement, as well as potential solutions to protect the world's food supply.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 2, 2023

An ancient grain unlocks genetic secrets for making bread wheat more resilient

A KAUST-led team has compiled the first complete genome map of einkorn, an ancient grain that could help develop bread wheat varieties with enhanced disease resistance and improved hardiness. The study reveals a complex evolutionary history of wheat species, including gene flow between einkorn and wild cousins.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNature·DateAug 2, 2023

New toxin facilitates disease infection and spread in wheat

Researchers have identified a new trichothecene, NX, produced by Fusarium graminearum, which contributes to the pathogen's ability to infect wheat and spread disease. Deleting the gene responsible for NX production reduces toxin levels and disease severity, providing potential control methods.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalMolecular Plant-Microbe Interactions·DateJul 13, 2023
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.

BRIDGEcereal: Self-teaching web app improves speed, accuracy of classifying DNA variations among cereal varieties

Researchers have developed a self-teaching web app called BRIDGEcereal that quickly and accurately analyzes genomic data for cereal crops, identifying patterns of DNA variations. This breakthrough tool is expected to revolutionize crop improvement by efficiently mining publicly accessible cereal pan-genomes.

SourceUS Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Research Service·JournalMolecular Plant·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 5, 2023

New study focuses on ways to boost organic sweetpotato yields

Researchers from the University of Arkansas found that organic sweetpotato growers can improve yields by selecting top-performing cultivars and using winter cover crops. The study also showed benefits for conventional production systems, as limited herbicides are available for weed management in sweetpotatoes.

SourceCambridge University Press·JournalWeed Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 31, 2023
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.

Uncovering new mechanisms for wheat rust resistance

Researchers have cloned the wheat rust resistance genes Lr9 and Sr43, revealing that they encode unusual kinase fusion proteins. This breakthrough enables new options for addressing disease resistance in bread wheat and could lead to heat-resistant versions of the Sr43 gene to adapt to climate change.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNature Genetics·DateMay 22, 2023

Improving wheat regeneration with novel DOF family transcription factors

Researchers have identified two novel DOF family transcription factors that enhance wheat regeneration and genetic transformation. These findings provide new insights into the transcriptional regulatory network involved in boosting wheat regeneration, offering opportunities for improving crop improvement.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Plants·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 9, 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.

German researchers figure out how lager first developed in Bavaria

Researchers propose that 'lager yeast' S. pastorianus originated from a contamination event involving S. cerevisiae at the Duke's court brewery in Munich in 1602. The new findings suggest that lagers likely first emerged in Bavaria at least two hundred years earlier than previously thought.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalFEMS Yeast Research·TypeContent analysis·DateApr 27, 2023

A high-throughput AI method for leaf counting

A new AI method for leaf counting has been developed using deep learning techniques, which can count wheat leaves with high accuracy and speed. The method uses domain adaptation to improve the realism of images and can detect leaf tips even in challenging conditions.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalPlant Phenomics·DateApr 26, 2023

Understanding the long-term impact of climate change on Indian crops

A new study reveals that Indian farmers have adapted to climate change by changing management practices and using hardier crop varieties. However, the impact of climate change on crop yields varies across crops and regions, with some areas experiencing greater benefits than others.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalAgricultural Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 24, 2023
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.

Early grain development in bread wheat

Researchers found that TaMADS29 interacts with TaNF-YB1 to regulate early grain development in bread wheat. The complex helps prevent excessive ROS accumulation, promotes nutrient transport into the endosperm, and allows normal grain filling.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Life Sciences·DateApr 12, 2023

Genomic surveillance identifies global strain of emerging wheat disease fungus

A recent study published in PLOS Biology identifies a global strain of emerging wheat disease fungus, highlighting the importance of genomic surveillance in tracking pathogen evolution and crop resistance. The research found that breeds of wheat carrying the Rmg8 gene are resistant to this fungal strain.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 11, 2023
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.

How plants adapt to nitrogen deficiency

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

How to climate-proof the Ethiopian breadbasket? Combine genomics and farmer knowledge

Researchers teamed with Ethiopian farmers to develop new wheat varieties using genomic analysis. Farmers' knowledge played a crucial role in predicting crop yields and selecting optimal traits. The project aims to preserve agrobiodiversity and promote cultural heritage.

SourceThe Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 29, 2023

Demographic modeling plays back tape of wheat evolution

Researchers used demographic modeling to reconstruct wheat's evolutionary history during the Holocene, revealing its origins near the Caspian Sea and slow speciation process. The study also found that crop relatives are valuable for breeding resilient crops but face decline due to changes in human diets and climate change.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Plants·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 19, 2023
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Could AI-powered object recognition technology help solve wheat disease?

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

Wheat’s ancient roots of viral resistance uncovered

Researchers have uncovered the ancient roots of a gene in wheat that provides resistance to the devastating Wheat Yellow Mosaic Virus, which causes significant economic losses. The discovery could lead to more resistant wheat cultivars, increased crop yields, and reduced use of harmful fungicides.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 6, 2023

Scientists unlock key to drought-resistant wheat plants with longer roots

Researchers at the University of California, Davis, have discovered a key to improving drought-resistant wheat plants by stimulating longer root growth. By increasing the copies of specific genes, plants can absorb water from deeper supplies, leading to increased biomass and higher grain yield.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature Communications·TypeNews article·DateFeb 23, 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.

Can gene discovery methods halt the global march of wheat blast?

Researchers used AgRenSeq genomic discovery method to identify two genes protecting experimental wheat plants against wheat blast. The study highlights the power of heritage wheat varieties and wild grass relatives in providing disease-fighting diversity.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalNature Plants·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 16, 2023

Evolution of wheat spikes since the Neolithic revolution

Researchers study evolution of wheat spikes from ancient Mesopotamia to understand its adaptability to different environmental conditions. The study found that awned and awnless wheat varieties exist globally, with the latter dominating arid regions.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalTrends in Plant Science·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 2, 2023

Beans IN toast could revolutionise British diet

Researchers at the University of Reading are working on a £2 million project to increase UK-grown faba beans in bread, improving nutritional quality and sustainability. The 'Raising the Pulse' project aims to encourage farmers to switch wheat-producing land to faba bean for human consumption.

SourceUniversity of Reading·JournalNutrition Bulletin·DateJan 20, 2023

Mixture of crops provide ecological benefits for agricultural landscapes

A study by researchers at the University of Göttingen investigated the effect of mixing wheat and faba beans on pollinating insects. They found that areas with mixed crops were visited equally often by foraging bees as those with single crops. The findings suggest that this mixture may counteract pollinator decline.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalAgriculture Ecosystems & Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 20, 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.

Exotic wheat DNA helps breed ‘climate-proof’ crops

Researchers found that wheat lines with exotic DNA from wild relatives can achieve a 50% higher yield over elite lines under hot weather conditions. The study suggests incorporating heat tolerance traits into breeding programs to produce climate-resilient crops.

SourceEarlham Institute·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 10, 2023

Harmful fungal toxins in wheat: a growing threat

A new study found that nearly half of wheat crops in Europe are contaminated with harmful fungal toxins, including DON, which can cause vomiting and other gastrointestinal problems. The researchers estimate that 75-million tonnes of wheat exceeded the limit allowed for human consumption between 2010 and 2019, resulting in a loss of aro...

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalNature Food·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 15, 2022

Researchers solve pre-harvest sprouting in rice and wheat

A recent study reveals that the SD6/ICE2 molecular module regulates seed dormancy in rice, controlling abscisic acid homeostasis. By editing this gene, researchers improved pre-harvest sprouting resistance in both rice and wheat, offering a promising strategy for improving crop yields.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 5, 2022
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Increasing crop yields by breeding plants to cooperate

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

New Green Revolution gene discovery sows hope of drought resilient wheat

Researchers have discovered a new height-reducing gene, Rht13, which enables reduced-height wheat varieties to be planted deeper in dry conditions without seedling emergence issues. This breakthrough could lead to more climate-resilient wheat and improved yields.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 25, 2022

Thirsty wheat needed new water management strategy in ancient China

In northern China, about 4,000 years ago, farmers adopted a practice of purposeful water management to grow new grains. The results showed that the majority of wheat samples had isotopic values above an optimal watering threshold, indicating their growth was not limited by water availability.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalAntiquity·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 10, 2022
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Climate change is testing resilience of UK wheat yields

Researchers warn that UK wheat yields are vulnerable to increasingly frequent extreme weather events due to climate change. The study found that while warmer temperatures can benefit yields, multiple extreme weather events can lead to significant negative impacts on production.

SourceUK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology·JournalEarth System Dynamics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 12, 2022

Climate change may outpace wheat breeding progress in North America

A recent study investigated the effects of climate change on wheat yields in North America, revealing that new and old varieties respond differently to rising temperatures. The research found a declining rate of improvement in both winter and spring wheat yields with increased warming.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 8, 2022

New genetic variation from old and exotic varieties for environmentally friendly wheat cultivation

Researchers discovered a new genetic variation in old wheat varieties that enhances yield potential and resistance to yellow rust, potentially replacing current elite varieties. The findings also reveal possible new gene variants for resistance to yellow rust infestation, paving the way for more sustainable farming practices.

SourceLeibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research·JournalNature Genetics·DateOct 4, 2022

A study from the University of Exeter reveals a master regulator controlling fungal infection of wheat

The University of Exeter team identified a 'master regulator' that controls the formation of invasive hyphae in the fungus Zymoseptoria tritici. This discovery provides a crucial target for developing new control strategies against Septoria tritici blotch, a destructive fungal disease affecting wheat yields worldwide.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 26, 2022
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Climate change may cause steeper wheat price spikes and economic inequality

A recent study estimates that climate change will lead to higher global wheat prices and increased economic inequality between exporting and importing countries. The researchers used a novel climate-wheat-economic ensemble modelling approach to analyze the impact of a 2℃ warmer world on global wheat supply and demand.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalOne Earth·DateAug 19, 2022

Ben-Gurion University plant biologist is figuring out how wild wheat protects itself from insects

Researchers at Ben-Gurion University have discovered two defense methods in wild emmer wheat that can protect cultivated wheat from insects. The wheat produces a poison called benzoxazinoid and has a coating of 'hairs' that prevent insects from burrowing, allowing for improved pest resistance

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 8, 2022

More wheat for global food security

Researchers, led by TUM's Senthold Asseng, are exploring ways to close the genetic yield gap of 51% in wheat to meet increasing global demand. Utilizing advanced breeding techniques and interdisciplinary approaches combining genetics, soil, and climate science can lead to richer harvests.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Food·DateAug 4, 2022
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.

Global spread of powdery mildew through migration and trade

A research team uncovered the secret of powdery mildew's success by comparing genetic compositions of 172 strains from 13 countries on five continents. The pathogen was introduced to new regions through human migration and trade, undergoing hybridization with local species to form better-adapted hybrids.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Communications·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 3, 2022

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

Researchers discover wheat yield-enhancing gene

Scientists have identified a key gene that can improve wheat grain yield by increasing the number of spikelets per spike. The discovery provides a promising solution to address the food security crisis and could lead to significant improvements in wheat yields.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Plants·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2022