A group of researchers from Bacha Khan University in Pakistan and other institutions investigated a type of plant protein called MYB transcription factors (MYB TFs) to see if they could improve crop yields under stressful conditions like heat, salt, and drought. Their findings are published in GM Crops & Food. »
Cellulose, abundantly available from plant biomass, can be converted into molecules used to make a new class of recyclable polymers, to sustainably replace some plastics. Researchers at Hokkaido University have taken a significant step forward in the drive to make recyclable yet stable plastics from plant materials. This is a »
A study published in the Plant Biotechnology Journal shows that manipulating the expression of jasmonate (JA) pathway genes in rice can modulate diurnal flower-opening time (DFOT) to improve the yield of F1 hybrid seed production (FHSP) and reduce seed production costs. Hybrid rice breeding has significantly boosted rice yields, especially »
Sugarcane's complicated genetics made it the last major crop without a complete and highly accurate genome. Scientists from France, Australia, Czech Republic, and the United States led by the U.S. Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute (JGI) have developed and combined multiple techniques to successfully map out sugarcane's genetic »
Dr. Mustafa Akbulut, professor of chemical engineering, has teamed up with horticultural science professor Luis Cisneros-Zevallos to engineer longer-lasting, bacteria-free produce. According to Akbulut's recent publication in Current Research in Food Science, the global fruit and vegetable market loses over 50% of agricultural fruit production during various stages of produce »
Scientists from Yonsei University developed cultured beef rice, rice grains with animal muscle and fat cells inside. The findings of their study published in Matter show that cultured beef rice has 8% more protein and 7% more fat than regular rice. Animals need biological scaffolds to grow tissues and organs. »
Researchers from South Africa reviewed the usage of nanotechnology and proteomic tools in boosting crop growth and development. Their role in the genetic engineering of crops to achieve agricultural sustainability was also examined. Nanoparticles have distinct physical and chemical properties that allow them to have many applications in different fields. »
You'd think the complex flavor in a quality cup of tea would depend mainly on the tea varieties used to make it. But a study appearing in the journal Current Biology on 15 February 2024 shows that the making of a delicious cup of tea depends on another key ingredient: »
A study published in New Phytologist explores the critical role of the plant hormone ethylene in promoting resistance of tomato fruits against Botrytis cinerea, a fungus that causes grey mold in tomato plants. Tomato is a widely consumed edible fruit which is a good source of several vitamins and minerals. »
Researchers from Australia's national science agency produced a gene-screening platform to help understand plant pathogen virulence evolution. The novel method may help develop pathogen-resistant crops in the future. Breeding of crops that are disease-resistant is crucial to boost agricultural productivity. However, this process is affected by the quick evolution of »
Nanjing Agricultural University scientists explored using gene-editing tool CRISPR-Cas9 to minimize arsenic build-up in rice grains. Environmental Science and Technology journal reports their findings. Rice, the top staple for many countries, is exposed to inorganic arsenic in the soil. Reducing the build-up of arsenic in rice grains is vital in »
