Breeding a better chickpea
Chickpeas are an important crop and food in India. They are used almost every day in meals and snacks. India is the largest producer, consumer, and importer of chickpeas. And with good reason—they are high in protein, fiber, and vitamins and minera.....»»
"Extinct" snails found breeding in French Polynesia following a successful reintroduction project
A species of tropical tree snail is no longer extinct in the wild following a successful reintroduction project......»»
Greylag geese with similar personalities have higher hatching success, study suggests
Birds of a feather flock together but strong pairing in geese has been shown to produce better breeding results, according to a new study......»»
Possum shrimp use their cave"s special smell to trace their way home, study finds
Homing is an animal's ability to navigate towards an original location, such as a breeding spot or foraging territory. Salmon and racing pigeons are famous for homing, but similar behaviors occur in groups as diverse as bees, frogs, rats, and sea tur.....»»
Research shows queen conch populations in marine reserves replenish populations beyond the reserve in The Bahamas
A new study published in Conservation Science and Practice uncovers how breeding populations of queen conch (Aliger gigas) within a protected marine reserve, where fishing is prohibited, sustain populations beyond the borders of the reserve. This res.....»»
Genomic study illuminates mango"s heritage and future
Mango, a tropical fruit with a long cultivation history, faces significant challenges such as low genetic diversity and limited breeding improvements due to complex domestication and self-pollination. These issues hinder genetic advancements in trait.....»»
From wild relatives to super tomatoes: Unearthing new genetic potential
Tomato breeding has historically depended on a narrow genetic pool, leading to decreased diversity and loss of valuable traits. Traditional methods and biparental populations fall short in harnessing the full potential of wild relatives, posing chall.....»»
Opinion: The real issue at the heart of Canada"s meat processing industry isn"t labor shortages—it"s low wages
A United Nations special rapporteur recently released a damning report describing Canada's Temporary Foreign Worker program as a "breeding ground for contemporary forms of slavery." The report detailed the many ways migrant workers have been mistreat.....»»
This bird species was extinct in Europe. Now it"s back, and humans must help it migrate for winter
How do you teach a bird how, and where, to fly? The distinctive Northern Bald Ibis, hunted essentially to extinction by the 17th century, was revived by breeding and rewilding efforts over the last two decades. But the birds—known for their distinc.....»»
Bulwark of blooms: The lily"s secret armor against plant pathogens
Fusarium wilt is a severe threat to the global cut-flower industry, particularly impacting lilies. Caused by Fusarium oxysporum, this disease results in significant economic losses due to plant decay and death. Traditional breeding methods have strug.....»»
Vernicia montana"s genome unearths new breeding horizons
A study has unveiled the genetic blueprint of Vernicia montana, a plant renowned for its high-value tung oil and ornamental beauty. The research decodes its chromosome-level genome, providing unparalleled insights into its evolution and setting the s.....»»
Chloroplast genome study separates C. meiocarpa and C. oleifera to enhance tea-oil camellia breeding
A research team sequenced and analyzed the complete chloroplast genomes of C. oleifera and C. meiocarpa, uncovering significant differences that clarified their phylogenetic relationship. This study developed 17 chloroplast DNA primers for distinguis.....»»
Unlocking the genetic secrets of strawberries for superior fruit quality
Strawberries, treasured for their flavor and health benefits, have been at the forefront of breeding programs targeting enhanced sensory and nutritional profiles. Despite advances, the intricate genetic makeup of these fruits has complicated efforts.....»»
Uncovering the ‘sick pleasure’ of reality TV with The Crush House’s director
We watched the trashiest reality TV show we could find with The Crush House director Nicole He and learned about Shrek breeding TikTok in the process......»»
Genomewide prediction: A promising approach for improving russet formation in apple breeding programs
A research team has demonstrated that genomewide prediction is a promising approach for targeting russet formation in apple breeding programs. This method effectively predicts the russet trait, which is a complex quantitative trait controlled by many.....»»
Mass breeding of desert locusts unlocks new food source
Mass breeding of desert locusts in a controlled environment could provide a sustainable source of protein for animals and humans as well as business opportunities in Sub-Saharan Africa, researchers say......»»
Inbred-parent–based cassava hybrids promise enhanced efficiency and resilience
A research team has proposed inbred-parent–based hybrid cassava breeding to overcome the challenges of heterozygous parent use, aiming to transform cassava breeding by purging deleterious mutations and utilizing heterosis. This approach leverages s.....»»
Winter breeding offers lifeline for monarch butterflies in Northern California
Monarch butterflies in Northern California are adapting to a changing climate by embracing an unexpected strategy: breeding in the winter. The shift could be key to the survival of the iconic insect, according to a new study published in the Journal.....»»
From tree holes to trash—the breeding behavior of a frog endemic to the Andman Islands of India
A team of biologists from the University of Delhi and Zoological Survey of India, Harvard University, and the University of Minnesota has discovered a unique breeding behavior in a species of frog endemic to the Andaman Islands of India. In a new stu.....»»
New liquid single nucleotide polymorphism chip can enhance rubber tree breeding
A research team developed and validated a liquid single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) chip named "HbGBTS80K," which includes 80,080 SNPs evenly distributed across 18 chromosomes. This SNP chip effectively distinguished 404 rubber accessions into four.....»»
Scientists uncover the molecular mechanism behind pineapple peel coloration
Pineapple peel coloration, especially the red hue, significantly enhances its commercial and aesthetic value. However, the genetic mechanisms driving this trait are not well understood, complicating breeding efforts for red-skinned varieties......»»