The cloning of the first genic dominant male sterility gene in rice may revolutionize breeding processes
Male sterility in plants provides valuable breeding tools in germplasm innovation and hybrid crop production. However, genetic resources for dominant genic male sterility, which holds great promise to facilitate breeding processes, are extremely rare.....»»
Plant scientists link phospholipid sensing with control of gene expression
Plant scientists have long known that phosphorus is a crucial component in plant growth. A major discovery by a Kansas State University (K-State) biologist and her lab is leading to a better understanding of how plants detect and use that resource—.....»»
New mRNA and gene editing tools offer hope for dengue virus treatment
Dengue virus, a painful and sometimes fatal mosquito-borne infection well known in tropical countries, is surging rapidly across the planet. Now, 4 billion people live in places at risk for the disease, like the southeastern United States, which does.....»»
Examining climate justice in urban public space adaptation
Evaluating processes and outcomes of climate change adaptation enables learning to facilitate climate-resilient pathways and prevent potentially unjust outcomes. A new study by Vanesa Castán Broto and her colleagues focuses on adaptation interventio.....»»
Researchers develop molecular biosensors that only light up upon binding to their targets
Biosensors—devices that use biological molecules to detect the presence of a target substance—have enormous potential for detecting disease biomarkers, molecules-in-action in diverse biological processes, or toxins and other harmful substances in.....»»
Regulatory gene influences shape recognition in medaka fish, scientists discover
Medaka fish that lack functional Hmgn2 genes are unable to distinguish between simple shapes, revealing a new function for the regulatory gene......»»
Labs collaborate to enhance imaging tools for cell observation
Two labs at the University of Utah's Department of Chemistry joined forces to improve imaging tools that may soon enable scientists to better observe signaling in functioning cells and other molecular-scale processes central to life......»»
Satellite remote sensing shows potential in agricultural monitoring
Paddy rice is an important agricultural product, and accurate mapping of paddy rice fields is essential for enhancing food security, promoting sustainable agriculture, increasing crop yields, and facilitating technological advancements......»»
YubiKeys are vulnerable to cloning attacks thanks to newly discovered side channel
Sophisticated attack breaks security assurances of the most popular FIDO key. Enlarge (credit: Yubico) The YubiKey 5, the most widely used hardware token for two-factor authentication based on the FIDO standard, contains.....»»
Scientists develop new TRV vector-based method for peach gene analysis
Peach, a valuable crop within the Rosaceae family, has historically faced challenges in genetic research due to the lack of robust transformation techniques. Current methods are often limited by tissue type and developmental constraints, hindering fu.....»»
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.....»»
Sulfurous acid detected in gas phase under atmospheric conditions for first time
Once again, the atmosphere amazes us with its diverse chemical processes. For the first time, researchers at the Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research (TROPOS) in Leipzig have demonstrated the existence of sulfurous acid (H2SO3) under atmospher.....»»
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.....»»
Curbing toxic metals in spinach and rice crops grown for baby food
Rice and spinach are staples for babies' and young children's diets, but toxic metals and metalloids found in those foods can cause severe health impacts......»»
Cells use alternative splicing to regulate gene expression, research suggests
Alternative splicing is a genetic process where different segments of genes are removed, and the remaining pieces are joined together during transcription to messenger RNA (mRNA). This mechanism increases the diversity of proteins that can be generat.....»»
How fruit flies use internal representations of head direction to support goal-directed navigation
Animal behavior is known to rely on transforming sensory information into motor commands, often influenced by an animal's internal needs. While in mammals and other large animals this process is supported by complex brain processes, simpler versions.....»»
New discoveries about how mosquitoes mate may help the fight against malaria
A high-pitched buzzing sound in your ear is an unmistakable sign that a female mosquito is out on the hunt—for they, not males, drink blood. Hearing that tone might make you turn to try to swat the pest. But for a male mosquito, that tone means it'.....»»
Researchers identify genes for low glycemic index and high protein in rice
A team of researchers at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) has identified genes and markers responsible for low glycemic index (GI) and high protein content in rice, using genetics and artificial intelligence classification methods......»»
Opinion: AI should not be allowed to adjudicate cases in Canada"s Federal Court
Canadian society is progressing deeper into the digital age. Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies—like the generative AI ChatGPT and the legal platform Harvey—are increasingly shaping judicial processes and legal systems, including in the ad.....»»
Public perceptions on the use of gene tech for environmental problems
Addressing public concerns about the suitability and safety of new innovations is crucial to the responsible use of genetic technologies for environmental problems, according to a new report on New Zealanders' perceptions commissioned by BioHeritage.....»»