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.....»»
Combining AI and Crispr Will Be Transformational
The genome-editing technology can be supercharged by artificial intelligence—and the results are already being felt......»»
First right whales of season gorge on critical food off Massachusetts, giving hope for a strong year
Scientists who study a critically endangered species of whale that lives off New England said encouraging early signs suggest the animals could have a strong season for feeding and breeding......»»
Herodotus" theory on Armenian origins debunked by first whole-genome study
Armenians, a population in Western Asia historically inhabiting the Armenian highlands, were long believed to be descendants of Phrygian settlers from the Balkans. This theory originated largely from the accounts of the Greek historian Herodotus, who.....»»
Gene regulation study reports surprising results: Extensive regions of DNA belong to multiple gene switches
Some sequences in the genome cause genes to be switched on or off. Until now, each of these gene switches, or so-called enhancers, was thought to have its own place on the DNA. Different enhancers are therefore separated from each other, even if they.....»»
Aquaculture researchers decode the genome of the African catfish to advance modern breeding approaches
Scientists at the Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN) in Dummerstorf have decoded the genome of the African catfish (Clarias gariepinus), in collaboration with international partners......»»
Cas9-PE system achieves precise editing and site-specific random mutation in rice
Achieving the aggregation of different mutation types at multiple genomic loci and generating transgene-free plants in the T0 generation is an important goal in crop breeding. Although prime editing (PE), as the latest precise gene editing technology.....»»
Collaboration key to ultimate genotypes in plants and livestock, say researchers
University of Queensland researchers are setting the agenda for breeding high yield, heat tolerant and disease-resistant crops and low emission cattle with excellent feed conversion efficiency as they search for the ultimate genotype......»»
Researchers characterize regulating mechanism of orderly zygotic genome activation in early embryos
Early development of an embryo is solely supported by maternally deposited RNAs and proteins until its own genome is activated through a process called zygotic genome activation (ZGA). Recent work by Chinese scientists has revealed a novel molecular.....»»
A new mission to Pluto could answer the questions raised by New Horizons
Pluto may have been downgraded from full-planet status, but that doesn't mean it doesn't hold a special place in scientist's hearts. There are practical and sentimental reasons for that—Pluto has tantalizing mysteries to unlock that New Horizons, t.....»»
A new vertical seed distribution trait for soybean breeding
As the human population increases and protein demand doubles, modern plant breeders must further optimize soybean plant architecture and per plant yield for modern farming systems......»»
Solving the bottleneck of conifer propagation: A molecular approach
Conifers are foundational to ecosystems globally, providing critical environmental and economic value. Yet, their long life cycles slow traditional breeding methods, positioning somatic embryogenesis (SE) as a more effective option for rapid propagat.....»»
The US Has a Cloned Sheep Contraband Problem
After a Montana man illegally cloned and bred an endangered giant sheep species, government agencies must now contend with the illicit offspring......»»
Arctic raptors study reveals a new migration pattern, highlighting potential errors in range mapping
Traditionally, migratory birds are thought to arrive at their wintering grounds after fall migration and remain there until the spring migration back to breeding sites. This assumption forms the basis for determining over-wintering ranges and shaping.....»»
Elephant seal numbers drop after avian flu outbreak: First report of transmission between marine mammals
The sounds of barking elephant seals are again in the air along the breeding grounds of Península Valdés, Argentina—but it's quieter. Almost exactly a year after a massive outbreak of H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza killed more than 17,000.....»»
The fake election bomb threats caused chaos online—it"s a perfect breeding ground for conspiracies
In the 2020 US elections, Joe Biden's win against Donald Trump prompted the Trump campaign to file more than 60 lawsuits challenging the result, mostly focusing on swing states......»»
Genetic repair via CRISPR can inadvertently introduce other defects, researchers show
The CRISPR molecular scissors have the potential to revolutionize the treatment of genetic diseases. This is because they can be used to correct specific defective sections of the genome. Unfortunately, however, there is a catch: under certain condit.....»»
Washington coast avian flu outbreak devastated Caspian terns, jumped to seals
An epidemiological study found that 56% of a large breeding colony of Caspian terns died from a 2023 outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza at Rat Island in Washington state. Since then, no birds have successfully bred on the island, raising c.....»»
Genome sequencing of all four Macadamia species unlocks new potential for crop improvement
A research team has successfully sequenced and assembled the genomes of all four Macadamia species, marking a significant advance in crop improvement efforts for this commercially valuable nut. The findings reveal key genetic traits that could enhanc.....»»
Collisions between planes and birds follow seasonal patterns and overlap with breeding and migration—new research
Bird strikes with aircraft pose a serious threat to human safety. The problem dates back to the early days of aviation, with the first death of a pilot recorded in 1912 when an aircraft crashed into the sea after striking a gull......»»
How and why people spread rumors is key to understanding how false information travels and takes root
On Sept. 20, 2024, a newspaper in Montana reported an issue with ballots provided to overseas voters registered in the state: Kamala Harris was not on the ballot. Election officials were able to quickly remedy the problem, but not before accusations.....»»