A new study reveals that grasses may transfer genes from their neighbors in the same way that genetically modified (GM) crops are made. This research is the first to show how frequently grasses exchange genes in the wild through the process called lateral gene transfer, also known as horizontal gene »
Researchers have discovered a protein that seals plant roots to regulate the uptake of nutrients and water from the soil, the discovery could help develop climate proof crops that require less water and chemical fertilizers. Researchers from the University of Nottingham identified new components of the lignin barrier in plant »
The second harvest of genetically modified (GM) giant rice developed by the Institute of Subtropical Agriculture at the Chinese Academy of Sciences has been completed in trial farms in China. Aside from increased yield, the GM rice variety also exhibits increased resistance to pests and floods. The high-yielding rice variety »
Researchers from the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine and Nomad Bioscience GmbH in Germany produced genetically modified (GM) lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) and mizuna (Brassica rapa subsp. nipposinica var. laciniata) that stably express Colicin M (ColM), a non-antibiotic antimicrobial protein found in some strains of Escherichia coli (E. coli) »
China Agricultural University researchers published a review article on the development and prospect of gene-edited fruits and vegetables in the Food Quality and Safety journal. Gene editing technology offers tools such as CRISPR, TALENs, and ZFNs, which allow precise changes in plant or animal genomes to improve traits. Applications of »
Scientists from the University of Edinburgh, Imperial College London, and the Pirbright Institute used gene editing techniques to identify and change parts of chicken DNA that could limit the spread of the bird flu virus in the animals. Using gene editing techniques, the team of scientists bred the chickens and »
Scientists from the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) have identified the genes responsible for low and ultra-low glycemic index (GI) in rice. This discovery will allow the conversion of popular rice varieties into low and ultra-low GI for refined white rice, through conventional breeding methods, keeping high-quality grain without compromising »
Researchers from ETH Zurich have developed a method to genetically modify individual animal cells. Using the CRISPR-Cas gene scissors, the researchers aim to simplify and speed up the research process with laboratory animals by simultaneously making several gene changes in the cells of a single animal. The causes of genetic »
Researchers from China used CRISPR technology on silkworms to produce tough and strong spider silk. The resulting fiber is considered better compared to other commercial synthetic fibers. Commercial synthetic fibers usually have a trade-off between toughness and strength so researchers must create materials that can combine strength with fiber toughness. »
For reasons of food security and economic incentive, farmers continuously seek to maximize their marketable crop yields. As plants grow inconsistently, at the time of harvesting, there will inevitably be variations in quality and size of individual crops. Finding the optimal time to harvest is therefore a priority for farmers. »
Researchers and engineers from an Idaho-based startup biotech company, Light Bio, successfully engineered petunia, a common ornamental plant, to give a bright green color during nighttime. Light Bio plans to start shipping the glow-in-the-dark genetically modified plants in 2024 after receiving permission from the U.S. Department of Agriculture earlier »
