Researcher establishes CRISPR-Cas12b system for plant genome engineering
Reading Time: < 1 minuteMOST people who know CRISPR think of CRISPR-Cas9. However, Yiping Qi and colleagues from the University of Maryland are constantly exploring new CRISPR tools that are more effective, efficient, and sophisticated for different crop applications to help fight diseases, pests, and the effects of a changing climate. Qi and his lab have established a new […]
Catalyzing the future of clean energy
Reading Time: 2 minutesAN improved design for nickel hydroxide catalysts could reduce costs and improve the efficiency of hydrogen fuel and oxygen generation. n the face of climate change, our need to switch to clean energy sources is more pressing than ever before. However, many of these energy sources, such as solar and wind energy, face a key […]
South Australian govt stands by decision to allow GM crops
Reading Time: 2 minutesTHE government of South Australia (SA) is fixed on its decision to permit genetically modified crops into its mainland to allow SA farmers to experience the same benefits that other GM planting farmers around the world have been receiving. This was their decision despite the legislation filed by opposing parties in Parliament to reinstate the […]
ISAAA, SEARCA continue 20year pact for agri-biotech in Southeast Asia
Reading Time: < 1 minuteFULLY committed to continuing the delivery of credible, science based information on agricultural biotechnology for Southeast Asia, ISAAA and the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) renewed their 20-year agreement for the Philippine’s Biotechnology Information Center (BIC). “Researchers have developed a lot of technologies aimed at boosting farm productivity, […]
Biomass fuels can significantly mitigate global warming
Reading Time: 2 minutesBIOMASS fuels derived from various grasses could significantly mitigate global warming by reducing carbon, according to a long-term field study by researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) and Michigan State University (MSU). In a new paper published in Environmental Science and Technology, the researchers examined a number of different cellulosic biofuel crops to […]
Indian Ocean phenomenon spells climate trouble for Australia
Reading Time: 2 minutesNEW INTERNATIONAL research has found a worrying change in the Indian Ocean’s surface temperatures that puts southeast Australia on course for increasingly hot and dry conditions. The work led by The Australian National University (ANU) and the ARC Centre of Excellence for Climate Extremes has a silver lining, helping to improve our understanding of climate […]
New research reveals root causes of separation anxiety in dogs
Reading Time: 2 minutesMANY pet owners experience problem behaviour in their dogs when leaving them at home. These behaviours can include destruction of household items, urinating or defecating indoors, or excessive barking and are often labelled as ‘separation anxiety’ as the dog gets anxious at the prospect of being left alone. Treatment plans tend to focus on helping […]
Squatting and kneeling may be good for health
Reading Time: 3 minutesA USC-LED STUDY shows that squatting and kneeling may be important resting positions in human evolution — and even for modern human health. Sitting for hours a day is linked to some health risks, including cardiovascular disease, likely because it involves low muscle activity and low muscle metabolism. However, these risks seem paradoxical. For humans, […]
Long wait over for Kenya A new dawn rises for this East African nation’s cotton farmers as Bt cotton enters commercial farming
Reading Time: 2 minutesAFTER many years of waiting, Kenya has finally commenced commercial farming of Bt cotton heralding a new dawn for cotton farmers in the country. Recently, the country planted its first Bt cotton seed in an open field outside confinement during a historic launch held at Alupe University, western Kenya. The country now becomes the seventh […]
Study: Next-Gen consumers, farmers share hope for future of food and farming
Reading Time: < 1 minuteA FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND global study of Gen Z/millennial farmers and consumers examined views on the future of food and farming in the United States, Brazil, China, France, and Russia. The study of more than 3,000 respondents reveals that participants in different global markets have the same concern about the future of food and farming. The study, […]