University of Maryland scientists have developed CRISPR-Combo, a new tool for editing several genes in plants while simultaneously modifying the expression of other genes. This breakthrough, published in Nature Plants, allows genetic engineering combinations that work together to enhance the functionality and breeding of new crops. “As a proof of …
John Innes Centre (JIC) scientists used CRISPR-Cas9 to shut off a molecule in tomato plants and increase the concentration of provitamin D3 in the fruits and leaves. The study, published in Nature Plants, provides a simple solution to the increasing number of individuals suffering from vitamin D insufficiency worldwide. Vitamin …
Scientists at Texas A&M University explored the ability of the CRISPR-Cas9 system to knock out four copies of a gene in the tetraploid potato. The results of this two-part study are published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences and Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture. Potato is an important …
Researchers at the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences have revealed the genetic variation that determines the watermelon seed size based on a systematic study that explored the molecular basis of natural variation. The results are published in Horticulture Research. Seed size is one of the vital agronomic traits of watermelon …
A research team from the University of Zurich (UZC) has shown that a single gene can affect an entire ecosystem and the discovery of the “key gene” could change the current strategies of biological diversity conservation. The UZH researchers and their colleagues from the University of California report that a …
Experts from the Chinese Academy of Sciences reported the successful development of fragrant cultivated sorghum using CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology. Their findings are published as a breakthrough report in the Journal of Integrative Plant Biology. Sorghum is the fifth largest crop with high economical value because it is used as …
Quebec City-based biopharmaceutical company Medicago and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) have announced that Health Canada has granted approval for the plant-based virus-like particles (VLP), recombinant, adjuvanted COVIFENZ® COVID-19 vaccine. Health Canada based its decision on scientific data shared by Medicago. COVIFENZ® COVID-19 vaccine uses coronavirus-like particle (CoVLP) technology. VLPs are molecules that …
For the first time, researchers from the Ludwig Maximilian University in Munich and the Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research in Cologne have completely decoded the highly complex genome of the potato. The researchers have now succeeded in assembling the first complete genome of the potato, a breakthrough that …
A team of scientists from the University of California, Davis, have identified a new gene in wheat that can increase grain production. The discovery could help growers produce more wheat without additional resources or expanding operations. The researchers found WAPO1 gene that controls the maximum number of grains in a …
Researchers from Brazil selected genetically modified (GM) progenies of the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) that were found to be resistant to the three most common viruses of the plant. The GM common bean can potentially decrease yield losses for farmers and reduce virus spread in the field. The bean …
