All Articles Tagged As: genetics

Scientists sequence genome of grass that can be a biofuel model crop (2/13/2010)

Brachypodium distachyon can be used by plant scientists the way other researchers use lab mice to study human disease -- as a model organism that is similar to but easier to grow and study than important agricultural crops, including wheat and barley. The research also supports the USDA priority of developing new sources of bioenergy; the brachypodium genome is similar to that of the potential bioenergy crop switchgrass. But the smaller genome of brachypodium makes it easier to find genes linked to specific traits. ...> Full Article

Genome sequences for wasps will aid pest and disease control, provide new model organism (1/20/2010)

Scientists have mapped the genomes for three kinds of parasitic wasps, providing a new genetic model system based on the Nasonia genus. The availability of these genome sequences will aid the analysis of complex genetic traits, such as skin color, as well as complex human diseases. Published in the Jan. 15 issue of Science, the findings may advance our understanding of how to use these wasps as natural agents against agricultural pests and disease-carrying insects. ...> Full Article

Mapping and sequencing of soybean genome paves the way for improved soybean crops (1/17/2010)

Soybean, one of the most important global sources of protein and oil, is now the first major crop legume species with a published complete draft genome sequence. This sequence, which essentially provides a parts list of the soybean genome, will help scientists use the plant's genes to improve its characteristics. The soybean sequencing study appears as the cover story of the Jan. 13 edition of Nature. ...> Full Article

Sunflower genome holds the promise of sustainable agriculture (1/16/2010)

A new research project will create a reference genome for the sunflower family. ...> Full Article

Genes for drought-tolerance, aflatoxin may mingle to boost corn production (1/9/2010)

Scientists plan to put two and two together in a study that will likely yield improved US corn quality and yields.Two traits that impact corn -- drought tolerance and aflatoxin resistance -- will be examined by two researchers hoping to use basic scientific discoveries to improve products at the farm level.Basic science has already identified the drought- and aflatoxin-related genes at Texas AgriLife Research. This study will attempt to apply them for field crops. ...> Full Article

Virus may chauffeur useful 'packages' into plants (1/5/2010)

This time of year, the word "virus" conjures up a bedridden stint with coughs and chills -- something everyone goes to great lengths to avoid. But a new study shows that plant viruses may work like a trucking service loaded to carry freight to its destination. The idea is to have a virus do something good for us, like express a foreign protein and carry genetic information into a cell. ...> Full Article

New portal for plant genomics will support research into improved crops (10/10/2009)

Today sees the launch of Ensembl Plants -- a freely available Web resource for plant genomics research -- by EMBL-EBI, in partnership with the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, USA. Ensembl Plants allows researchers worldwide to access and visualize the results of genome-scale experiments in different plant species and will make it easier for scientists to improve the productivity and health of crops. ...> Full Article

If only the weeds would keep their genes to themselves (10/9/2009)

Study explores how farmers' practice affects role of gene flow between cultivated sorghum and its weedy relatives ...> Full Article

MSU scientist helps map potato genome, hope to improve crop yield (9/28/2009)

It's been cultivated for at least 7,000 years and spread from South America to grow on every continent except Antarctica. Now the humble potato has had its genome sequenced. "The potato is the most important vegetable worldwide," said Robin Buell, an MSU associate professor of plant biology. She was part of the consortium that released the first draft sequence of the potato genome. "This first draft that is being released will help breeders improve yield, quality, disease resistance and nutritional value." ...> Full Article

New genomic research to tackle supply and demand issues in emerging forestry biofuels industry (8/26/2009)

In order to reduce the Province's greenhouse gas emissions, the BC Bioenergy Strategy is calling for greatly increased production of renewable biofuels such as ethanol, from biomass grown in BC. ...> Full Article

Anti-biotech groups obstruct forest biotechnology (7/3/2009)

The potential of forest biotechnology to help address significant social and environmental issues is being "strangled at birth" by the rigid opposition of some groups and regulations that effectively preclude even the testing of genetically modified trees, scientists argue in a new report. ...> Full Article

Sequencing the cow's genetic code - a new agricultural era dawns (4/26/2009)

Researchers from the Universities of Geneva and Lausanne, as well as the Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics have been part of a major international project to sequence the bovine genome. ...> Full Article

Joint statement by German science organizations on green genetic engineering (4/21/2009)

Germany's Federal Minister for Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection, Ilse Aigner, has banned the cultivation of genetically modified maize. The ban took effect immediately on April 14. The minister noted that the ban is an isolated decision on a particular case, not a fundamental rejection of green genetic engineering. Europe's highest licensing authority, the EFSA, had previously expressed no reservations about the cultivation of genetically modified maize. ...> Full Article

Scientists to sequence DNA of British wheat varieties (2/15/2009)

Scientists at the University of Liverpool have been awarded £1.7 million to decode the genome of wheat, in order to help farmers increase the yield of British wheat varieties. ...> Full Article