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A desert locust (Schistocerca gregaria) on sand
Genome Spotlight: Desert Locust (Schistocerca gregaria)
A chromosome-scale genome sequence for this infamous agricultural pest could help mitigate its plagues.
Genome Spotlight: Desert Locust (Schistocerca gregaria)
Genome Spotlight: Desert Locust (Schistocerca gregaria)

A chromosome-scale genome sequence for this infamous agricultural pest could help mitigate its plagues.

A chromosome-scale genome sequence for this infamous agricultural pest could help mitigate its plagues.

agricultural research

Cover of Endangered Maize by Helen Anne Curry
Book Excerpt from Endangered Maize
Helen Anne Curry | Jan 17, 2022 | 4 min read
In Chapter 7, “Grow,” author Helen Anne Curry relays the story of Indigenous revolutionaries in Mexico who tapped into community-based methods to conserve traditional corn varieties.
Cover of Endangered Maize by Helen Anne Curry
Opinion: Going Beyond Seed Banks
Helen Anne Curry | Jan 17, 2022 | 5 min read
Rethinking why and how we conserve crop genetic diversity
Modern Approaches to qPCR
The Scientist | 1 min read
Download this ebook to learn how updated qPCR instruments provide optimal thermal performance and data connectivity!
Spores of Fusarium xylarioides
Researchers Resurrect Coffee-Destroying Fungus—to Study It
Chloe Tenn | Jan 4, 2022 | 4 min read
Comparing the genomes of modern pathogens with those of cryopreserved strains from several decades ago shed light on the evolution of coffee wilt disease outbreaks in Africa.
Stamping Out Science, 1948
Catherine Offord | May 1, 2021 | 4 min read
Trofim Lysenko’s attacks on geneticists had long-term effects on Russian science and scientists, despite a lack of evidence to support his beliefs about biological inheritance.
Opinion: Europe Is Sinking Biotech—Again
Robert Paarlberg | Feb 1, 2021 | 3 min read
Scientifically groundless regulations could undercut the potential of gene-edited crops, much as they have with GMOs.
In COVID-19–Hit Africa, Agricultural Research Feels the Pinch
Munyaradzi Makoni | Aug 6, 2020 | 6 min read
The pandemic and accompanying lockdowns have meant missing growing seasons and losing out on key data. As restrictions are partially lifted, researchers are adjusting to the new normal.
An aerial view of a harvester in a cotton field
The Long Road to Edible Cottonseed
Shawna Williams | Oct 11, 2019 | 5 min read
The FDA recently cleared the way for marketing of the genetically modified product. Texas A&M’s Keerti Rathore speaks with The Scientist about why and how it was developed.
bio business
Companies Use CRISPR to Improve Crops
Ashley P. Taylor | Feb 1, 2019 | 9 min read
The agritech industry is editing plant genomes to feed a growing population, expand the produce aisle, and make tastier, more convenient food products.
Opinion: GE Crops Are Seen Through a Warped Lens
Rod A. Herman, Nicholas P. Storer, and Bryan Delaney | Feb 1, 2019 | 3 min read
Risks that pertain to all manner of new crops are often misattributed to genetic engineering. This distorts the public’s view of the technology.
Questions Raised About DARPA-Funded Crop Program
Abby Olena, PhD | Oct 4, 2018 | 4 min read
Critics of an agricultural research initiative cite concerns about possible weaponization of the resulting technology, which would use infected insects to deliver genetically modified viruses to plants.
Reorganization of USDA Research Offices Concerns Scientists
Ashley Yeager | Aug 16, 2018 | 2 min read
The plan would move two scientific branches out of Washington, DC, by 2019.
Trump Nominates Scott Hutchins for USDA Top Scientist
Sukanya Charuchandra | Jul 18, 2018 | 1 min read
A pesticide industry leader, Hutchins was formerly president of the Entomological Society of America.
Book Excerpt from How to Feed the World
Uris Baldos | Feb 11, 2018 | 5 min read
In chapter 5, “The Technology Ticket,” contributing author Uris Baldos urges acceptance and investment in “precision agriculture” to provide for a burgeoning global population.
Monsanto and Bayer Announce Approval of Massive Merger
Bob Grant | Dec 13, 2016 | 2 min read
On Tuesday, shareholders at the agribusiness giant approved the $66 billion deal with the European pharmaceutical firm.
Donor-Soil Microbes Drive Ecosystem Restoration
Tracy Vence | Jul 11, 2016 | 2 min read
Excavating existing topsoil and adding donor soil, researchers revitalized degraded farmland in the span of six years.
Antibiotic Affects Cow Dung
Tracy Vence | May 25, 2016 | 1 min read
Researchers assess some of the downstream effects of treating livestock with a broad-spectrum antibiotic.
Speaking of Science
The Scientist | Feb 1, 2016 | 2 min read
February 2016's selection of notable quotes
Speaking of Science
The Scientist | Oct 1, 2015 | 2 min read
October 2015's selection of notable quotes
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