4cell embryo

Creating An Artificial Embryo Using Genetically Modified Stem Cells

Cloning is a difficult process. Even with modern technologies, the best we can do is generate matching organs from a person’s stem cells, but this itself is still tricky to accomplish. Actually cloning a whole organism? We’re nowhere near where we need to be. The Troubles of Cloning The main problem inherent in this process […]

Soybean cyst nematode and egg SEM

Figuring Out The Lifestyles and Behaviors of Parasitic Worms

Parasites are some of the most diverse organisms found in nature. They can take a number of different forms and are spread liberally across the kingdom of life. From bacteria to plants to even some creatures in the mammal realm, parasites are everywhere. The Diverse World of Parasites However, even with that understanding, that doesn’t […]

Sow and five piglets

PRRS-Resistant Pigs Produced Using CRISPR-Cas9 For DNA Deletion

Another success of CRISPR-Cas9 has just been announced with the production of pigs that are likely resistant to one of the scourges of porcine husbandry, Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS). This viral disease infects thousands of pigs worldwide and is highly fatal, especially for pregnant sows or young pigs. As for the industry itself, […]

Brokolice 1

UK Scientists Produce Broccoli Lines That Can Be Grown Year-Round

Would you like to eat broccoli year round and also increase harvests to twice a season? Well, that’s what researchers at the John Innes Centre in the UK are attempting to accomplish. This accomplishment builds on prior research on the inner workings of vernalisation, which is the process that induces crops to flower after experiencing […]

Chicks

Genetically Modified Egg-Less Hens Used For Rare Bird Breeding

Just because new techniques and technologies are developed doesn’t mean the oldies aren’t still as useful as they were before. Today’s topic is related to the topic of de-extinction, in that the methods used are actually quite similar. And since this topic is being used to save the populations of rare and endangered birds, I […]

Spraying Pesticides (Louisiana, USA)

The Development Of An Environmentally Friendly Pesticide

Pesticides are a necessity in agriculture. Prior to the use of pesticides in any form, farmers would often find their livelihood under siege by pests from every type, fungi, insect, microbial, and other plants. Yields could drop precipitously from any severe infestation. Plants themselves also agree, with each type of plant producing dozens of pesticides […]