While the effects of a singular gene and its protein output can be measured and quantified, many traits of organisms are part of far more complex regulatory pathways involving dozens of genes that turn on and off different systems. Mapping out how these pathways interact and what genes make them up has been a key […]
COI Notice: One of the authors of this paper is my Principal Investigator (P.I.). I, however, had no involvement in this paper or the experiments done in it. When it comes to understanding plant genetics and the potential for improvements in growth and development, it should be argued that the humble mitochondria deserves the bulk […]
The importance of horizontal gene transfer (HGT) is likely understated in science. It was discussed only rarely in the past and, despite its current popularity and resurgence in relevance today, it continues to retain further secrets within the natural world that we have yet to uncover. We now openly know and have showcased over the […]
When dealing with pathogens of plants, it is those of the viral kind in conjunction with their vector pests that can prove to be the biggest threats. Aphids, especially, are known for transmitting dozens of dangerous viral diseases while also themselves managing to kill a host plant outright through sucking up too much sap. Therefore, […]
While genetic modification technologies have been expanding rapidly in the biological and medical spheres, there is an obvious limitation in how this sort of research is applied. For the microscopic level and the macro beyond it, only a select number of organisms have proven to be amenable to such modification techniques. Others have either shown […]
Plant-based oils make up an incredibly important part of agricultural research on both a food and fuel level. While we use many different kinds of oils from plants, they each have a meaningful niche in our food supply and, for some, as bioenergy fuel sources that are far cleaner to produce than other electricity generating […]
For all the advances we’ve made in medical science toward treatment of dangerous disorders and diseases, along with recent announcements such as a secondary success in long-term HIV remission, there are still plenty of conditions that we have a long way to go toward any sort of viable treatment. Spinal cord injuries are one such […]
No matter where or when you are in the world, there are carcinogenic pollutants in the air. The natural degradation of plant material and other chemical reactions across the planet produce these compounds. This is also true for humans and the things we make and the homes we live in. The slow breakdown of laminate […]
When severe injuries occur, there can often be damage to skin, tissues, and organs. Depending on the extent of that damage, replacements can often be required. It has only been in recent decades that medical technologies have advanced far enough for things like skin grafts and organ replacements to have become viable and at a […]
When attempting to produce new traits and properties in plants, it’s commonplace to try and expose them to stressful conditions alongside mutagenic agents in the hopes that this will help induce the formation of resistance genes. This process sometimes is successful, but it involves a large amount of trial and error, as most experiments involving […]
