Scientists from the Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research (HIRI) in Germany developed a new method which allows RNA detection using Cas12 nucleases. CRISPR is a widely used technique that has many applications in various industries. Aside from Cas9, Cas12 nucleases are also typically used in research studies. However, Cas12 nucleases only detect DNA.

A member of the Virginia Tech research team analyzes a mosquito under a microscope. Photo Source: Max Esterhuizen for Virginia Tech. Researchers from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) have found a new way to identify genetic targets that are useful for the control of mosquito populations, potentially offering an alternative to insecticides.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) Panel on Food Additive and Flavourings (FAF) released a scientific opinion on the proposed food additive called LegH Prep which contains soy leghemoglobin derived from genetically modified (GM) Komagataella phaffii. The amount of haem iron from soy leghemoglobin in the proposed uses is comparable to similar amounts of different types of meat.

Mississippi State scientists have developed a cotton quality module, which enables farmers to check the quality of their crops under fluctuating environmental conditions. The new module will be added into the GOSSYM program. The quality of cotton affects the income of farmers. To boost the crop's quality, it must receive the optimum amount of water and nutrients that are necessary for its growth. These factors are dependent on the planting date for a particular location and cultivar.

Researchers from Aarhus University (Denmark), Polytechnic University of Madrid (Spain), and the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility in France have discovered that zinc plays a crucial role in the nitrogen fixation process of legumes. The study also found that the transcriptional regulator Fixation Under Nitrate (FUN) is a novel type of zinc sensor, which decodes zinc signals in nodules and regulates nitrogen fixation.

Developments in modern biotechnology pave the way for more precise and efficient methods of genetic engineering. With the emergence of tools such as CRISPR, it is vital to understand the progression of these applications to highlight areas where further research is needed. The study, published in the Journal of Scientific Research and Reports, provides a comprehensive review of the global research landscape in genetic modification.

IRRI, in collaboration with BRRI and funded by BMZ, has developed heat-tolerant rice varieties to address the severe impact of rising temperatures on rice production in Bangladesh. Climate change, characterized by rising temperatures and increased frequency of extreme weather events, significantly impacts rice production and yields. High night temperatures disrupt the grain-filling process in rice plants, leading to reduced yields and lower grain quality. In Bangladesh, this results in substantial annual losses in rice production, threatening food security and farmer livelihoods.

The 36th Session of the Committee on Fisheries (COFI36) began today at the headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Rome. The Committee on Fisheries (COFI) is the largest global gathering of policymakers, experts and partners in the fisheries and aquaculture sector. This week’s (8-12 July) COFI36 meeting will focus on the vital role of fisheries and aquaculture in tackling food insecurity, malnutrition, and poverty, stressing their ability to alleviate hunger, drive sustainable growth, and reverse environmental degradation.

New projections highlight potential climate risks to exploitable fish biomass for nearly all regions of the world's ocean, including top producer countries and those with high reliance on aquatic foods, according to a report released today by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). Global projections of exploitable fish biomass show declines of more than 10 percent, particularly under the high-emissions scenario, by mid-century for many regions of the world,

FAO Director-General QU Dongyu met with H.E. Ma Zhaoxu, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of China in Beijing on 9 July 2024. During the meeting, the pair held an in-depth discussion on topics related to further strengthening the bilateral relationship between FAO and China. The Director-General thanked China for its continuous support to FAO, commended China for its exemplary role in South-South and Triangular Cooperation, and looked forward to China's increased leadership in the transformation of global agrifood systems.