TALENs is one of the powerful tools developed for gene editing. It is an engineered endonuclease composed of a programmable, sequence-specific DNA-binding domain to a nonspecific DNA cleavage domain. Because of this tool's ability to efficiently and rapidly modify genomes, it has been a popular option for biological research. One of the promising uses of TALENs is to help produce plant metabolites that supplement or substitute conventional anti-diabetic drug therapy targeting the modifications at the molecular level.

Researchers from Princeton University developed a language model that analyzes the untranslated portion of mRNA to improve vaccine development. Their research may be used to protect people against infectious diseases and cancers. Messenger RNA (mRNA) converts genetic information into proteins. However, only a portion of it is translated and the untranslated parts regulate significant aspects of the process and affect the protein expression level. By studying the untranslated region, researchers may optimize efficiency and enhance vaccines.

Chinese researchers reveal the novel function of R2R3-MYB transcription factors CsRAXs in regulating leaf size and fruiting ability of cucumber. Their findings are reported in the Journal of Integrative Plant Biology. Understanding leaf development is essential for various aspects of agriculture, including crop yield and production. Leaves are the primary photosynthesis organs in plants, and their efficiency has a direct impact on the plant's growth, development, and overall productivity. Hence, the researchers explored the role of CsRAXs in cucumber plants.

Arsenic is a toxic element that accumulates in food when crops grow in contaminated soil. A study conducted by the University of Basel has discovered a mechanism used by corn plants to reduce arsenic uptake in a special substance released into the soil by the plant's roots. Arsenic-contaminated soils and waters are found in many parts of the world, especially in southeastern Asian countries like Bangladesh, Vietnam, and China

The US Department of Agriculture announced the approval of bioengineered hemp with boosted levels of medicinal ingredients and reduced psychoactive ingredients. The review of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) concluded that the improved hemp is unlikely to cause increased plant pest risk compared to other cultivated plants.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and Mars, Incorporated are setting out a path to expand their existing cooperation on strengthening food safety, supporting One Health and enhancing the FAO Hand-in-Hand Initiative. Maximo Torero, FAO’s Chief-Economist, and Dr Abigail Stevenson, Chief Science Officer for Mars signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote better understanding and application of Codex Alimentarius international food safety standards.

Statisticians from the University of Wollongong (UOW) in Australia, led by Senior Professor Brian Cullis are developing a new software called Dependent Wollongong Restricted Maximum Likelihood (DWReml) designed to analyze large datasets from crop breeding experiments conducted across multiple locations and years. This data will help improve crop yields by allowing researchers to identify plant varieties that thrive in a wide range of conditions or are suited to specific environments.

China continues to push for agricultural efficiency with the approval of large-scale, commercial planting of genetically modified (GM) crops. To date, GM soybeans, maize, cotton, and papaya have been approved for commercial planting in the country. In 2023, 37 GM maize varieties and 14 GM soybean varieties have been approved for planting. In March, 27 GM maize and 3 GM soybean varieties were added to the list of approved GM crops.

Maize gene ZmADF1 negatively regulates pollen vitality, according to Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences researchers and partners. Their findings are reported on Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications. Normal pollen grain development and achievement of double fertilization are vital in the sexual reproduction of angiosperms and the production of grains. Actin depolymerizing factor (ADF) controls the growth, development, and responses to environmental stress and diseases by binding to actin in plants.

Sugarcane's complicated genetics made it the last major crop without a complete and highly accurate genome. Scientists from France, Australia, Czech Republic, and the United States led by the U.S. Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute (JGI) have developed and combined multiple techniques to successfully map out sugarcane's genetic code. Sugarcane's genome is large and contains more copies of chromosomes than a typical plant, a feature called polyploidy.