Every year since 2016, the Philippine Agriculture and Fisheries Biotechnology Program of the Department of Agriculture (DA Biotech) has awarded outstanding Filipino individuals through the Filipino Faces of Biotechnology. This is to recognize the exceptional contributions of Filipino researchers, scientists, farmers, fisherfolks, communicators, advocates, journalists, and students in the advancement of biotechnology in the country.

International Women’s Day on 8^th March marked a significant milestone for Kenyan women in the dairy sector as they gathered to celebrate under the theme “Invest in women: accelerate progress.” The event, which highlighted the strength and resilience of women milk vendors, became a platform for sharing experiences, challenges, and strategies for growth in the dairy business. The celebration was not just about recognition but about fostering empowerment and showcasing the impact of strategic investments in women’s success within the dairy industry.

FAO thanks the Italian Government, and particularly Deputy Prime Minister Tajani, for the opportunity to have participated in this strategic and timely Round Table, together with other partners, to discuss together the way forward in view of the deteriorating food insecurity situation in Gaza, and the surrounding regions. I just came back last Friday from Jordan, Egypt, and Algeria where I held discussions with the Heads of Government and Ministers.

A study published in the Journal of Integrative Plant Biology uncovers the role of transcription factor BEL1-LIKE HOMEODOMAIN11 (SlBEL11) in regulating auxin transport during abscission in tomato. The study also provides insights into the interaction between SIBEL11 and SIMYBY111 genes. The plant hormone auxin plays an important role in regulating plant growth, particularly in regulating abscission, which pertains to the natural separation of plant fruits

Researchers from the John Innes Centre unveiled findings about photosynthesis at the atomic level, shedding light on the plant's capacity to provide food for itself. Their findings, published in Cell, present a model and resources for tools that can make crops more resilient. “Transcription of chloroplast genes is a fundamental step in making the photosynthetic proteins that give plants the energy they need to grow.

A study published in Nature shows that targeted epigenetic silencing of the PCSK9 gene in mice reduced cholesterol levels that lasted for up to 330 days. The findings of the study provide significant insights into the development of treatments for diseases caused by high cholesterol levels. Epigenome editing is an emerging technology that silences genes without altering the primary DNA sequence. According to Henriette O'Geen, an epigeneticist at the University of California, Davis,

Researchers from the University of South Australia reported that enzymes from an invasive weed known as paddy melon could be used for developing bio cement. This discovery shows potential for the construction, mining, and forestry industries.The researchers evaluated 50 native plants and weeds to look for cheaper and more eco-friendly sources of urease enzymes for bulk production.

This International Women’s Day, 8 March 2024, join the United Nations in celebrating under the theme Invest in women: Accelerate progress. The world is facing many crises, ranging from geopolitical conflicts to soaring poverty levels and the escalating impacts of climate change. These challenges can only be addressed by solutions that empower women. By investing in women, we can spark change and speed the transition towards a healthier, safer, and more equal world for all.

CRISPR-Cas-derived base editors offer precise gene editing, enabling major advances in basic research and crop improvement. However, their efficiency remains variable between target sites. Scientists from Huazhong Agricultural University and partners developed highly efficient base editors for cotton plants. Fusing GhABE8e to conventional nCas9 achieved 99.9% editing efficiency with no detectable off-target effects. Additionally, replacing nCas9 with dCpf1 broadened the range of editable target sites.

Researchers from Oklahoma State University and partners employed a multiplex CRISPR-Cas9 mediated gene editing system to reduce shoot lignin content and improve the digestibility and nutritional values of alfalfa. The paper is published in Frontiers in Plant Science. The forage quality of alfalfa is significantly affected by lignin disposition in cell walls during the advanced maturity stages of the plant.