Plant physiology

Pusan National University Scientists Explore OsMATL2 Gene as a Candidate for Haploid Induction in Rice

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, September 13, 2023

BUSAN, South Korea, Sept. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Conventional crop breeding is not time-efficient for creating inbred lines with desired genetic traits owing to the diploid nature of plants, wherein they have two sets of chromosomes, one from each parent. In contrast, double haploid technology utilizes gene-edited haploid inducer plants to create double haploid crops that have two sets of chromosomes from a single parent. This revolutionary agricultural method can create inbred crop lines in a single generation thereby accelerating the breeding process.

Key Points: 
  • Recent studies have unveiled the potential of specific genes in triggering haploid induction, a key step in double haploid technology.
  • In particular, the gene ZmMATL was identified as a pollen-specific phospholipase in maize that plays a role in haploid induction within the plant's reproductive processes.
  • In a recent collaborative study, researchers from Korea led by Dr. Yu-Jin Kim from Pusan National University identified OsMATL2, a potential haploid-inducing gene in Japonica rice (Oryza sativa japonica).
  • To evaluate the role of OsMATL2—the gene encoding OsMATL2 protein—in haploid induction, the team used the CRISPR/Cas9 system to generate knockout mutants (sgOsMATL2) with suppressed OsMATL2 protein expression.

Researchers Discover New Model for "Global" DNA Repair

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, March 30, 2022

NEW YORK, March 30, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Two studies provide a radically new picture of how bacterial cells continually repair damaged sections (lesions) in their DNA.

Key Points: 
  • Given that damaged DNA can result in detrimental DNA code changes (mutations) and death, cells evolved to have DNA repair machineries.
  • Widely accepted work, including studies that led to a 2015 Noble Prize , had argued that TCR played a relatively small role in repair because it relied on a putative TCR factor that made only a marginal contribution to DNA repair.
  • A parallel process, global genome repair (GGR), was assumed to scan and fix most of DNA independent of transcription.
  • Both processes were thought to set the stage for nucleotide excision repair (NER), in which a damaged stretch of DNA was snipped out and replaced by an accurate copy.

$100 Million First Harvest Opportunity Zone Fund launches seeking Accredited Investors for Investment into High-Tech Hybrid Farming Ventures

Retrieved on: 
Friday, August 27, 2021

This means that the OZ fund investment methodology has significant advantages over any other investment type into the same business sector.

Key Points: 
  • This means that the OZ fund investment methodology has significant advantages over any other investment type into the same business sector.
  • First Harvest OZ Fund wants to make a difference in the global food supply.
  • Investment Managers and their biographies:
    The Fund will engage Farsight Partners as its exclusive external Investment Manager pursuant to an Investment Management Agreement.
  • The Investment Manager has highly qualified individuals who will oversee the investment process and overall management of the Fund.

Dewey Scientific Raises $3.2MM to Advance Industry-Leading Cannabis Genomics and Cultivation

Retrieved on: 
Monday, August 16, 2021

The Washington-based Dewey Scientific leverages genomics, data science, and classical breeding methods to improve the quality and genetic diversity of cannabis crops in the Pacific Northwest.

Key Points: 
  • The Washington-based Dewey Scientific leverages genomics, data science, and classical breeding methods to improve the quality and genetic diversity of cannabis crops in the Pacific Northwest.
  • Dewey Scientific also holds Dewey Cannabis , a direct-to-consumer small batch, high quality marijuana supplier in Washington state, leveraging Dewey Scientific proprietary genetics.
  • ABOUT DEWEY SCIENTIFIC: Dewey Scientific, founded in 2018 by PhD molecular plant scientists, employs nearly a dozen scientists and staff at its Pullman, WA agricultural research facility.
  • In addition to providing scientific services to cannabis cultivators, Dewey Scientific produces proprietary cannabis genetics with evolutionary leaps in standardization, quality, and resiliency for cultivators.

ENYO Pharma Announces Positive Vonafexor (EYP001) Results for the LIVIFY Phase 2a Study in F2-F3 NASH Patients over 12 weeks

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, July 28, 2021

In this Phase 2a trial, 96 patients with NASH were randomized 1:1:1 to receive oral, once-daily Vonafexor at 200 mg or 100 mg, or placebo.

Key Points: 
  • In this Phase 2a trial, 96 patients with NASH were randomized 1:1:1 to receive oral, once-daily Vonafexor at 200 mg or 100 mg, or placebo.
  • There were no significant differences in efficacy endpoints between the 100 mg and the 200 mg Vonafexor treatment groups.
  • 76 % of the patients receiving Vonafexor had improved kidney function as measured by eGFR over 12 weeks while 66 % of patients receiving placebo had deterioration of kidney function over the 12 week study period1).
  • The positive results seen on several key non-invasive tests at 12 weeks of dosing are highly encouraging and support advancement of this compound forward in NASH.

Xylem Innovation Cuts Treatment Clarification Costs, Delivers 80% Reduction Of Solids With Reduced Maintenance

Retrieved on: 
Monday, July 19, 2021

Global water technology company, Xylem (NYSE:XYL), has today unveiled a breakthrough solution to support the efficient removal of solids in water treatment applications.

Key Points: 
  • Global water technology company, Xylem (NYSE:XYL), has today unveiled a breakthrough solution to support the efficient removal of solids in water treatment applications.
  • When exposed to sun, steel reflects ultra-violet (UV) rays and promotes algae growth in the clarifier, reducing the clarification performance and requiring regular, manual cleaning.
  • The Leopold Texler system uses hydrophobic geotextile, a woven HDPE which naturally repels water and reduces the need for cleaning.
  • Xylem (XYL) is a leading global water technology company committed to solving critical water and infrastructure challenges with innovation.

Xylem To Release Second Quarter 2021 Financial Results On August 3, 2021

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, July 13, 2021

Xylem Inc. (NYSE: XYL), a leading global water technology company dedicated to solving the worlds most challenging water issues, will release its second quarter 2021 results at 6:55 a.m. (ET) on Tuesday, August 3, 2021.

Key Points: 
  • Xylem Inc. (NYSE: XYL), a leading global water technology company dedicated to solving the worlds most challenging water issues, will release its second quarter 2021 results at 6:55 a.m. (ET) on Tuesday, August 3, 2021.
  • At 10:00 a.m. (ET), Xylems senior management team will host a conference call with investors.
  • A replay of the briefing will be available on Investors Events | Xylem US and via telephone from August 3, 2021, 1:00 p.m. (ET) until September 1, 2021 at 11:59 p.m. (ET).
  • Xylem (XYL) is a leading global water technology company committed to solving critical water and infrastructure challenges with technological innovation.

Xylem Engages First 1,700 Students in Global Youth Program: Xylem Ignite

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, July 7, 2021

Xylem (NYSE: XYL), a leading water technology company, is investing in the future of the global water industry with a new dedicated student development program Xylem Ignite targeting high school and university students worldwide.

Key Points: 
  • Xylem (NYSE: XYL), a leading water technology company, is investing in the future of the global water industry with a new dedicated student development program Xylem Ignite targeting high school and university students worldwide.
  • Midway through its inaugural year, Xylem Ignite has already engaged more than 1,700 students in creative water-oriented hackathons and sustainability events, including 650+ participants from 47 countries competing in the Xylem Global Student Innovation Challenge for $20,000 in total cash prizes.
  • Xylem Ignite was conceived in mid-2020 by a team of young professionals in Xylem, as a platform to engage the passion and creativity of students around the world.
  • The Xylem Ignite program engages students to:
    Prioritize the need for the next generation of water professionals across several career fields and all relevant industries.

Xylem Breakthrough Achieves up to 60% Energy Savings in Industrial Dewatering

Retrieved on: 
Monday, June 21, 2021

Global water technology company, Xylem (NYSE:XYL), has today unveiled Flygt Bibo a breakthrough dewatering pump that dramatically reduces energy, wear and tear, and maintenance costs.

Key Points: 
  • Global water technology company, Xylem (NYSE:XYL), has today unveiled Flygt Bibo a breakthrough dewatering pump that dramatically reduces energy, wear and tear, and maintenance costs.
  • Applying Decision Intelligence, Flygt Bibo automatically adapts to its environment and only operates when needed, delivering energy savings of up to 60 percent when compared to traditional dewatering pumps.
  • Commenting on the launch, Anders Casselbrant, Global Product Manager, Submersible Dewatering Products at Xylem said, At Xylem, we work with customers and communities across the world to bring digital transformation to the water sector.
  • As the latest addition to our arsenal of smart pumps, Flygt Bibo is set to transform dewatering practices across the mining and construction industries.

PlantArcBio announces collaboration agreement with Bioceres Crop Solutions to develop improved biomass & drought tolerant Alfalfa

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, June 16, 2021

GIVAT HEN, Israel, June 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- PlantArcBio, a leading gene discovery biotech company, announced today a new collaboration agreement with Bioceres Crop Solutions Corp. ("Bioceres") (NASDAQ: BIOX), a fully-integrated global provider of crop productivity solutions designed to enable the transition of agriculture towards carbon neutrality, for the development of improved biomass & drought tolerant Alfalfa, leveraging PlantArcBio's identified genes and Bioceres expertise in development of drought tolerant crops.

Key Points: 
  • GIVAT HEN, Israel, June 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- PlantArcBio, a leading gene discovery biotech company, announced today a new collaboration agreement with Bioceres Crop Solutions Corp. ("Bioceres") (NASDAQ: BIOX), a fully-integrated global provider of crop productivity solutions designed to enable the transition of agriculture towards carbon neutrality, for the development of improved biomass & drought tolerant Alfalfa, leveraging PlantArcBio's identified genes and Bioceres expertise in development of drought tolerant crops.
  • Bioceres will develop Alfalfa varieties incorporating those traits and will commercialize them through its global leading presence.
  • Today, Bioceres has developed a pipeline of alfalfa technologies currently at different stages of development, including drought tolerance, increased biomass and improved plant architecture.
  • Bioceres Crop Solutions Corp. (NASDAQ: BIOX)is a fully integrated global provider of crop productivity technologies designed to enable the transition of agriculture towards carbon neutrality.