Genetics & Molecular Biology

Mitochondria Mutation Protects Plants Against TNT- You Read That Right

Researchers have identified a mutation in plants that allows them to break down TNT, an explosive that has become highly prevalent in soil in the last century, particularly at manufacturing waste sites, mines, and military conflict zones. TNT, or 2,4,6-tr ...

Article - News Staff - Sep 9 2015 - 8:00am

Health Risks Of Saturated Fats Aggravated By Immune Response

High levels of saturated fat in the blood could make an individual more prone to inflammation and tissue damage, a new study suggests. Received wisdom on the health risks of eating saturated fat has been called into question recently. This new research su ...

Article - News Staff - Sep 9 2015 - 5:57pm

Fourth Wheat Gene Is Key To Flowering And Climate Adaptation

In the game of wheat genetics, Jorge Dubcovsky's laboratory at UC Davis has hit a grand slam, unveiling for the fourth time in a dozen years a gene that governs wheat vernalization, the biological process requiring cold temperatures to trigger flower ...

Article - News Staff - Sep 11 2015 - 7:00am

The FOIA Babe, and the New Abuse of Vanity Harassment

I’ve been a critic of the Food Babe for a long time. Actually, I’ve been the critic of anyone that attempts to manipulate the public perception of science, while presenting zero scientific evidence. Especially deplorable are those that use fear to force a ...

Blog Post - Kevin M. Folta - Sep 11 2015 - 1:43pm

Setting A New Standard For Science Transparency

Things have been a little intense lately and the little voice in my head keeps begging, "How did I get here?"   In other times of quiet introspection the little voice in my head says, "What would you have done differently?" What the hec ...

Article - Kevin M. Folta - Sep 22 2015 - 4:55pm

Celiac Disease Diagnosis Gets Simplified

Though gluten sensitivity can be claimed by anyone embracing a popular food fad, celiac disease must be diagnosed, and that requires a tissue sample from the small intestine, which can be extremely unpleasant.  But it's important because in celiac dis ...

Article - News Staff - Sep 24 2015 - 10:43am

Any Way You Gene Silence It, Simplot Is A Better Potato- But Will People Buy It?

Lovers of french fries, rejoice: the new, non-bruising potato made by Idaho food giant Simplot has hit the market. ...

Article - American Council ... - Sep 24 2015 - 2:37pm

We Went Black And Never Went Back: The Origin And Spread Of 'Emperor's Rice'

Black rice has a rich cultural history; called "Forbidden" or "Emperor's" rice, it was reserved for the Emperor in ancient China and used as a tribute food. In the time since, it remained popular in certain regions of China and re ...

Article - News Staff - Oct 1 2015 - 7:00am

Inflammatory Response May Fan The Flame Of Dietary Fats' Role In Obesity-related Diseases

An enhanced inflammatory response could be the key link between high saturated fat intake- a recognized risk factor for obesity-related disorders- and the development of diseases like type 2 diabetes and atherosclerosis. A new study in the Journal of Nutr ...

Article - News Staff - Oct 4 2015 - 4:43pm

The Solution To A 50-year-old Riddle: Why Certain Cells Repel One Another

When cells from the connective tissue collide, they repel one another- this phenomenon was discovered more than 50 years ago. It is only now, however, that researchers at the University of Basel have discovered the molecular basis for this process, as the ...

Article - News Staff - Oct 3 2015 - 10:00am