Agriculture
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Thanks to a recent discovery regarding marine algae, scientists have developed crop plants that absorb a fuller spectrum of sunlight, resulting in better growth. The finding could also lead to increased production of biofuels.
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When it comes to protecting crops via insect-blocking netting, you may think that the size of the holes in that netting is the most important factor. According to new research, however, the color of red netting makes an even bigger difference.
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Korean scientists have taken muscle and fat stem cells from cows and transplanted them into grains of rice. The end result is a new, high-protein food that should be cheap, environmentally friendly, and useful for famines, military or space travel.
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Much as we may like sun-dried tomatoes, they're typically pretreated with sulfur dioxide or salt before the drying process, which may be carried out in an oven. By contrast, a new type of cherry tomato has been bred to dry right on the vine.
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When vineyards are exposed to wildfire smoke, the grapes may absorb compounds which end up detracting from the flavor of the wine. A spray-on coating could help, however, keeping wines from being described as possessing "a hint of burning forest."
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Chinese scientists have developed a cost-effective method of converting coal into protein, which they say could feed livestock much more efficiently than natural plants, while using a tiny fraction of the land.
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The "microbiome" is the population of microbes found in every organism. Scientists have now genetically altered that population in rice plants, making them more resistant to harmful bacteria. The technology could reduce the need for pesticides.
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While hydroponic farms do allow a lot of plants to be grown in a small space, they would be a better alternative to traditional farms if those plants grew faster. That may soon be the case, thanks to the development of electrically conductive eSoil.
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Just like any other organisms, crop-destroying soil microbes die if they get too hot. With that fact in mind, scientists have developed a new system in which soil-heating microwaves are used to kill such pests. It could one day replace pesticides.
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Trees such as maples have "fruits" known as samaras, which consist of a seed joined to a papery wing. Scientists have now created artificial samaras, which could be used to quickly and easily monitor soil temperature from the air.
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Chemical fertilizers aren't the most eco-friendly of substances, which is why some farmers are exploring the use of beneficial bacteria as an alternative. A new coating technology could make such microbes more widely available than ever before.
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Great news for 80 million (and growing) green thumbs across the country: The USDA has finally released an updated Plant Hardiness Zone Map, its first in 11 years. It highlights both tech advancements and how a warming planet is impacting our gardens.
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