Food security – Page 4
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NewsCompound from Antarctic microorganism can be used to produce food, cosmetics, and medicine
A bioactive compound produced by the microorganism Bacillus licheniformis, found on Deception Island in Antarctica, has properties that qualify it for use in producing food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and biodegradable materials.
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NewsNew study reveals diverse threats from Avian E. coli
New research has determined why various strains of Avian Pathogenic E. coli behave so differently. The study analysed a colibacillosis outbreak in turkeys in the UK, and found a strain called ST-101 was the dominant cause of the outbreak, accounting for nearly 60% of cases.
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NewsStructural diversity of pyripyropenes via biosynthetic gene cluster design and heterologous expression in Aspergillus nidulans
Researchers have designed a reconstituted biosynthetic gene cluster (BGC) for producing structurally diversified deacetylated pyripyropenes, using the native pyripyropene A BGC from the wild-type strain Aspergillus fumigatus Af 293 as a template.
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NewsValorization of soybean-processing wastewater sludge via black soldier fly larvae: performance and bacterial community dynamics
A new study indicates that the valorization of soybean-processing-sourced sludge via black soldier fly larvae was achieved via functionally important BSFL intestinal microbiota, providing an efficient recycling approach for similar waste streams.
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NewsRoot chemistry determines how antibiotic resistance spreads from manure to crops
Researchers found that the rhizosphere, the narrow soil zone surrounding plant roots, is a major hotspot for the accumulation of manure-derived ARGs. Across eight common crops, ARG abundance in rhizosphere soil was on average 1.24 times higher than in bulk soil.
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NewsScientists develop safer and more sustainable antimicrobials to prevent infection of cow udders
A new study has unveiled an alternative class of potent antimicrobial compounds that could be used in the agriculture industry to combat multi-drug-resistant bacteria that cause bovine mastitis.
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NewsFrom glucose to gourmet: engineered bacteria churn out key food additive
Researchers used E. coli as the chassis to produce inosinic acid (IMP), a popular umami enhancer. By reprogramming the metabolic flux network of E. coli and introducing amino acid mutations in the key enzymes in the synthesis pathway, the yield was significantly increased.
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NewsPoultry growers: Have you checked your water lines lately?
Water quality could impact the kind of microbial populations in poultry drinking water lines and lead to the buildup of a biofilm that can harbor pathogenic bacteria like Salmonella, according to a new study.
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NewsResearchers uncover hidden plant–microbe strategy that boosts crop growth under nutrient stress
Scientists discovered that when soil microbes compete with each other in the rhizosphere, they release a well-known compound called glutathione. This compound enhances plant growth under sulphur-deficient conditions.
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NewsSlime mold metabolites are a promising, eco-friendly repellent of root-knot nematodes
A team of researchers has discovered 14 compounds secreted by slime molds that repel root-knot nematodes (RKNs) - worm-like parasites of the genus Meloidogyne - and could be the source of new, non-toxic anti-RKN pesticides.
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NewsLong-term biochar use boosts soil health and soybean yields, study finds
A decade-long field study has revealed that biochar can significantly improve soil quality and boost soybean production in continuous cropping systems. The findings provide new evidence that biochar could be a powerful tool for making agriculture more sustainable.
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NewsScientists revive almost forgotten Balkan yoghurt recipe that deploys bacteria, acids - and ants
Researchers recreated a nearly forgotten yogurt recipe that was once was once common across the Balkans and Turkey—using ants. The team shows that bacteria, acids, and enzymes in ants can kickstart the fermentation process that turns milk into yogurt.
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NewsPlant microbiota: War and peace under the surface
Scientists unveil the subtle alliances and rivalries that unfold between bacteria and roots, hidden beneath the soil. A new study probed how and when root exudates are released at the microscale relevant to microorganisms.
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NewsGene editing, traditional crossbreeding produce disease-resistant cacao plants
Researchers reported that they edited the gene TcNPR3 in cacao plants, ultimately resulting in disease-resistant cacao plants that had 42% smaller disease lesions when infected with phytophthora, compared to non-edited plants.
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NewsNew biochar technology promises breakthrough in soil clean-up and crop safety
Scientists have unveiled a pioneering method that could help farmers reclaim lands blighted by toxic metals and boost the safety of crops grown in contaminated soils. Phosphorus-modified biochar can reduce the threat posed by heavy metals in agricultural soils near mining areas.
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NewsCould bacteria help fix the smoky taste of wildfire-tainted wine?
New laboratory experiments show that a bacterium that lives on grape plants can break down guaiacol—an unpleasant-tasting substance which ruins wines made from grapes exposed to wildfire smoke.
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NewsFriendly soil fungus could replace chemical sprays in battle against crop diseases
A common soil fungus could help farmers reduce their reliance on synthetic fungicides by producing natural airborne chemicals that suppress plant diseases. Trichoderma hamatum releases volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that inhibit the growth of crop pathogens.
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NewsBiogas slurry boosts biochar’s climate benefits by reshaping soil microbes
A new study finds that pairing biochar with biogas slurry, a nutrient-rich liquid fertilizer from biogas production, can reshape soil microbial communities and significantly alter emissions of carbon dioxide (CO₂), nitrous oxide (N₂O), and methane (CH₄).
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NewsNew clues in how plant microbiomes protect against bacterial speck disease
A new study gives new clues on how a tomato plant’s microbiome can be used to combat the bacterial speck pathogen. Researchers found populations of Xanthomonas and Pseudomonas bacteria on the plants that had developed a resistance against bacterial speck.
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NewsNatural antimicrobial drugs found in pollen could help us protect bee colonies from infection
Pollen gathered by honeybees contains antimicrobial-producing bacteria that protect the hive against disease, a new study reveals. The same beneficial bacteria occur in pollen stores of honeybee colonies and on pollen of nearby plants.