Wild plants may edit their genomes in the same way we make GM crops – and it could be crucial to evolution

Recent study investigated how fast genes are being transferred between distantly related species.

Pauline Raimondeau, Postdoctoral Associate in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, Yale University • conversation
Oct. 9, 2023 ~7 min

Farmers are bearing the brunt of big food companies' decarbonisation efforts – here's why

Big name food brands are pursuing decarbonisation – but they are squeezing farmers in the process.

Albert Boaitey, Lecturer in Global Agri-food Supply Chains, Newcastle University • conversation
Oct. 9, 2023 ~7 min


How dormant plant traits could be reawakened to unlock fertiliser-free farming

Farming has made crop plants reliant on synthetic fertilisers, but we can reactivate their ability to engage with beneficial microorganisms and make them more independent.

Giles Oldroyd, Professor of Crop Science, University of Cambridge • conversation
Oct. 5, 2023 ~8 min

Living near the fire – 500 million people worldwide have active volcanoes as neighbors

For some people, it’s a choice based on cultural beliefs or economic opportunities provided by the volcano. Other times it’s less a choice than the only option.

David Kitchen, Associate Professor of Geology, University of Richmond • conversation
July 13, 2023 ~7 min

Kakhovka Dam breach in Ukraine caused economic, agricultural and ecological devastation that will last for years

Breaching the Kakhovka Dam and reservoir had all the hallmarks of a scorched-earth strategy. Two expert observers of the Russia-Ukraine war explain this event’s destructive long-term effects.

Vitalii Dankevych, Doctor of Economics, Dean of the Faculty of Law, Public Administration and National Security, Polissia National University, Zhytomyr National Agroecological University • conversation
July 7, 2023 ~9 min

How understanding plant body clocks could help transform how food is grown

Why plants’ oscillating genes matter for humans.

Katharine Hubbard, Reader in Biological Sciences Education, University of Hull • conversation
June 6, 2023 ~8 min

Farmers face a soaring risk of flash droughts in every major food-growing region in coming decades, new research shows

If greenhouse gas emissions continue at a high rate, breadbaskets of Europe and North America will see a 50% chance of a flash drought each year by the end of this century.

Jordan Christian, Postdoctoral Researcher in Meteorology, University of Oklahoma • conversation
May 25, 2023 ~8 min

Lack of affordable child care is hurting young farm families' ability to grow their businesses – the US farm bill may finally offer some help

Access to affordable child care affects farm productivity, safety and ultimately the nation’s food supply. Farm families across the U.S. are struggling without it.

Florence Becot, Associate Research Scientist in Rural Sociology, Adjunct Faculty - National Farm Medicine Center, The Ohio State University • conversation
May 17, 2023 ~9 min


Lack of affordable childcare is hurting young farm families' ability to grow their businesses – the US farm bill may finally offer some help

Access to affordable child care affects farm productivity, safety and ultimately the nation’s food supply. Farm families across the U.S. are struggling without it.

Florence Becot, Associate Research Scientist in Rural Sociology, Adjunct Faculty - National Farm Medicine Center, The Ohio State University • conversation
May 17, 2023 ~9 min

Vaccines using mRNA can protect farm animals against diseases traditional ones may not – and there are safeguards to ensure they won't end up in your food

While mRNA vaccines are designed to last longer in the body than mRNA molecules typically would, they are also tested to ensure they are eliminated from livestock long before milking or slaughter.

David Verhoeven, Assistant Professor of Vet Microbiology and Preventive Medicine, Iowa State University • conversation
May 17, 2023 ~10 min

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