Scientists probe tomato for key to feeding millions

Australian scientists have found a way to boost crop yields in a move they say could help feed and clothe millions of people in a time of climate crisis. Researchers at the University of Newcastle have found that by knocking out a gene from the genetic code of a tomato plant, it grows sweeter fruit and longer-lasting leaves. Associate Professor Yong-Ling Ruan, from the University's School of Environmental and Life Sciences, says the same technique could be used in a range of plants to boost crop yield and shelf-life. Read more>

Phytoremediation Popularity Growing

Theresa's Biotech / Biomedical Blog
By Theresa Phillips
Tuesday June 30, 2009

Phytoremediation is a form of bioremediation that makes use of plants to degrade or sequester contaminants in soil and groundwater. While the technology is not new, it seems current trends suggest its popularity is growing. This may be due to several factors. One is that the technology has seen some significant developments and a variety of different types of phytoremediation now exist. Genetic studies and cloning technologies have helped us learn more about plant physiology and how to improve uptake or degradation rates, and the use of genetically engineered plants, better suited to the environments to which they are subjected, has improved the phytoremediation process.

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