Multi-nutrient rice against malnutrition

ETH researchers have developed a new rice variety that not only has increased levels of the micronutrients iron and zinc in the grains, but also produces beta-carotene as a precursor of vitamin A. This could help to reduce micronutrient malnutrition, or «hidden hunger», which is widespread in developing countries. Nearly every second person eats primarily rice to meet the daily calorie needs. A meal of rice stops the hunger, but contains only very few or…

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Scientists create stem cell therapy for lung fibrosis conditions

A team of scientists from the UNC School of Medicine and North Carolina State University (NCSU) has developed promising research towards a possible stem cell treatment for several lung conditions, such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and cystic fibrosis -- often-fatal conditions that affect tens of millions of Americans. In the journal Respiratory Research, the scientists demonstrated that they could harvest lung stem cells from people using a relatively non-invasive,…

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Chronic Wasting Disease update – the fire edition

It has been 50 years since chronic wasting disease was first clinically recognized in mule deer and it has been slowly spreading around North America since then. While we have learned a great deal about CWD and about prions which are at the root of the disease, there is no cure or vaccine, and the only reliable way to test for the disease is after an animal dies.  In December of 2016, Genome Alberta announced…

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Dairy Genome Project Made to Measure

As anyone who has watched their waistline expand from “30-something” to “40-something” will tell you, some things should never be measured. On the other hand, measuring as part of research efforts like the Efficient Dairy Genome Project - aimed at enhancing feed efficiency and reducing methane emissions in dairy cows - is vital for expanding our knowledge. “We are working to get a better picture of how rations and ration components work with the genetics…

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Genome Research a Pig Deal for Industry

The path to enlightenment can stem from many sources: a sudden awakening, a profound dream, a herd of pigs. If the last one sounds unlikely, don’t tell members of the Canadian pork industry supporting research on harnessing the power of genomics to increase disease resilience. Because industry members see the potential and are sending researchers a clear message: “We’ll provide the pigs; you provide the path”. “We joined the PigGen research consortium [which is helping…

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Genome Research a Pig Deal for Industry

The path to enlightenment can stem from many sources: a sudden awakening, a profound dream, a herd of pigs. If the last one sounds unlikely, don’t tell members of the Canadian pork industry supporting research on harnessing the power of genomics to increase disease resilience. Because industry members see the potential and are sending researchers a clear message: “We’ll provide the pigs; you provide the path”. “We joined the PigGen research consortium [which is helping…

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Seeking Science at Tower Bridge

                         A science teacher is expected to have a grasp on a wide range of science topics, and the lower the grade taught, the wider the scope. I recall when Structure and Design was introduced as a topic in the Grade 7 curriculum, teachers were scrambling to learn something about the topic. Ever since that time, I take every opportunity to learn a little bit more about this subject that I never had the opportunity…

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Seeking Science at Tower Bridge

                         A science teacher is expected to have a grasp on a wide range of science topics, and the lower the grade taught, the wider the scope. I recall when Structure and Design was introduced as a topic in the Grade 7 curriculum, teachers were scrambling to learn something about the topic. Ever since that time, I take every opportunity to learn a little bit more about this subject that I never had the opportunity…

Continue reading