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A field trial of genetically modified (GM) and gene-edited barley has commenced in the UK to see if more sustainable and equitable ways of farming can be developed.
Led by the Crop Science Centre – a coalition between the University of Cambridge and the crop research organisation NIAB – the trial will assess whether improving crop interactions with naturally occurring soil fungi could reduce the need for synthetic fertilisers.
At present, synthetic fertilisers are used in high and middle-income countries to increase levels of nitrogen and phosphorous in crops – both of which are essential nutrients. But the excessive application of synthetic fertilisers causes environmental pollution that reduces biodiversity and produces greenhouse gas emissions.
The trial will evaluate a barley variety genetically modified to boost expression levels of the naturally present NSP2 gene, which increases its capacity to engage with mycorrhizal fungi. As a result, crops could absorb water more efficiently from the soil, as well as nitrogen and phosphorous. If they do, not only will wealthier countries be able to reduce their reliance on synthetic fertilisers, but developing countries could also be able to enjoy greater crop yields without the need to buy fertilisers – which can be both expensive and hard to obtain.
Professor Giles Oldroyd, Russell R Geiger professor of crop science, who is leading the work, said: “Working with natural and beneficial microbial associations in plants has the potential to replace or greatly reduce the need for inorganic fertilisers, with significant benefits for improving soil health while contributing to more sustainable and equitable approaches to food production.
“There is an urgent need for ecologically sound approaches to food production that can satisfy the demands of a growing global population while respecting limits on natural resources. We believe biotechnology can be a valuable tool for expanding the options available to farmers around the world.”
Image by NickyPe from Pixabay
Cambridge’s life sciences sector is set to receive a huge boost after BioMed Reality announced it is investing £850m building 800,000 sq. ft. of additional high-quality, purpose-built lab space in the city.
A Cambridge semiconductor startup is looking to capitalise on the growing demand for sleek, region-specific smartphones with its innovative, frequency agile, tunable RF front-end chip.
Cambridge Enterprise, the technology arm of the University of Cambridge, has announced the semi-finalists in the 2021 Chris Abell Postdoc Business Plan Competition.
Over 200 doctoral students will benefit from more than £24 million of funding to work on pressing research challenges with UK businesses through this year’s Industrial Co-operative Awards in Science and Technology studentships.
Single-use plastics could one day become a thing of the past, thanks to a new material developed by Cambridge scientists which imitates spider silk.
Formula One (F1) is to fully fund an undergraduate from an underrepresented background to study for an engineering degree at the University of Cambridge.
Scientists in Cambridge have developed a world first test that can detect the presence of glioma, a type of brain tumour, using a patient’s urine or blood plasma.
A battery breakthrough by scientists at the University of Cambridge could lower laptop, phone and other lithium-ion-powered gadgets charging time to five minutes or less.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has today (Monday 21st June) unveiled plans to cement the UK’s status as a “global science superpower”.
UK chip designer Arm has co-founded a new start-up accelerator in Cambridge, the aim of which is to help fledgling “deep tech” firms grow into the tech giants of tomorrow.
team of researchers and engineers from Cambridge has developed a next-generation lithium-ion battery, designed to meet the density and cost requirements for future electric vehicles (EVs). Now, the team is embarking on the road to commercialization.
From the 17th of May, coronavirus restrictions across England, Wales and most of Scotland will ease, with indoor entertainment and attractions, hospitality venues and holiday accommodation all set to reopen. As a result, many employers are planning recruitment drives, with some looking to hire at the fastest rate in eight years, the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) says.