New biopolymer gives asphalt roads a soybean-based-boost

Along with their use in foods, soybeans have also been utilized as a source of graphene, a greener alternative to mulch, and an ingredient in longer-lasting tires. Now, they’re additionally being used to extend the life of asphalt roads.Continue Readin… Continue reading New biopolymer gives asphalt roads a soybean-based-boost

Thin film boosts plant growth by converting sun’s UV rays into red light

In order to grow big and strong, plants require the red and blue light that are part of the visible “white” light produced by the sun. Scientists have now developed a plant-boosting film, that converts the sun’s UV light into more red light.Continue Re… Continue reading Thin film boosts plant growth by converting sun’s UV rays into red light

For more robust, disease-resistant crops … just add liquid smoke?

It would certainly be logical to think that plants don’t do well when exposed to forest fire smoke. New research, however, suggests that certain crops get hardier and more disease-resistant when liquid smoke is added to the soil.Continue ReadingCategor… Continue reading For more robust, disease-resistant crops … just add liquid smoke?

Engineered duckweed could be a more sustainable source of biofuel

While plants such as corn and soybeans are major sources of biofuel, they’re grown on land that could otherwise be used for food crops. With that problem in mind, scientists have genetically engineered oil-producing duckweed that could be grown in wast… Continue reading Engineered duckweed could be a more sustainable source of biofuel

Weed-killing plant-based foam shown to be as effective as herbicides

It’s no secret that herbicides can be harmful to the environment, plus they’re costly, and weeds may develop a resistance to them. New research now suggests that farmers could get the same weed-killing results from a hot biodegradable foam.Continue Rea… Continue reading Weed-killing plant-based foam shown to be as effective as herbicides

Discarded human hair could be used to hydroponically grow vegetables

As compared to traditional agriculture, hydroponic farming uses less space and less water, plus it requires no soil. It still does require a growth medium, though – and scientists have recently created a better such medium, derived from discarded human… Continue reading Discarded human hair could be used to hydroponically grow vegetables

Study shows nanoplastics can travel from plants to insects to fish

We already know that tiny waterborne plastic waste particles can enter the bodies of fish, which are then consumed by humans. New research, however, shows that such particles can enter the food chain via another route, by traveling from the land, throu… Continue reading Study shows nanoplastics can travel from plants to insects to fish

Engineered yeast produces complex cancer drug, saving tons of flowers

A commonly used cancer drug called vinblastine is sourced from certain flowers, but unfortunately it takes literally tons of plant matter to make each gram of the drug. To find an alternative source, scientists have now engineered yeast to produce the … Continue reading Engineered yeast produces complex cancer drug, saving tons of flowers