Agriculture
CapsiBreed Advances Commercial Gene Editing in New Deal with Global Seed Company
7 April, 2025
CapsiBreed, an AgriTech startup, has signed a landmark commercial agreement with Dutch seed company Erma Zaden to apply its proprietary technology for gene-editing elite pepper varieties. This first-of-its-kind partnership positions CapsiBreed for rapid market entry, enabling precise enhancement of high-value traits such as shelf life, flavor, yield, and disease resistance. The deal marks a significant commercial validation of CapsiBreed’s platform and services, and a major step toward scalable, sustainable agricultural innovation.
Hebrew University, Clemson University and Sapir College Forge Important Agricultural Partnership
17 March, 2025
In a significant initiative to tackle pressing agricultural, nutritional, and environmental challenges, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem has partnered with Clemson University in South Carolina, USA, and Sapir College. This collaboration aims to harness the unique strengths of each institution to drive innovation and sustainability in agriculture.
Cultured Meat’s New Secret Ingredient: Aloe Vera
12 March, 2025
New study introduces Aloe vera as a natural, sustainable scaffold for cultured meat production. By repurposing Aloe vera, researchers cultivated fat-like lipid chunks that could enhance the taste and texture of alternative proteins. Combined with a single-use bioreactor, this approach offers a scalable, cost-effective solution for cultured meat production using a sustainable agricultural byproduct.
Gene-Edited Lettuce: A New Approach to Fighting Micronutrient Deficiencies
5 March, 2025
Researchers have successfully used gene-editing technology to enhance the nutritional value of lettuce. The study demonstrates a significant increase in β-carotene (provitamin A), zeaxanthin, and ascorbic acid (vitamin C) without compromising plant growth or yield. This breakthrough highlights the potential of gene editing to combat micronutrient deficiencies and improve the dietary quality of widely consumed crops.
Petunia’s Secret: Cracking Nature’s Perfume with Key Floral Scent Gene
27 February, 2025
Scientists at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem have unlocked the secret behind petunia’s captivating scent—tracing it back to a single gene, PhDEF. This gene not only shapes the flower’s petals but also triggers the production of alluring fragrances that attract pollinators. The discovery could revolutionize the fragrance industry and horticulture, offering new ways to enhance floral scents without altering a flower’s natural beauty.
Harvest Smarter, Not Harder: Machine Learning Meets Tomato Farming
23 January, 2025
Researchers have developed a machine learning model using hyperspectral imaging to assess pre-harvest tomato quality. The study introduces a cost-effective, non-destructive method to predict key quality parameters, including weight, firmness, and lycopene (a natural antioxidant) content. This innovative approach enables farmers to monitor fruit development in real-time, optimizing harvest timing and improving crop quality. The research demonstrates a significant leap forward in precision agriculture and sustainable food production.
Researchers Crack the Code of How Fish Pick Their Own Birthday
5 December, 2024
New research has revealed that fish embryos actively control their hatching timing through a neurohormone, Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone (TRH), which triggers the release of enzymes that dissolve the egg wall. This groundbreaking discovery uncovers a previously unknown neural mechanism that governs a critical life-stage transition, showing that embryos are not passive but instead actively make life-or-death decisions. The finding has significant evolutionary implications, offering new insights into neurobiology, survival strategies, and environmental adaptation in vertebrates.
