Evolutionary origins of the potato revealed – and a tomato was involved

Evolutionary origins of the potato revealed – and a tomato was involved

Study, which analyzed genomes from cultivated and wild potatoes, may improve future breeding

Reading Time: 3 minutes A new analysis of 450 genomes from cultivated potatoes and 56 genomes of wild potato species has revealed that the potato lineage originated through natural interbreeding between a wild tomato plant and a potato-like species in South America about 9 million years ago.









Photo: TamSam/Getty Images Plus

Human diabetes drug can keep hens laying eggs

Metformin improves broiler breeder chickens’ metabolic health as they age say Penn State researchers

Reading Time: 2 minutes Human diabetes drug metformin, which is also used to treat hormonal disorder PCOS in women, can improve the metabolic health of broiler breeder chickens and allow them to lay fertile eggs later in life.


Photo: Getty Images.

Cropland threatened by toxic metals: study

Up to 17 per cent of agricultural land at risk

Reading Time: < 1 minute Up to 17 per cent of cropland around the globe is contaminated by toxic metals, threatening agriculture and human health in the affected areas, according to new research published in the journal Science.

A researcher collects samples from feedlot cattle to track bovine respiratory disease. PHOTO: TEXAS A&M

Newly funded Canadian beef research aims for sector improvements

Nine beef research projects funded through the Beef Cattle Research Council will tackle stock health issues, feed efficiency and food safety

Reading Time: 2 minutes Nine new projects have received a collective $1.43 million in funding through the Beef Cattle Research Council’s next call for study proposals. The projects are also backed by more than $3.1 million from additional sources, the organization has said.