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Self-pollination is a handy survival mechanism for a plant without a partner to reproduce. Cornell researchers are currently targeting genes that turn a plant's ability to self-pollinate on and off to understand how self-pollination is inhibited in self-incompatible plants. The ability to self-pollinate turns up in cultivated tomatoes and canola, among other important crops, and sometimes it can be a nuisance for plant breeders and seed producers who want to develop highly desirable hybrid varieties and produce hybrid seed on a commercial scale.


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Tracking Genes For Self-pollination In Plants
Self-pollination is a handy survival mechanism for a plant without a partner to reproduce. Cornell researchers are currently targeting genes that turn a plant's ability to self-pollinate on and off to understand how self-pollination is inhibited in self-incompatible plants. The ability to self-pollinate turns up in cultivated tomatoes and canola, among other important crops, and sometimes it can be a nuisance for plant breeders and seed producers who want to develop highly desirable hybrid varieties and produce hybrid seed on a commercial scale.
Gene switches on repair in liver
Researchers may have stumbled upon a route that may better treat liver diseases such as hepatitis and cirrhosis with the identification of a master switch that may activae the liver’s ability to heal itself. The liver activates hepatic stellate cells, which are specific cells that support the growth of new liver cells upon damage. However, it is currently unknown which gene controls the process, though a good candidate is the gene p75 neutrophin receptor. Mice that lacked the gene show marked deterioration in their livers and lived shorter lives than normal mice.
Biotech firms raise US$28b
According to an Ernst & Young report biotechnology firms raised US$27.9bil last year in investments and loans, the most since 2000. Such trends reflect the global industry's increasing alliances with drug makers, and sales were led by Amgen Inc and Genentech Inc which attracted a record US$39.4bil in 2000. According to the report, competition among big drug makers drove up the price to acquire biotechs, by which US biotech companies led the way in financing with US$20.3bil, and European biotechs raised US$5.9bil.