A study by scientists at the University of Calgary (UCalgary) has revealed that major agricultural crops, including canola, tomatoes, and rice, actively shut down their ability to absorb iron during drought. Published in the journal Cell, the research shows that drought stress triggers a fundamental genetic wiring change in plant roots. Instead of sending out a "cry for help" to soil microbes, drought-stressed plants simultaneously dial down both their immune systems and their inner iron-uptake machinery.

Cashew nut oil adds value to the production chain of this Brazilian oilseed. It is a good source of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids and bioactive compounds, such as phenolics. This study investigated the effects of cashew nut oil on the metabolism of animals subjected to a high-fat diet. C57BL/6J mice were fed a high-fat diet (12 weeks), then switched to diets containing cashew nut oil, soybean oil, or lard (12 weeks). Diets were characterized for their fatty acid profile

Cotton is an incredibly important crop for farmers in India's Central Zone, a region that relies heavily on rain. However, these farmers face tough challenges, including low crop yields, unpredictable rainfall, droughts, pests, and plant diseases. While older Bt cotton varieties helped control bollworm pests, farmers still need new cotton varieties that yield high and can withstand biotic and abiotic stresses.