Posted on 10/06/2018 2:02:35 PM PDT by BenLurkin
Pentagon research project called "Insect Allies." Funded by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), the project involves using gene-editing techniques like CRISPR to infect insects with modified viruses that could help make America's crops more resilient. If a cornfield were hit by an unexpected drought or suddenly exposed to a pathogen, for example, Insect Allies might deploy an army of aphids carrying a genetically modified virus to slow the corn plant's growth rate.
According to the DARPA website, these "targeted therapies" could take effect in a single growing season, potentially protecting the American crop system from food security threats like disease, flooding, frost and even "threats introduced by state or non-state actors.
… Insect Allies, is less concerned. "Anytime you're developing a new and revolutionary technology, there is that potential for [both offensive and defensive] capability," Bextine told The Washington Post. "But that is not what we are doing. We are delivering positive traits to plants… We want to make sure we ensure food security, because food security is national security in our eyes."
Insect Allies is still in the early stages of development, and at least four U.S. colleges (Boyce Thompson Institute, Penn State University, The Ohio State University and the University of Texas at Austin)have received funding to carry out research. Bextine told The Washington Post that the project recently achieved its first milestone — testing whether an aphid could infect a stalk of corn with a designer virus that caused fluorescence. According to the Washington Post, "the corn glowed."
(Excerpt) Read more at livescience.com ...
We have fresh snow, and it’s still snowing.
I would love to see fresh snowfall first hand, as long as I could stay indoors to do it. ;o]
Shower’s over, and next is the breathing treatment, and then, and THEN...Snarly Harley. This morning and at noon and hopefully, his person will be home.
Best wishes.
Wellnow. Snarly Harley stood six feet from the door and snarled. I’ll try again in an hour, and then an hour after that. Of course, he may be one of those dogs who, under stress, will hold his natural urges until he can’t any more, and then he will either give in when I try again or he will make a mess.
But now, I have letters to write.
Eddie the Rottweiler is *much* better.
Darling! Thank you!
I do not like small dogs. I try to be good to them when they belong to someone else, but I know from bitter experience that small dogs are nervous by nature and because of that, if they aren’t treated properly as pups, they develop some very nasty habits. There have been several small dog owners who have had loose dogs, even though there is a leash law almost everywhere, and I’ve told the owners that if the dog comes close to me I will drop kick it.
I’ve written one of the letters for today, to my Real Brother, and the next will be to Charlie and then write some cards, which will take place after I get back from church.
Now I’m having a cuppa and then I begin the long process of getting dressed like a lady. ;o]
This is one especialy for you...your VW working young relative should get a chuckle...wait for the end.
;>)
https://www.reddit.com/r/funny/comments/af5t04/crazy_how_nature_do_that/?utm_source=reddit-android
Possessed!
Kittie is looking at you.
You has somthin’ he wantz....
If you’ve got Snow ,I’m stocking up on essentials next week.
It’s me kippers he’s craving!
Grrr my FB account locked me out. Issues with my gmail acct. Long story so won’t give the major details. Did a new FB acct and yesterday FB wanted me to upload a pic of me. I haven’t had a pic of me since my CCW license pic. Grrr, sorry I vented!
Cat update it is minus 8 right now, a couple of hours ago it was -9. I have leftover Pot Roast. Went to edge of front porch and said kitty, kitty, kitty and tossed out about a cup and a half of left overs. It ate it right away.
Will toss out some cheese later. I have pre wrapped generic swiss cheese slices that my hubby used on his cheese burgers, I have almost 2 packages, I do not use it so Kitty will get it!
Hugs!
I’m glad you’re taking such good care of the kitteh! Ours aren’t hungry enough for leftovers.
I did see it did leave a potato un-eaten. My dog gets that way, won’t eat his food until he knows I won’t give him anymore treats.
I have some left over Mexican food I am going to see if it will eat. There is some beef in it so I hope so. They always give you so much food and since I only go to town once every 5 or so years I always for how much food they give you. Then I am upset because I usually have to toss it.
Later!
I sent them a picture of Don Quixote, as certain members of this thread can testify. Then quoted UK data protection laws and made up some story about national security.
No more questions asked.
Face Book is nothing but Evil with a Smile.
Evening, moose07! I hope all is well in England.
Good Afternoon TC.
This little town is doing fine, must be something they put in the water.
Still awaiting the arrival of the first Snow.
On night shift tonight , that’ll be fun....
All okay in your zone of operations?
Kippers !
*flight times.....*
I tried to send them a pic of a tree, then my dog. I keept this laptop on safe mode all the time. It locks up if I do not. Had problems before uploading to FB so I think it is on my end. Will ask a pal to help me in a day or two.
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