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 ...
Nadine at my Weight Watchers meeting said she wanted to be a forest ranger, too. I think she’s younger than you are, but at least 15 years older than I am.
We’ll do forestry right here in the neighborhood. There are some woods left by the developer as Atmosphere.
That was in the days of discrimination against women and especially divorced women. I wouldn’t want to go through that again for anything. Period.
Atmospheric Woods are always good. Mini-habitats for wild things. I hope the day is enjoyable.
I have to go get my prescriptions in a bit, and I think on the way home, I’ll stop by Casey’s and see if he can give me an estimate of sorts. Then I’ll come back and flip a coin to see if I polish the silver or work in the bedroom. I suspect the former will win, because my back is killing me from doing the dishes. And there’s 100% chance of rain!
I need that referral to the pain clinic and maybe the back pain thing can be addressed. And another steroid injection in my neck...
I DID take the WD-40 after the hinges on the screen/storm door and the front door. I was so tired of the screeching!
Wow. What gorgeous markings! I’m partial to marmalades, anyway. Thanks! ;o])
Adorable to the nth degree—thank you!
What he said.
Below the wingbones, it looks like a mushroom. For wingbones and cephalad, I got nuthin.
I see the mushroom.
Uh-oh.
I DID take the WD-40 after the hinges on the screen/storm door and the front door. I was so tired of the screeching!
Er - ah - um - I had no idea that WD-40 would work on sore joints. Thanks for the tip.
I think.
I see my non-bloodied hand as I DON’T try to get it between the bowl and the kitteh.
That’s what I see.
According to WD-40’s List of 2000 Things WD-40 is good for, arthritis is one of them.
At the 30 year mark we had a 'renewal of vows' ceremony thing which was pretty neat. We haven't discussed if we're doing anything for Golden..
Might take her to Wendy's. Or Taco Bell - they offer a senior discount. ;-)
Congratulations to both of you!
Heh, good one.
With sensible thinking like that, I would never make 50.
I got to 50 years a couple of decades ago - unless I use my Sister's calendar - then it's 34.
See #3813 for a clearer explanation. ;-)
Life in the United rural States.
https://www.wral.com/hungry-bear-goes-for-ride-after-getting-stuck-on-trash-truck/18192328/
Congratulations ol’ boy.
A worthy achievement. :)
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