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 ...
I had a nap with a cat. It’s not raining right now.
I think it's moving north, toward me. I think I'll be getting a day or two of rain out of it.
The relapse is back with a vengeance. I knew the trip would only hold it for as long as I was gone, or until I let my guard down, once I got back into the routine of being home.
The Muppet Birds are singing again. Their molt has seemed exceptionally long (it started about a week before I left) and though I still see a few feathers, they are singing again, just a little this morning. And that’s good. I need it.
Happy Easter to you and the Muppet Birds. I’ll be back with a kitten when I’ve finished more dishwashing.
The Easter Floof says “Hai! I’m new!”
Happy Easter!
The shower has been had, the morning supplements taken, and half of one letter has been drafted. There is still a bed to be made and a steroid to be had.
Speaking of which, while I was in AZ, I had two doses of the steroid and one of Ipratropium Bromide — in almost a week. I don’t know if it was the climate or if the coconut oil capsules are doing what they are supposed to. So I will begin a test, this week or next, to see how I function with less or none of specific meds. I mean, if it worked for redhead, it can work for me! Genetics and all that!
HAPPY EASTER, everyone!
He is Risen, with healing in his wings!
:o])
‘Face
Yes, that’s true. Sometimes a change of climate can be good for you, and coconut oil certainly can’t hurt!
I love Arizona and thought seriously of applying there, in the Valley of the Sun. I don’t know why I didn’t, as I sure would have been better with family there. I have family here, but no one would know it.
I’m making crocheted and knitted dish clothes for the three sisters, as thank you’s for all they did. One for putting up with me during my stay, and two for the drivers. Poor Kara got stuck in Las Vegas traffic, and she had never driven in that kind of mess. Lenore did it on the way back and it was almost as bad because of construction. They were pretty good drivers under the circumstances.
Happy Easter everyone
I hope you and yours are all well, NtI! Best wishes for a good Easter Sunday!
And to you and yours ... may all stay safe
He is risen.
Amen.
One can never have too many dishcloths. They wear out, especially when people use them on the sharp edge of knives.
There’s a happy medium, regarding family, between too much and not enough!
Whelp, I guess I’d better get dressed and bail my mom out of the hospital...
How is your mom doing, nully? I will add her to my prayers along with you. Good wishes for both of you, this Easter Sunday!
It would seem the crocheted ones are popular, now, so don’t be surprised if some find their way to your house. Those who use them on the sharp end of the blades will not be given a second chance, once the offenders leave your home. ;o]
Very good, Chode! I’ve never seen that, so thank you!
I hope your day is excellent!
you too... Happy EASTER!
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