Latest news with #NIAB
Agriland
3 days ago
- Health
- Agriland
Tillage: Irish wheat crops and the threat of yellow rust
The jury is still out on whether or not wheat crops grown in Ireland this year have succumbed to a yellow rust genetic breakdown, as seems to have been the case in the UK. According to Teagasc tillage specialist, Shay Phelan: 'The yellow rust issue is being investigated at the present time. 'Whatever the outcome of the work, it seems safe to conclude that the growing of wheat will become a more expensive operation into the future.' Meanwhile, the Agricultural and Horticultural Development Board (AHDB) in the UK is advising farmers not to rely on the current yellow rust disease resistance information published in the organisation's recommended list (RL) information sheets. Unusual activity was first seen in late March in an RL fungicide-untreated trial near Sunderland in the north-east of England. At this site, several varieties had yellow rust symptoms despite being classified as resistant to the disease at the young plant stage on the RL (2025/26). Paul Gosling, who manages the RL at AHDB, said: 'Following discussions with plant breeders, we suspected that an important yellow rust resistance gene – Yr15 – had potentially been overcome. 'We subsequently observed similar resistance-breakdown patterns more widely in RL trials, starting in southern Scotland before spreading down the eastern coast of England, down as far as East Anglia.' Trial operators sent diseased leaf samples from the affected RL trial sites near Sunderland and Berwick-upon-Tweed for analysis by the AHDB-funded UK Cereal Pathogen Virulence Survey. The National Institute of Agricultural Botany (NIAB)-led service confirmed that Yr15 gene had failed. Pathogen isolates from these samples not only infected a test variety known to carry the Yr15 resistance gene but went on to sporulate profusely. NIAB-funded work using molecular markers also confirmed the presence of the Yr15 gene in several of the varieties impacted at the young-plant stage. The initial tests prioritised testing of varieties with a strong level of adult plant stage resistance (disease rating 8 or 9), according to RL 2025/26. These tests found that the Hard Group 4 varieties KWS Dawsum, LG Typhoon and Champion carry the Yr15 gene. NIAB is currently testing a wider range of varieties, with further genetic screening also being done by the John Innes Centre in Norwich and the Global Rust Reference Centre in Denmark. The Yr15 resistance gene, which was discovered in the 1980s, confers broad-spectrum resistance against genetically diverse yellow rust isolates (from a large worldwide collection of more than 3,000) and was an important line of defence. Gosling added: 'Adult plant resistance has clearly taken a knock, but the full impact will depend on a myriad of other resistance genes, which vary from variety to variety. 'Some varieties appear to be fighting back, whereas others are recording unusually high disease levels.' 'Although we have not seen the unusual symptoms towards the south or the west, it appears to be spreading fast. 'No doubt it will impact on variety choice and disease management across the UK next season.'
Business Recorder
28-05-2025
- Health
- Business Recorder
Youm-e-Takbeer marks country's strides in peaceful use of nuclear technology for national development
ISLAMABAD: On the occasion of Youm-e-Takbeer, Pakistan marks its historic achievement of becoming a nuclear power on May 28, 1998. While honoring this strategic milestone, the day also highlights Pakistan's remarkable strides in the peaceful use of nuclear technology for national development, health, energy, and agriculture. Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC), the country's premier nuclear organization, continues to lead efforts in leveraging nuclear science for the benefit of its citizens. A prominent example is the PAEC's network of 20 cancer hospitals across the country, offering advanced diagnostic and treatment facilities. Equipped with state-of-the-art technologies such as linear accelerators and PET scanners, these hospitals provide comprehensive care to cancer patients. Notably, the NORI Cancer Hospital in Islamabad offers cutting-edge treatment through the Cyber Knife technology, a non-invasive robotic radiosurgery tool available to patients. Approximately 80% of Pakistan's cancer patients receive diagnosis and treatment through PAEC's medical facilities—an enduring testament to its commitment to public health. In the energy sector, Pakistan is making significant contributions to low-cost, clean and sustainable power generation through its six nuclear power plants. These nuclear power plants provide a stable and reliable source of electricity to the national grid, meeting the country's continuous energy demands while reducing environmental impact. Chashma Nuclear Power Plant Unit-1 (C-1) recently achieved a milestone by operating continuously for 400 days, setting a national record and demonstrating operational excellence. Looking ahead, Chashma Unit-5 (C-5), currently under development, is expected to generate 1,200 MW of electricity upon completion, making it the largest nuclear power facility in Pakistan. Agriculture and biotechnology are also at the forefront of PAEC's peaceful nuclear applications. Its affiliated research institutes have played a vital role in enhancing food security through the development of disease-resistant and high-yield crop varieties. These innovations are empowering farmers and improving national agricultural productivity. Nuclear Institute for Agriculture and Biology (NIAB) in Faisalabad is also developing coloured cotton — an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional textile production. NIAB has also earned recognition as an IAEA Collaborating Centre for advanced agricultural research. As Pakistan celebrates Youm-e-Takbeer, it reaffirms its unwavering commitment to utilizing nuclear technology for peace, progress, and prosperity. Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission continues to be a cornerstone in national development—empowering lives, powering industries, and promoting sustainability across the country. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
The Hindu
10-05-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
NIAB scientists perform CRISPR-based genetic manipulation to identify protein to halt zoonotic infection ‘Toxoplasmosis'
Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic zoonotic infection that can be transmitted through contaminated food, especially undercooked meat. The parasitic infection caused by 'Toxoplasma gondii' can lead to abortion and neonatal mortality in both humans and animals, causing substantial economic losses in the livestock industry due to reproductive failure. The World Health Organisation (WHO) and Food & Agriculture Organisation (FAO) have ranked it as the fourth among food-borne infections of major concern. The infection is endemic in India, with a reported seroprevalence of above 20% in humans and animals. Overall, the Indian climate is said to be conducive to spreading the infection. In this context, the latest research study by the laboratory of Abhijit S. Deshmukh in the National Institute of Animal Biotechnology (NIAB) assumes significance. Mr. Deshmukh and his team — Poonam Kashyap and Kalyani R. Aswale — performed CRISPR-based genetic manipulation on the parasite 'Toxoplasma gondii' and demonstrated that depleting the essential splicing protein — called 'Cdc5' — disrupts the RNA splicing process, leading to complete arrest of parasite replication. Toxoplasma's genome is rich in introns or non-coding DNA sequences, making efficient splicing crucial. The splicing factor protein 'Cdc5' is essential for the parasite's survival. Depletion of TgCdc5 leads to erroneous splicing, causing catastrophic effects on the parasites. Experiments conducted on the mouse in the NIAB lab here in Hyderabad had shown that these splicing-deficient parasites lacking the key protein undergo an unproductive stage transition. The researchers found that it has been leading to a slower-growing stage that elicits a robust immune response in the mouse host and protects them from future toxoplasma infections. 'When the protein 'TgCdc5' is depleted upon the parasite infection in mice, these mice generate a protective immunity not only for future infections but also in providing partial protection during pregnancy. These findings suggest that targeting 'TgCdc5' protein could be a viable vaccine strategy for toxoplasmosis,' said Mr. Deshmukh. The disease is presently treated by a combination of Pyrimethamine, Sulfadiazine, and Clindamycin drugs. The infection causes more severe pathology in small ruminants like sheep and goats through ingestion of contaminated food and water, explained the scientist who has been studying the parasite for the last 10 years. Published in the latest issue of the journal Nature Communications, the research work provides valuable information to strategize vaccine development for Toxoplasmosis, said NIAB Director G. Taru Sharma. The Biotechnology Research and Innovative Council (BRIC)-NIAB is an autonomous institute under the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) under the Ministry of Science & Technology.
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
The FDA Issued a Class II Recall for More Than 170,000 Bottles of Apple Juice
If you've recently purchased any apple juice, then it is time to check your fridge for this important recall. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) initiated a voluntary recall for S Martinelli & Company Apple Juice over concerns it could be contaminated with patulin, which the National Institute of Agricultural Botany (NIAB) explains is a "mycotoxin metabolite produced naturally by a range of fungal species growing on fruit." The NIAB adds that apples are "prone to particularly high levels of patulin," and normally, patulin occurs in fruit that has moulded, "although the spoilage may not be obvious." Importantly, the World Health Organization explains, "Mycotoxins can cause a variety of adverse health effects and pose a serious health threat to both humans and livestock," including everything from "acute poisoning to long-term effects such as immune deficiency and cancer." Related: Hospitalizations and Deaths From Contaminated Food Doubled in 2024 — Here's Everything You Need to Know On April 22, the FDA posted and reclassified this as a Class II recall, which it defines as "a situation in which use of or exposure to a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote." The recall includes 7,234 cases of apple juice, which contained four of its signature 10-ounce glass bottles per pack with six packs per case, bringing the recall to 173,616 bottles. The packs contain the UPC '0 41244 04102 2' and have a best-by date of December 5, 2026. The cases were sold in 28 states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Virginia and Wisconsin. According to the FDA's recall, there have been no illnesses reported in connection with the juice company. Consumers who have purchased the juice should not consume it and should either discard it or return it to their place of purchase. If you have purchased the item, consumed it, and are experiencing symptoms, as with any recall, it is critical to contact your medical provider immediately. Product: Martinelli's Apple Juice, 10-ounce bottlesReason for recall: Potential patulin contaminationNumber of bottles recalled: 173,616 (7,234 cases)UPC: 0 41244 04102 2Best-by date: December 5, 2026State's affected: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Virginia and WisconsinRead the original article on Food & Wine
