E64: Can a spray make our crops better? [SJK Audio Edition]

Read this article at: https://www.sciencejournalforkids.org/articles/can-a-spray-make-our-crops-better/ or watch at: https://youtu.be/nrZg9NQ7M8wSummary: Researchers developed a nanocarrier spray to better crops without modifying their genome.Abstract: Did you know that the first genetically modified crop was a tomato with delayed ripening? Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) have been around for decades now. And they offer a lot of benefits, such as an increased food supply, resistance to diseases, and more. Yet there are a few downsides as well. Producing them takes a lot of time and is often expensive. Plus, many people have concerns about their safety, since they include foreign DNA in their genome. But what if we can alter the crops without changing their genome? We tried using bioactive molecules which can change cell activity. To insert them into the plant cells we tested sprays with nanocarriers. It turned out to be a success! Many nanocarriers were able to penetrate the plant cells. We also successfully inserted bioactive molecules in the cells through spraying. In this way the cell could express a new gene or silence an existing one. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sciencejournalforkids.substack.com