Water 'thermostat' could help engineer drought-resistant crops
Thursday, August 28, 2014 - 04:00
in Biology & Nature
A gene that could help engineer drought-resistant crops has been identified by researchers. The gene, called OSCA1, encodes a protein in the cell membrane of plants that senses changes in water availability and adjusts the plant's water conservation machinery accordingly. The findings could make it easier to feed the world's growing population in the face of climate change.