Hacking evolution, screening technique may improve most widespread enzyme
Scientists have developed novel screening tools to simulate millions of years of evolution in days to help plants quickly adapt to our chang
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Articles
My work is a conduit that moves discoveries from scientists' lab benches, fields, and computers into Twitter feeds and conversations. I help scientists share their stories, and I help journalists find scientists with stories to share.
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Claire Benjamin
- Oct 26, 2017
- 3 min
Cowpea protected from a devastating pest, free for smallholder African farmers
Next year smallholder African farmers will have the option to grow cowpeas that are resistant to one of one of the most devastating pests, t
Claire Benjamin
- Jun 29, 2017
- 2 min
Incremental discovery may one day lead to photosynthetic breakthrough
Researchers have uncovered secrets about a photosynthetic protein, CP12—the full understanding of which may help boost yields in the future.
Claire Benjamin
- Jun 23, 2017
- 2 min
New 3D model predicts best planting practices for farmers
Now a computer model can answer farmers' planting questions by comparing billions of virtual fields with different planting densities, r
Claire Benjamin
- May 3, 2017
- 2 min
Modified soybeans yield more in future climate conditions
Researchers have discovered modified soybeans that yield more than current varieties in 2050 field conditions. By 2050, we will need to...
Claire Benjamin
- Apr 4, 2017
- 3 min
Scientists engineer sugarcane to produce biodiesel, more sugar for ethanol
A multi-institutional team led by the University of Illinois have proven sugarcane can be genetically engineered to produce oil in its...
Claire Benjamin
- Mar 30, 2017
- 2 min
Newly characterized protein has potential to save U.S. farmers millions annually
Instead of turning carbon into food, many plants accidentally make a plant-toxic compound during photosynthesis that is recycled through...
Claire Benjamin
- Jan 11, 2017
- 3 min
Dual-purpose biofuel crops could extend production, increase profits
Today many biofuel refineries operate for only seven months each year, turning freshly harvested crops into ethanol and biodiesel. When...
Claire Benjamin
- Nov 19, 2016
- 3 min
Soybean plants with fewer leaves yield more
Using computer model simulations, scientists have predicted that modern soybean crops produce more leaves than they need to the detriment...
Claire Benjamin
- Oct 18, 2016
- 3 min
Researchers root for more cassava research
Cassava makes up nearly 50 percent of the diet in parts of Sub-Saharan Africa, where populations are projected to increase by more than...
Claire Benjamin
- Sep 27, 2016
- 2 min
In at the kill
In the last decade, more than half of all forest elephants have been slaughtered for their market-precious ivory. Without action, this...
Claire Benjamin
- Sep 14, 2016
- 3 min
Rapid gene analysis method accelerates photosynthesis studies
Throughout the growing season seemingly benign clouds pass over millions of acres of crops, causing rapid fluctuations in light intensity...
Claire Benjamin
- May 10, 2016
- 2 min
Grant helps project realize “ultra-productive” biofuel crops, attract investors
Imagine—instead of acres of oil wells on barren land—endless fields of towering green sugarcane, with each stalk producing renewable and...
Claire Benjamin
- Jan 6, 2016
- 2 min
Open-source plant database confirms top US bioenergy crop
Scientists have confirmed that Miscanthus, long speculated to be the top biofuel producer, yields more than twice as much as switchgrass...
Claire Benjamin
- Nov 15, 2015
- 2 min
ARPA-E TERRA program kicks-off
The Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) kicked off its new TERRA (or Transportation Energy Resource from Renewable...
Claire Benjamin
- Apr 15, 2015
- 3 min
Monkey droppings complement field observations, researchers report
In South American rainforests, researchers can tell one saddle-back tamarin from another, but what’s more difficult, is to see what the...
Claire Benjamin
- Apr 9, 2015
- 3 min
First report of a new crop virus in North America
The switchgrass exhibited mosaic symptoms—splotchy, discolored leaves—characteristic of a viral infection, yet tested negative for known...
Claire Benjamin
- Apr 4, 2015
- 3 min
Microbes scared to death by virus presence
The microbes could surrender to the harmless virus, but instead freeze in place, dormant, waiting for their potential predator to go...
Claire Benjamin
- Mar 16, 2015
- 3 min
Scientists find DNA is packaged like a yoyo
To pack two meters of DNA into a microscopic cell, the string of genetic information must be wound extremely carefully into chromosomes....
Claire Benjamin
- Oct 3, 2013
- 2 min
New exhibit at Midway Airport features images of IGB research
Most corals consist of many small polyps living together in a large group. This image shows cells that make up the tentacles and wall of...
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