news & research-highlights

CSI seminar Jackie Atim, Feb 18 at 11 AM CT

The Center for Sorghum Improvement (CSI) is hosting a virtual seminar given by Jackie Atim, from University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC-ANR) Kearney Research and Extension Center, on Tuesday, February 18 at 11 AM CT.  The

The Biology of Genomes Conference from May 6-10, 2025 at CSHL, Abstracts Due Feb 14

Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory is hosting the 38th annual Biology of Genomes meeting from May 6 to 10, 2025. The meeting will focus on DNA sequence variation and its role in molecular evolution, population genetics, complex diseases, comparative genomics, large-scale studies of gene and protein expression, and genomic approaches to ecological systems.

Sorghum: A Nutrient-Rich, Sustainable Solution for Modern Food Innovation

Sorghum is a nutrient-dense, drought-tolerant crop with significant health benefits, making it a sustainable and valuable ingredient for human food innovation.

“Whose Data Is It Anyway?” Webinar Series, Feb 10-14

To celebrate Love Data Week, ICPSR at the University of MIchigan is hosting the webinar series, “Whose Data Is It Anyway?” from February 10th to 14th. The series explores data ownership versus usage and seeks to help users remember to consider where the data came from before using it.

Advancing Sorghum Genomics: Highlights from the Sorghum/Millet Workshop at PAG32

The International Plant and Animal Genome conference (PAG32) took place January 10-15, 2025 in San Diego, California. The meeting focuses on fostering an opportunity to exchange ideas and share recent developments and future plans for plant and animal genome projects through technical presentations, poster sessions, exhibits and workshops. 

Single-Cell Genomics in Agriculture Online Training Sessions Feb 5 & 12, Mar 5 &12

A series of four “Field Days” on single-cell genomics in agriculture are being offered free of charge February 5th and 12th and March 5th and 12th.

Unraveling the Evolution of Cis-Regulatory Elements in C4 Photosynthesis Through Single-Cell Chromatin Accessibility

Researchers used single-cell ATAC-seq data to investigate the evolution of cis-regulatory elements (CREs) associated with C4 photosynthesis, revealing a mix of conserved and novel chromatin accessibility regions that drive cell-type-specific expression of C4 enzymes.

Breeding Insight Recognized with USDA’s Highest Honor for Advancing Food Safety and Nutrition

The Breeding Insight working group received the prestigious 2024 Agricultural Secretary’s Honor Award during the USDA’s 74th Secretary’s Honor Awards ceremony on January 10, 2025. This accolade, the highest non-monetary award bestowed by the USDA, was presented at the Thomas

Conserved Pollen Exine Development and Divergent Surface Ornamentation in Poaceae: The Role of EPAD1

The development of pollen exine is highly conserved across Poaceae, though surface ornamentation varies among species, with the gene EPAD1 playing a key role in exine patterning in some clades but not others.