Researchers at Tel Aviv University have achieved a groundbreaking feat by cultivating and characterizing tomato varieties with increased water use efficiency, all without compromising yield. Leveraging the CRISPR genetic editing technology, the team managed to grow tomatoes that not only consume less water but also maintain high yield, quality, and taste. The study, led by Prof. Shaul Yalovsky and Dr. Nir Sade from the School of Plant Sciences and Food Security at Tel Aviv University’s Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, involved contributions from a diverse group of researchers, including collaborators from Ben Gurion University and the University of Oregon.

Published in the journal PNAS, the research addresses the pressing need for agricultural crops that thrive with reduced water consumption, given the challenges posed by global warming and dwindling freshwater resources. The study focuses on the intricate relationship between transpiration, where plants release water through their leaves, and the uptake of carbon dioxide, essential for photosynthesis.

In the realm of innovative construction materials, a unique substance that originated in the Arizona desert is gaining attention in scientific journals, promising a potential transformation of our buildings and infrastructure. Ferrock, a material pioneered at the University of Arizona, is proving to be a more resilient and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional concrete.

The inception of Ferrock dates back over a decade when doctoral student David Stone triumphed in an innovation contest with his groundbreaking cement substitute utilizing waste steel dust. Stone secured a patent for Ferrock in 2013 and subsequently founded Iron Shell to facilitate its commercialization, as reported by the university.