genetic-programmability
Genetic-programmability refers to the ability to precisely control and program genetic expression in plants, enabling dynamic modification of traits in response to specific environmental conditions or predetermined patterns. This represents an advance beyond static genetic modification by allowing crops to exhibit adaptive, responsive characteristics tailored to varying growing conditions. For plant research, it opens new possibilities for developing crops with optimized performance and programmable developmental pathways that could improve resilience and productivity.
PubMed · 2026-02-20
Researchers developed stronger, more affordable bio-based materials using engineered fungi by adding minerals to fungal networks and mimicking lichen growth patterns. This could enable cost-effective, sustainable alternatives to traditional materials with built-in self-healing abilities.
Mineralization enhances mechanical strength of fungal-based mycomaterials
Surface display of silicatein α enzyme from sea sponges on fungal hyphae enables mineral incorporation
Synthetic lichen-based growth model reduces production costs while maintaining performance