The use of biological seed coatings based on bacteriophages and polymers against Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. nebraskensis in maize seeds.

Biological control of bacteria with bacteriophages is a viable alternative to antibiotics. To be successful, biological control bacteriophages must be stable when exposed to the environment. Stabilization can be achieved through incorporation of bacteriophages into polymers and stabilizers that will be coated onto the seed.

Increased CNTF levels in adults with autism spectrum disorders.

Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) is a neurotrophin which could signal neuronal suffering and at the same time acts as a neuroprotective agent. In the present study we aimed to evaluate CNTF serum levels in autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). In fact, considering the role of CNTF as a neuronal damage signal and the role of neuroinflammation, excito-inhibitory imbalance and excitotoxicity in the pathogenesis of ASDs, a possible alteration of CNTF in ASDs could be hypothesised.

Soybean proteins GmTic110 and GmPsbP are crucial for chloroplast development and function.

We have identified a viable-yellow and a lethal-yellow chlorophyll-deficient mutant in soybean. Segregation patterns suggested single-gene recessive inheritance for each mutant. The viable- and lethal-yellow plants showed significant reduction of chlorophyll a and b.

Gene flow in maize fields with different local pollen densities.

The development of maize (Zea mays L.) varieties as factories of pharmaceutical and industrial compounds has renewed interest in controlling pollen dispersal. The objective of this study was to compare gene flow into maize fields of different local pollen densities under the same environmental conditions.