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 Sci/Tech

'Red rice' indicates dormancy gene
Among rice growers, 'red rice' is considered a weed. That hasn't stopped scientists from studying red rice, and now, a South Dakota State University scientist has demonstrated that red rice gets its seed color and its ability to remain dormant from the same gene.That discovery has important implications for both rice-producing and wheat-producing regions. More†

 Potpourri

Could muskrats spread antibiotic resistance?
Muskrats are semi-aquatic rodents prized for their musk - a strong-smelling substance produced by specialized glands - which can be used in expensive perfumes, cosmetics and medicines. But there's a potential down-side: a team of scientists at Pusan National University, South Korea, have found that muskrat excrement contains a potent antibiotic that can kill Salmonella and Vibrio bacteria, both of which cause food poisoning. Could these animals completely eclipse GMOs as a possible source of incurable antibiotic-resistant disease? More†