Chinese scientists develop a coal-to-protein animal feed process

It sounds like alchemy, but Chinese researchers have developed a method that uses methanol to convert coal into protein for animal feed. The breakthrough has the scientific community hopeful the low-cost source of protein could become an alternative source of nutrition for animals as food prices worldwide continue to increase. Population growth, particularly in underdeveloped…

Chinese scientists modify corn to tackle iron deficiencies

Chinese agronomists are using genetic engineering to create a corn cultivar with significantly higher iron content. Those close to the project are hopeful the iron-rich strain could offer hope to people suffering from anaemia, a potentially life-threatening condition characterised by a lack of healthy red blood cells. Iron is a mineral that plays an important…

China’s multi-story robot farms set to help address food scarcity

Chinese agronomists and engineers from the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences Institute of Urban Agriculture (IUA) have recently completed the world’s first artificial intelligence powered 20-story vertical farm. The unmanned plant factory based in Chengdu, Sichuan province, is considered a breakthrough for a country with persistent food security concerns and unpredictable weather conditions. China’s 2022…