Our Research Uncovered
The Plant - Human Health Link
Recent advances in biological research have enabled Boyce Thompson scientists to study plants, insects, nematodes, and viruses at the molecular level, and to develop tools and techniques that have revealed new information about the workings of the human body as well. Key discoveries made at BTI may lead to novel ways to treat genetic disease and cancer in people, provide more natural blood pressure control, and deliver important nutrients in food.
Innovative Research Tools
Innovative tools and technologies are critical to a scientist’s ability to advance knowledge about microorganisms, plants, animals and humans. They enable researchers to isolate and identify specific genes, proteins and small molecules. They make it possible to efficiently sort through enormous databases to find specific information needed for a particular project. And, they assist in the identification of molecules that may have evolutionary, biological or medical importance. Developing and perfecting these critical tools and technologies is an important area of research at BTI.
Harnessing a Plant's Food and Energy Potential
Plants are the foundation of our food supply, but they are also a potential new source of renewable, sustainable energy. They capture sunlight and then store it as the sugars, carbohydrates and cell structures from which biofuels are produced. They also “clean’ CO2 out of the atmosphere. BTI scientists are working to explain and identify the genes that control the processes plants use to convert light into chemical energy and to absorb CO2. Still others are investigating how to make plants grow faster and yield more. This kind of research has enormous implications for helping to solve major environmental issues, while it helps ensure food security.
Feeding the World
Boyce Thompson scientists are making significant contributions to our understanding of how plants grow, how they ward off pests and disease, how they convert sunlight into energy, how they extract and use nutrients naturally present in soil for their own benefit, and how they produce food nutrients for people. Knowledge generated at BTI may have direct applications for enhancing world food production and making agriculture more sustainable.