Introduction
The global population is growing rapidly, and with it, the demand for food. Unfortunately, the increasing threat of climate change and the current food insecurity affecting 9% of the world population is putting pressure on finding ways to grow more food on less land. Genetic engineering offers a promising solution to address these challenges, and recent research has shown a simple modification that could dramatically increase crop yields by 50%. 
The Study
An international team of scientists inserted a gene found in humans and animals into potato and rice plants, resulting in a significant increase in food production. The modified plants showed a 300% increase in rice yield in laboratory conditions and a 50% increase under field conditions. The modified plants were also more resistant to drought stress, had deeper roots, and were more efficient at photosynthesis. The study’s co-leader, Chuan He, attributes the success to the gene FTO, which affects a process called m6A. This process regulates the growth of plants and tells them to grow slower and stop growing sooner. By inserting the FTO gene from animals into rice and potato plants, the researchers were able to tap into this regulation and dramatically increase crop yields.
The Future of Genetic Engineering in Agriculture
The researchers are now exploring ways to trigger these same qualities in potato and rice plants without inserting another organism’s gene. Chuan He believes that plants already have this layer of regulation, and the next step would be to discover how to use the plant’s existing genetics to increase crop yields. If the researchers are successful, the technique could have a significant impact on the world’s food insecurity, as well as the stock material we can get from most plants, including food, medicine, flowers, and oil. The recent breakthrough in genetic engineering has the potential to revolutionize agriculture and solve the problem of food insecurity. By increasing crop yields, scientists are providing a solution to the pressing challenges posed by a growing population and the effects of climate change. The future looks promising for genetic engineering in agriculture, and the potential for further advancements is limitless.
