Using CRISPR-Cas9, scientists engineered a yeast to produce the nutrient feed. Farmers could have it in two years.

      • protist@retrofed.com
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        6 hours ago

        In the end, it probably isn’t easier at all. Once the yeast is created, yeast is dirt cheap and easy as hell to grow, and wouldn’t require managing a field of wildflowers that are going to drop seeds for the following year when you intend to plant crops there. I’m not saying it’s a good or ethical choice, but the yeast definitely has the potential to be easier and cheaper

        • arrow74@lemmy.zip
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          2 hours ago

          Yes well known fact we shouldn’t research any technology to reverse the collapse of our biosphere or to alleviate climate change. Wouldn’t want anyone being able to sell that tech. Best we just turn off the lights and plant some flowers.

          I love planting some flowers, but we’re going to need technology to undo the mess we created.

        • Atelopus-zeteki@fedia.io
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          11 hours ago

          Fellows can sell seeds for fallow fields, my friend. never fear for they will forage, and be fine.

      • Lost_My_Mind@lemmy.world
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        11 hours ago

        But Brawndo has the electrolites that plants crave!

        Just in case the joke is too far of a stretch to make the connection, what I’m saying is the obvious simple solution isn’t profitable.

        They’d rather sell you a solution that doesn’t actually work, then give you a solution that works that they can’t make profit on.

      • manxu@piefed.social
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        11 hours ago

        Yeah, I found that pretty weird, too. Not only that, but you can’t get that yeast for the next two years. Your method works yesterday haha.