Very soon, the shortage of water and population explosion in the world may cost you your plate of biryani, and for many, their livelihood. Researchers from ICAR-Indian Institute of Rice Research, Hyderabad and Telangana State Agricultural University, Hyderabad, have identified essential genes that help in the adaptation of aerobic rice to water-scarce conditions.
The study from IISc found a previously unidentified yeast-like symbiont inside the lac insect Kerria lacca, which gives the insect its distinctive red colour and, may also provide other nutrients in return for shelter.