News

Rice, revealed

By Christen Brownlee

- More than 2 years ago

Researchers have finished a 6-year-long effort to sequence the genome of rice.

RICE POWER. The genetic sequence of rice may open new routes to improving the cereal’s ability to feed the world. ARS/USDA

The accomplishment makes the popular cereal the second plant ever to have its full genome sequenced. In 2003, scientists sequenced the genetics-research workhorse Arabidopsis thaliana, a mustard plant.