Carbon Removal Funding Slashed as AI Toys Emerge
▼ Summary
– Climate change is making crop cultivation increasingly difficult in many regions worldwide.
– Startup Pairwise uses CRISPR gene editing to develop climate-resilient crops that can withstand harsh conditions.
– The company has already introduced its first product, a less-bitter mustard green, to the US market.
– Pairwise is collaborating with major plant biotech firms to create crops with climate-resistant traits.
– Recent economic research indicates that government R&D spending is a highly valuable long-term investment.
Climate change poses a serious threat to global agriculture, making it harder to grow food in many regions. In response, innovative companies are developing new solutions to ensure food security. Pairwise, a startup focused on agricultural biotechnology, employs CRISPR gene editing to create crops capable of surviving extreme weather and shifting environmental conditions. This technology aims to support food production for a rising global population despite the challenges of a warming planet.
The company recently introduced its first commercial product in the United States: a variety of mustard greens engineered to have a milder, less bitter flavor. Building on this success, Pairwise is collaborating with two leading plant biotechnology firms to introduce additional climate-resilient traits into staple crops. These partnerships are expected to accelerate the development of plants that can thrive under stress, such as drought, heat, and soil salinity.
Pairwise has been recognized as one of ten standout climate technology companies to watch, highlighting its potential to make a significant impact in the fight against climate change. This annual selection identifies firms that are pushing the boundaries of innovation to address pressing environmental issues.
Meanwhile, broader questions about research and development funding are gaining attention. With recent reductions in federal support for scientific research in the US, many are examining the real returns on R&D investments. Economists have tackled this issue in several new studies, using inventive methods to assess the value of public spending on science. While their approaches vary, the findings consistently point to one conclusion: research and development represents one of the most productive long-term investments available to governments. These studies underscore that, despite upfront costs, R&D spending generates substantial economic and social benefits over time.
(Source: Technology Review)
