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Top Researchers Innovate in Heat-Resistant Crop Development

9/3/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Khalid Meksem, a Southern Illinois University professor, was named a 2025 Researcher to Know for his research on disease-resistant crops, securing over $25 million in funding and holding seven patents.
Chinese scientists, led by Professor Cao Xu, identified the heat-stable RKN resistance gene Mi-9 in tomatoes, improving resistance under high temperatures.
Dr. James Lloyd from The University of Western Australia received the 2025 WA Young Tall Poppy award for his work on genetically modifying plants for sustainable agriculture and space.

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Story summary

Khalid Meksem, a Southern Illinois University professor, was named a 2025 Researcher to Know for his research on disease-resistant crops, securing over $25 million in funding and holding seven patents.
Chinese scientists, led by Professor Cao Xu, identified the heat-stable RKN resistance gene Mi-9 in tomatoes, improving resistance under high temperatures.
Dr. James Lloyd from The University of Western Australia received the 2025 WA Young Tall Poppy award for his work on genetically modifying plants for sustainable agriculture and space.