Shape morphing pasta — just add water
08 June, 2017 by Jennifer ChuFood shipping costs could be reduced if pasta could be 'flat-packed' then transformed into its 3D shape when the consumer immerses it in water.
Lupins and toxicity
05 June, 2017While lupins have been a source of human and animal nutrition for thousands of years, they can come with a sting in the tail. So-called 'bitter lupin' varieties contain toxic alkaloids that can affect nervous, circulatory and digestive systems.
Wheat genome finally reveals its secrets
20 April, 2017Five times larger than the human genome and more complex, the wheat genome has finally been sequenced by an international team that included UWA researchers.
Sun-smart rice varieties more productive
16 February, 2017Australian scientists have improved rice productivity by selecting rice varieties that are better at capturing sunlight to produce grains, instead of reflecting it as heat.
Wheat farmers offset climate change impact with technology… but for how long?
13 February, 2017Technological advances have enabled Australian wheat farmers to offset the effects of climate change in the past 25 years; however, a reduction in yield potential over that time indicates a future risk to the $5 billion industry, CSIRO research has found.
Developing drought-proof crops
20 July, 2016In a breakthrough that could lead to the development of drought-proof crops, research led by ANU has found how plants, such as rice and wheat, sense and respond to extreme drought stress.
'Foreign' food dominates diets all over the world
08 June, 2016In Australia and New Zealand, close to 100% of our diets and agricultural systems are based on 'non-native' crops. In fact, 'foreign' crops dominate national food consumption and farming practices worldwide with nearly 70% of the crops contributing calories, fat and protein in a country's diet historically originating elsewhere.
4.5 thousand tonnes of flour recalled due to E. coli scare
07 June, 2016 by Janette WoodhouseHuge recalls cause huge damage to brands, profitability and even viability — and 4500 million kg of flour is a huge recall.
Grains exports could rise 20% by 2030
21 April, 2016The expanding middle class in Asia could result in an increase in Australia's wheat exports income from $5.7 billion to $7 billion by 2030.
An algae shake and a critter fritter please — ensuring there will be enough protein available to feed the world in 2050
14 April, 2016It is estimated that by 2050 an extra 265 million tonnes of protein will be needed to feed the world's population. This means that current production levels will have to be raised by about 50%.
The politics of jasmine rice
13 April, 2016 by Grace ChuaHow Thailand's bureaucratic policies and organisations affect the development of its rice economy.
Improving rice's resistance to leaf blight
05 August, 2015In a discovery that could boost rice crop yields and lead to more disease-resistant types of rice, biologists studying bacterial leaf blight have discovered how the rice plant's immune system is triggered by the disease.
Can superfood quinoa reap super profits for Australia?
03 August, 2015Australia's agricultural sector is looking to cash in on the quinoa trend, with a three-year national trial of the 'superfood' commencing across five Australian states.
Roll over porridge: wheat could rival oats and barley for lowering cholesterol
08 July, 2015Wheat-based products are far more popular with consumers than oats or barley, but until now wheat could not make the 'lowers cholesterol' claim that makes the other grains attractive.
Premium fragrant rice developed for Australian conditions
10 September, 2014A new premium rice variety has been developed for Australia. Topaz rice will be available to rice growers in October 2014.