Iron plays a crucial role in human health, forming red blood cells that transport oxygen, supporting organ function, and helping essential growth and development. Yet, iron deficiency anemia affects more than 1.2 billion people worldwide.
However, researchers at the John Innes Centre might have just landed on a solution to what the World Health Organization says is the world’s largest nutrient deficiency.
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Led by Professor Janneke Balk, researchers were able to identify genetic sequences responsible for high-iron mutations in plants such as peas and cereals. This discovery is a significant step towards addressing the global health issue of anemia through iron-fortified crops.
“There are a number of intriguing opportunities arising from this research but probably the most exciting outcome is that knowledge of these mutations could inform gene editing…