HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology

What do dandelions and space have in common? 🌼🚀

At HudsonAlpha, Israel Scott, a master's student at Alabama A&M University, is studying dandelions to better understand how radiation may impact crops during long duration space missions and future farming.

His research focuses on apomixis, a unique form of reproduction that allows dandelions to produce genetically identical offspring. Because each new generation is a clone of the parent plant, researchers can more easily track genetic mutations caused by radiation over time.

Beyond helping us understand the effects of space, this research could also improve agriculture here on Earth. Apomixis has the potential to preserve valuable crop traits without the need for repeated cross breeding, making plant breeding more efficient and consistent.

From advancing sustainable agriculture to preparing for future missions beyond Earth, one small plant is helping answer some very big questions. And one of our favorite parts? This groundbreaking research is happening right here in the Rocket City. 🧬💙

The discoveries happening at HudsonAlpha begin long before you see the results. 🧬

On the fourth floor of our main building, researchers are studying everything from cancer and brain diseases to the genetics of plants that could help improve agriculture around the world. It's also home to our state of the art cell culture suite, where scientists grow the cells that make much of this research possible.

Every hallway, lab, and workspace plays a role in advancing discoveries that improve lives.

Want to see it for yourself? Join us on a public tour and explore the science happening across campus. 💙👉 https://donate.hudsonalpha.org/event/hudsonalpha-public-tours/e653298/register/new/select-tickets