Tag Archives: lowering

Top 5 Misconceptions About Statins for Lowering Cholesterol: What You Need to Know

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High cholesterol is often termed a “silent killer” and ranks as one of the most significant health challenges globally. As reported by the CDC, approximately 86 million adults in the United States suffer from elevated cholesterol levels, which heightens their risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart disease.

The issue isn’t cholesterol itself; this fatty, waxy substance is mainly produced in the liver and is essential for various bodily functions, such as building cells, hormone production, and aiding digestion.

The problem arises when there’s an excess of “bad” cholesterol, known as low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.

Genetic predispositions combined with unhealthy lifestyle choices—like a diet high in saturated fats, lack of exercise, obesity, and smoking—can elevate LDL levels, leading to cholesterol accumulation in artery walls.

Over time, this can lead to the formation of hard fatty plaques that narrow and harden blood vessels, restricting blood flow to the heart and brain, significantly raising the risk of heart disease, which can be life-threatening.

One of the most effective treatments for high cholesterol involves medications known as statins, which decrease cholesterol production by the liver.

High doses of statins can lower LDL cholesterol by approximately 50%. For individuals with very high cholesterol, these drugs can reduce the risk of heart attacks or strokes by up to 40 to 50%.

Yet, despite their life-saving potential, statins have been surrounded by misconceptions, fear, and uncertainty regarding possible side effects, leading many to avoid them.

In this article, we will debunk five common myths about statins to clarify the facts.

Cholesterol buildup can restrict blood flow – Credit: Getty

Myth 1: Muscle pain is a common side effect

Muscle pain is frequently reported by patients using statins. However, new studies suggest this might be a manifestation of the “nocebo effect,” where individuals anticipating side effects are more likely to perceive them.

This was illustrated in a major randomized trial led by Professor Peter Thurber from Imperial College London. During the initial phase when participants were unaware if they were taking a statin or a placebo, both groups reported similar muscle pain levels.

In the second phase, those informed they were on statins reported muscle pain symptoms increase by up to 41%.

“These symptoms are genuine. However, our findings indicate the drug isn’t the cause, with actual muscle-related side effects from statins being quite rare,” Professor Thurber explains.

This conclusion was backed by comprehensive research. A meta-analysis from the Cholesterol Treatment Trial List Collaboration found similar rates of muscle symptoms in both statin (27.1%) and placebo (26.6%) groups, with over 90% of reported muscle symptoms not caused by statins.

Only about 5 percent of people taking statins experience muscle pain due to statins – Credit: Getty

Dr. Christina Reese, Associate Professor at Oxford Population Health and co-author of the study states:

“Randomized controlled trials provide more reliable data because participants randomly receive either a statin or placebo, allowing a clear comparison to ascertain if the drug is genuinely responsible for the symptoms,” she explains.

Myth 2: Statins cause diabetes

Another prevalent fear regarding statins is their potential to induce diabetes. While there’s some validity to this concern, it’s often oversimplified.

Statins do not abruptly cause diabetes in otherwise healthy individuals. They can incrementally raise blood sugar levels, hence accelerating the diabetes diagnosis for those already predisposed.

Naveed Sattar, Professor of cardiometabolic medicine at the University of Glasgow, clarifies that statins lead to slight increases in blood sugar levels.

Doctors often monitor blood sugar levels when initiating statin therapy – Credit: Getty

“A diabetes diagnosis typically occurs at blood sugar levels of 48 mmol/mol or higher,” Sattar states. “Most individuals remain well below this threshold, therefore the minor increase isn’t concerning. However, for those nearing diagnostic criteria, it might result in an earlier diagnosis.”

He further emphasizes that potential increases in blood sugar can be effectively managed with small, sustainable lifestyle modifications, such as increased physical activity, weight loss, and improved dietary habits.

The communication surrounding diabetes risk may create unnecessary alarm; for example, a 2024 large-scale analysis revealed that low-intensity statins have a 10% higher relative diabetes risk compared to placebo, while higher-intensity statins show a 36% increased relative risk.

“Though these numbers might seem concerning,” she adds, “it’s essential to consider the absolute risk change. In low-intensity trials, there was about a 0.12% annual increase in new diabetes cases, or just over 1 case per 1,000 individuals.”

“In higher-intensity trials, the absolute increase was 1.27% per year, equating to approximately 13 additional cases per 1,000 annually.”

Both Reith and Sattar underline that concerns about diabetes risk should not deter statin use, emphasizing that the substantial reduction in heart attacks and strokes associated with statin therapy far outweighs these risks.

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Myth 3: Statins cause memory loss

Memory is a crucial aspect of our identity, making the mention of memory loss as a potential statin side effect understandably worrisome.

Like all medications, statins carry a lengthy list of potential side effects, including memory loss, depression, and sleep disorders.

Memory loss can affect one’s sense of self, but it’s not generally linked to statins – Credit: Getty

However, how critical are these side effects in practice? Findings suggest they are not as severe as often portrayed.

In February 2026, Reese and colleagues conducted a comprehensive review, revealing that most listed side effects are not genuinely attributable to statins.

The study analyzed data from the Cholesterol Treatment Trialist Collaboration involving 23 large randomized trials and over 150,000 participants.

Researchers discovered similar side effect reports in both statin and placebo groups. Specifically, 2 in 1,000 individuals report cognitive or memory issues yearly, regardless of whether they are on statins or a placebo.

In summary, although some individuals may experience forgetfulness during treatment, there is insufficient evidence to establish a direct link between statins and memory loss.

“Statins save lives, and our study reassures that benefits far exceed the risks for the majority of patients,” asserts Rees.

Myth 4: Liver damage is a significant risk

Similar to diabetes concerns, worries that statins may cause liver damage are not entirely baseless.

In a small fraction of cases, blood tests may reveal mild elevations in liver enzymes such as transaminases, indicating inflammation.

Liver damage from statins is exceedingly rare – Credit: Getty

“Typically, these elevations are minor, symptom-free, and often resolve independently. In some cases, your doctor might advise lowering the dosage or temporarily discontinuing the statin,” explains Reese.

Consequently, doctors frequently assess liver function prior to starting treatment and perform follow-up tests in the initial months to monitor any complications.

However, severe issues are uncommon. A 2026 review by Reith et al. revealed that abnormal liver transaminases were present in 0.30% of statin patients compared to 0.22% in placebo groups, which translates to fewer than one additional case per 1,000 individuals annually.

“Importantly, these mild changes did not result in permanent damage, nor did they correlate with severe liver symptoms like hepatitis, liver failure, or jaundice,” Reese adds.

Myth 5: Taking statins alone is enough

Regrettably, statins are not a panacea. They are very effective for reducing cholesterol, but their maximum benefits are realized when paired with lifestyle changes aimed at enhancing overall health.

In one notable observation study, involving 265,209 high-risk adults, those who combined statin use with a healthy lifestyle—such as proper diet, regular exercise, and limited alcohol consumption—had a lifespan approximately six years longer than those with unhealthy habits who didn’t take statins.

Combining statins with a healthy diet and exercise amplifies their effects – Credit: Getty

Crucially, individuals who took statins but persisted in unhealthy lifestyle choices did not experience a significant reduction in mortality risk, compared to those who did not use statins but led unhealthy lives.

“Starting statin therapy does not grant a free pass to neglect healthy habits,” Sattar emphasizes. “In fact, it serves as motivation to cultivate healthier lifestyle choices, thereby boosting their benefits.”

“This involves enhancing your diet with more fiber, fruits, and vegetables, opting for healthy fats such as olive oil, nuts, and avocados, and reducing saturated fats and sugary beverages. Additionally, increasing physical activity, minimizing alcohol intake, avoiding smoking, and managing weight are crucial. Even slight weight loss or just 10 minutes of daily walking can yield significant benefits.”

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Lowering Your Protein Intake Might Extend Your Lifespan: Here’s How to Get Started

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The notion that reducing food intake could enhance longevity has existed for millennia. The ancient Greek physician Hippocrates famously stated, “If you overnourish the patient, you nourish the disease as well. Excess is contrary to nature.”

For decades, scientists have been investigating the validity of this advice.

The first major evidence emerged in the 1930s when American nutritionist Dr. Clive McKay discovered that rats on a restricted diet lived nearly twice as long as those with unrestricted access to food.

These rats did not suffer from constant hunger nor did they struggle for survival. On the contrary, they exhibited better health in old age, showcasing improved lung and kidney function, with no signs of cancer (until their food supply was increased post-experiment).







Since then, calorie reduction has been linked to increased lifespan and health across various life forms, including single-celled organisms, nematodes, flies, spiders, grasshoppers, guppies, trout, mice, hamsters, and dogs.

Why is this the case? The theory suggests that reduced food consumption activates a biological mechanism in your cells that encourages energy conservation.

When food is scarce, expending energy for activities like reproduction becomes counterproductive, especially in an environment lacking sufficient resources.

Thus, evolutionary biology suggests that animals in such circumstances should conserve energy, slowing their aging process until food availability improves, increasing their chances of remaining healthy enough to reproduce later.

Anti-aging effects of eating less

While there is ample evidence of caloric restriction in animals, obtaining reliable human data poses challenges.

Funding bodies, ethics committees, and participants are understandably hesitant to commit to long-term dietary interventions.

The most significant trial to date is the carrie trial (A Comprehensive Assessment of the Long-Term Effects of Reducing Energy Intake), where participants aimed to cut their intake by 25% over two years.

(Ultimately, the average reduction was only 12 percent, highlighting the difficulty of maintaining such a regimen, even with scientific support.)

Though two years is insufficient to conclusively determine longevity, participants did experience an average weight loss of 8 kg (17.6 lb), along with minor reductions in LDL cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and inflammatory markers.

Cutting back on protein

If you wish to apply this concept personally, an important question arises about what exactly should be reduced in your diet.

Recent studies indicate that a reduction in protein intake—the critical factor influencing our health—may be essential.

For example, one study by researchers at the University of Sydney found that mice on a low-protein diet lived approximately 30% longer than those on a protein-rich diet.

Specificity matters here. Since proteins are composed of 20 amino acids, reducing one or more of these could potentially extend lifespan.

Research indicates that lowering levels of “branched-chain” amino acids (BCAAs) might extend male mice lifespan by 30%. (The reasons behind the different effects in female mice remain unclear.)

In fact, reducing the specific amino acid isoleucine resulted in a 33% increase in male mice lifespan (compared to just 7% for female mice).

Ongoing research is investigating additional amino acids. For instance, methionine presents a delicate case.

Mice consuming a diet with 0.15% methionine lived 10% longer than those on a standard diet containing 0.4% of this amino acid.

Conversely, mice consuming 0.1% methionine often faced early death from rectal prolapse, prompting one to consider the risks involved.

Current research is shifting focus from merely restricting dietary components to optimizing them. However, with 20 amino acids, the permutations can be overwhelming.

Even experimenting with simple combinations of high and low doses of each amino acid could require over a million trials.

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Genome-based amino acid diet

To tackle this complexity, scientists are examining our DNA, which directs protein synthesis. The building blocks of proteins are amino acids.

What if we provided living organisms with a diet that reflects the amino acid ratios found in their DNA?

Early research on fruit flies showed that those fed a diet aligned with their DNA ratios were larger, matured faster, laid more eggs, and had longer lifespans compared to those on standard diets.

A subsequent study involving mice found that when provided with the ideal dietary amino acid balance via their DNA, the mice demonstrated faster growth, increased muscle mass in males, and enhanced sperm production.

However, it’s yet to be determined if these mice will also enjoy prolonged lifespans.

Rapamycin (red) inhibits a protein known as mTOR (blue), which is linked to aging – Image credit: Science Photo Library

While the biological effects of reducing protein intake remain uncertain, scientists are making strides in understanding the underlying mechanisms. Similar to calorie restriction, this approach appears to significantly slow down the aging process.

A recent study published in May 2025 suggests that a low-protein diet may help in reducing DNA damage and mutations.

This doesn’t imply that proteins are directly mutagenic, but their influence on metabolism might lead to the production of “free radicals” that can harm DNA and cellular structures.

DNA mutations are known precursors to cancer and have long been associated with the aging process.

The exploration of how dietary adjustments can indirectly influence the rate of chemical “errors” in our DNA is a promising area for research.

Not everyone needs protein reduction

So, should you begin reducing your protein intake? While animal studies provide compelling evidence, human research yields more nuanced findings.

One 2014 study found that individuals consuming less protein tend to live longer than those with high protein intakes. A 50-year-old consuming under 45 g (1.6 oz) of protein daily may expect to live approximately four years longer than someone consuming 90 g (3.2 oz) daily.

Nonetheless, generalizing this advice proves challenging. In individuals over 65, the same study indicates the opposite effect. This might be due to age-related muscle loss, where protein consumption aids in weight gain.

Moreover, individuals consuming a higher proportion of plant-based protein did not face an increased mortality risk during midlife.

Hence some contend that risks may stem more from excessive red and processed meat intake than protein consumption itself.

Another factor could be that plant proteins are generally lower in certain amino acids, like methionine, meaning high vegetable consumers might naturally have a lower methionine intake.

Sadly, no comprehensive human studies have been conducted to deliberately restrict specific amino acids.

However, it would be intriguing to research this approach in humans, not through protein powders but via dietary combinations that adhere to our genetic requirements and can be easily integrated into daily nutrition.

Such findings may help mitigate the downsides associated with strict diets. Reducing food variety often leads to reported feelings of hunger, chills, decreased libido, irritability, and slower recovery from injuries.

As an old saying in longevity science goes, while dietary restrictions might not extend your life, they can certainly make your life feel longer.

Medication alternatives to protein restriction

Perhaps the answer lies not in our kitchens but in pharmaceuticals. A drug called rapamycin, for example, activates cellular recycling pathways that mimic those triggered during dietary restriction, leading to lifespans increased by up to 60% in mice.

Diabetes medications that lower blood sugar are another avenue to induce caloric reduction and extend mouse lifespans.

Moreover, GLP-1 agonists such as semaglutide (Ozempic) have showcased the potential to alleviate various conditions by directly curbing appetite.

Could these or other medications help us maintain health without adhering strictly to lengthy dietary regimens?

As a person interested in a long, healthy life, but wishing to avoid being a hungry centenarian, I eagerly anticipate the initiation of clinical trials.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

The Top Exercise for Lowering Blood Pressure

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Hypertension poses a significant health risk, elevating the chances of heart disease, stroke, and kidney issues. As a general practitioner, I frequently receive inquiries about its management, and I always stress the importance of exercise. But what is the ideal amount?

A 2021 study that tracked over 5,000 adults for three decades highlights the optimal “dose” of exercise for controlling blood pressure. Is this crucial? Yes, both the type and intensity of exercise, along with the total volume, are vital.

The findings suggest that engaging in moderately intense activities for 30 minutes on most days can significantly aid in blood pressure management. This encompasses exercises that allow for conversation while increasing your breath rate, like brisk walking, cycling, and vigorous household chores.

Recently, a 2023 analysis of 270 prior studies involving over 15,000 participants aimed to identify which forms of exercise were most effective in reducing blood pressure.

While various types of exercise produced positive outcomes, isometric exercises were particularly effective. These involve holding a static position (like wall squats) instead of dynamic movements.

Other beneficial exercises include running, walking, cycling, weight training, and high-intensity interval training.

Moreover, substantial reductions in blood pressure were observed among those exercising 3-5 times per week for a minimum of 4 weeks.

It’s not just about the kind of exercise, but the overall quantity that counts – Photo Credit: Getty

This underscores the necessity of consistency. While medication remains crucial for numerous individuals, these insights illuminate the impact of lifestyle adjustments.

Incorporating exercise, along with a nutritious diet and effective stress management, can help control blood pressure, potentially decreasing reliance on medications like beta blockers.

The evidence is compelling: if you aim to manage your blood pressure, incorporating regular moderate-intensity exercise is an excellent starting point. However, it’s just one piece of the larger puzzle.

Reducing salt intake, following a balanced diet, and effectively managing stress are also essential factors. For some, blood pressure medication is still a vital component of treatment.

The positive takeaway? Physical activity can enhance these approaches.

This article addresses the query from Connor Barrett in Salford, “How much does exercise control my blood pressure?”

Please send your questions to Question @sciencefocus.com or Message Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram Page (please include your name and location).

Explore our ultimate Fun Facts for more fascinating science content.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Research Reveals That Lowering Pollution Might Not Compromise Deeper Climate Stability

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Improving the quality of the air we breathe is a significant achievement for public health, but paradoxically, it also accelerates global warming. This is highlighted in a recent study published in Communication Earth and the Environment, which connects the recent efforts to clean up air pollution in East Asia to the intensified climate crisis.

In the last 15 years, global warming has surged dramatically, and until now, the reasons behind this surge were unclear to scientists.

Co-author Dr. Robert Allen, a professor of climate studies at the University of California, Riverside, stated:

To address this, a large team of international scientists examined simulations from eight major climate models.

The majority of the accelerated warming seen since 2010 is believed to stem from efforts to reduce air pollution in East Asia.

During this same period, China was implementing a significant air quality policy that led to a reduction of sulfur dioxide emissions by approximately 75%.

Dr. Bjørn Samset, the lead author of the research and a senior researcher at Norway’s International Climate Environmental Studies Centre, explained to BBC Science Focus that pollution has historically been effective in cooling the planet.

“Think back to a day when the air was polluted or hazy,” he mentioned. “Particles in the air block some sunlight from reaching the ground, effectively providing a cooling shade.

“For decades, air pollution has been helping to mitigate some of the warming caused by greenhouse gases.”

Samset elaborated that by eliminating air pollution, as China has done, some of that cooling effect has been lost.

However, simply allowing pollution to persist is not the answer. Allen noted that 2 and methane must both be addressed together.

Before China’s 2010 air quality policy, pollution was a leading cause of premature deaths in the country – Credit: Jack-Enjo Photography via Getty

In addition to cutting greenhouse gases, some scientists have proposed unconventional measures to slow the climate crisis, such as reintroducing artificial pollution into the atmosphere.

Samset explained that this approach “involves releasing particles into the stratosphere or clouds, which can mirror the cooling effects of air pollution without the harmful health impacts.”

To do this, planes could disperse gas from altitudes of 20 km—significantly higher than typical passenger flights.

However, co-author Professor Laura Wilcox, a meteorologist at the University of Reading, advised in BBC Science Focus that such solutions do not resolve the core issues.

“Similar to air pollution, these methods merely mask atmospheric problems without addressing the root causes,” she stated.

“Another viable strategy is to actively remove CO.2,” she added. “This process, known as carbon capture, is already underway but on a limited scale.”

Possible solutions include planting trees and seaweed, developing mechanical trees, and directly capturing CO2 from the air for storage in rock formations.

Nevertheless, the key solution remains to “reduce greenhouse gas emissions primarily by transitioning away from fossil fuels,” said Samset.

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About our experts

Dr. Bjørn Samset is a senior researcher at the Norwegian Centre for International Climate Research. A physicist and science communicator, he possesses extensive expertise in atmospheric science and global climate modeling, focusing on the impacts of air pollution on climate change through climate modeling.

Professor Laura Wilcox is a professor specializing in aerosol climate interactions at the University of Reading, UK. Her research interests encompass the effects of air pollution on climate and the impacts of aviation on the climate.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Fresh Challenge: Lowering Earth’s Temperature

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Unwanted Thoughts

Sometimes our minds become cluttered with confusing thoughts. What can we do when we’re unable to release them? Here are some tips to manage these thoughts and soothe your mind:

Pups vs. Parenting

In recent years, many individuals have opted for furry companions over raising children. When it comes to achieving happiness, which is preferable: owning a dog or raising a child?

Asteroids and the Apocalypse

Meet the dedicated scientists, astronomers, and mathematicians who tirelessly monitor the skies, keeping a watchful eye on asteroids that could threaten our world.

Feelings of Isolation

Loneliness encompasses the negative emotional state we experience when we lack sufficient personal time. While social interactions are essential, carving out quality time for yourself can significantly lower stress levels.

Plus

  • Eliminate Fluoride from US Water: US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has urged the CDC to cease recommendations for water fluoridation. Dental experts express concerns about potential impacts on oral health. Explore the facts.
  • Cyborg Advancements: Imagine a future where humans possess extraordinary strength, enhanced vision, and the ability to fly—it may sound far-fetched, but it’s already in progress. Discover the leading “cyborg technology” that will soon be commercially available.
  • Q&A: This month’s burning questions answered! Can animals become intoxicated? What’s the best way to use a defibrillator? What are tufted ground squirrels? How much exercise do you require? Do you really control my blood pressure? What if a Super Collider were built around the moon? What’s the ideal sleeping position? How do you combat compassion fatigue? Are there other sites akin to Stonehenge? And more…

Issue 421 Available on Tuesday, July 8th, 2025

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The Most Effective Workouts for Lowering Blood Pressure

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Should wall sits be part of your training routine?

Leopatrizi/Getty Images

Recently, my doctor advised me to monitor my blood pressure more vigilantly due to some medications I’m currently taking. While it’s still in the normal range, it’s been gradually increasing, leading me to ponder ways to manage it. Given that hypertension affects an estimated 12.8 billion adults and raises the risk of serious conditions like heart attacks and strokes if left unchecked, it’s a valid concern.

Exercise is widely endorsed as a key method for lowering blood pressure. Public health organizations often recommend moderate-intensity aerobic activities each week, like jogging and cycling, to help keep levels stable. However, recent studies indicate that this may not be the most effective approach.

A compelling study, a 2023 analysis, assessed 270 randomized controlled trials involving about 16,000 adults, focusing on various exercise regimens lasting at least two weeks. The analysis found that all types of exercise—from aerobic workouts to resistance training—significantly reduced blood pressure compared to inactive controls.

Interestingly, isometric exercises, like wall sits and hand grips where muscles are contracted in fixed positions, demonstrated a notable effect. On average, these exercises produced reductions in blood pressure comparable to those achieved with medication, showing drops of 8.24 and 4 mmHg respectively. Such reductions equate to a 22% decrease in the risk of major cardiovascular events over a few years. In contrast, aerobic exercise had nearly half that potency.

This difference likely stems from how isometric exercises impact blood flow. For instance, during wall squats or planks, one holds muscles in a contracted state for about 1-2 minutes, which temporarily restricts blood flow. Once the muscles relax, blood rushes back in, leading to lower blood pressure for several hours, a beneficial effect that can be sustained with repeated sessions.

What makes isometric training particularly enticing is its ease of integration into daily routines. A 2023 study revealed that just 12 minutes of these exercises, performed three times a week, were sufficient to substantially lower blood pressure over a 12-week period.

That said, I don’t intend to suggest neglecting other training forms. Aerobic and resistance exercises are still vital for cardiovascular health and muscle development. However, if your blood pressure is a concern, incorporating isometric exercises into your workout could be beneficial. I’m choosing to add wall squats to my leg day routine.

Grace Wade is a health reporter for New Scientist based in the U.S.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Carrarant cuts methane emissions by 70%, lowering planet-warming effects

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Rice fields are the main sources of methane discharge

Thirawatana Phaisalratana/Istock Phot O/Getty Images

A new type of rice created by a simple cross could reduce the discharge of methane crops, which are strong greenhouse gases, in almost three -quarters.

Cultivation of rice is about 12 % of the artificial release of methane. Methane is a gas with a global warming effect 25 times stronger than that of carbon dioxide.

The emissions come from the soil microorganisms of the flooded paddy fields cultivated by rice. These organisms decompose chemicals known as roots that are released by plants, not only produce nutrients that can be used by plants, but also make methane in the process.

For more information about factors that affect methane production from the roots of rice, Anna Schnella Swedish University of Agriculture Science and her colleagues cultivated two US lines in the laboratory. It is a Japanese variety called Nippon Bear with average methane emissions, and a genetic modification with a small methane emission called SUSIBA2.

SUSIBA2 has reduced the number of roots that are known to be the more important driver of methane emission than Nippon Bear. However, when both strains are treated with oxantel, which is a chemical substance that inhibits the decomposition of hemalate by bacteria, the Susiba2 shares still decrease the methane. This means that there must be another factor that causes different varieties.

SUSIBA2 crops have been found to secrete high -level ethanol.

Later, the team rely on traditional breeding techniques to generate new US stocks by passing high -yielded elite varieties, along with Heidin varieties, a stock that produces low fumalate and high ethanol.

In the two -year outdoor exam in China, the new strain has generated more than 8 tons of crops per hectar, but compared to the world average of more than 4 tons, a methane is 70 % less than the breeded elite varieties. It was issued. 。

Johannes Le Curtr At New Southwales, Sydney, Australia, this study is an example of a well -performed research on the culprit behind the greenhouse gas emissions of crops.

“The core point of this study is to not use hardcore genetic engineering, editing technology, and transgenic approaches,” Le Coutre says. “They use traditional mating to create a new rice line that lowers methane synthesis.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com