Want better corn? Color its stem cells.

Understanding crucial crop's genes can help feed a hungry world. Breakthroughs, discoveries, and DIY tips sent every weekday. Despite the 15 billion bushels grown in the United States last year alone, we still don't know much about corn's stem cells . That may seem like a minor issue, but these cells play a huge role dictating the important plant's growth, health, and hardiness . Identifying the specific genes responsible for these and other factors could help agricultural scientists craft more robust crops--a vital need in the face of food insecurity and climate change.