b'James Schnables research team after collecting more than 2,500 RNA samples from a research field in Lincoln, Neb. in 2021. PHOTO BY LINA LOPEZ-CORONAPredicting the Future RNA is like a snapshot of whats happening inside the cell at any given moment, he said. The team uses the model to predict hybrid performance. For seed companies, this means the ability to select hybrids that are not only high yielding, but ones that are also adaptable to a wideIt would ultimately be possible to build range of environments. If successful, this method of seed development could beprediction models in the same way we valuable beyond corn, hence the Department of Energys (DOE) interest in the research.currently predict grain yield from DNA to Within the DOE is the Advanced Research Projects Agency- predict gene expression from DNA, then Energy (ARPA-E). ARPA-E funds research projects with great potential to have significant impact on energy, but are in the earlyuse that predicted gene expression as a stages, making the project too risky for private sector investment.substitute for directly measured expression. Changing the Biofuels Game James SchnableOne of the missions of the DOE is to develop and expand bio-fuels. Officials are invested in several different dedicated biofuel crops including switchgrass, poplar and sorghum. Since these crops are grown on far fewer acres of land in the U.S. than corn or soybeans, the research and development that has gone into breeding new varieties of biofuel crops is less extensive. 38/ SEEDWORLD.COMOCTOBER 2024'