Research

Dr. Sonawane holds and looks at a plant in a lab.

May 8, 2026

Plants power the next generation of medicine in Mizzou lab

Prashant Sonawane, assistant professor of biochemistry, says plants are “magicians.” If so, that must make Sonawane and his lab magician’s assistants. Sonawane’s research identifies and synthesizes natural products from plants that have applications in human health – in his lab, that includes cancer and Alzheimer's.
Two researchers stand in front of lab equipment.

May 6, 2026

Less water, same taste: New approach helps growers produce sweet corn more efficiently

University of Missouri researchers find farmers can cut back on water without losing crop quality.
Kiho Lee is bathed in blue light as he sits in front of instrumentation in his laboratory.

April 29, 2026

Unlocking a sustainable way to edit chicken genes

Chicken eggs are already used to harvest helpful proteins called antibodies to protect humans from viruses such as influenza. Now, a breakthrough at the University of Missouri could one day lead to chickens that produce other useful medical proteins in their eggs.
A large goldfish in a small bowl.

April 29, 2026

From pet to pest: Invasive goldfish are reshaping freshwater ecosystems, researchers warn

Goldfish are a familiar fixture in homes, classrooms and backyard ponds around the world. But when they are released into lakes and ponds, they can quickly turn healthy freshwater ecosystems into environments that struggle to support native life, new research shows.
cattle grazing

April 14, 2026

Missouri net farm income projected to decline in 2026

The Spring 2026 Farm Income Outlook for Missouri forecasts a decrease in net farm income, driven mainly by a decline in livestock receipts, according to the Rural and Farm Finance Policy Analysis Center (RaFF) at the University of Missouri.
GPS collars hang on a fence.

April 10, 2026

Mizzou expands virtual fencing for cattle in Missouri and Nebraska

A $3.7 million grant is helping CAFNR's Center for Regenerative Agriculture put GPS-enabled collars on the cattle of 200 livestock producers, saving time and labor.
Wes Warren sits in his office in front of a computer with charts displayed.

March 30, 2026

Mizzou team discovers what makes all-female fish species a scientific ‘miracle’

Amazon molly fish reproduce asexually yet somehow avoid the genetic mutations that could lead to extinction. Researchers are discovering why.
Attendees of 2025 IPG Symposium listen to a presentation in an auditorium.

March 30, 2026

Mizzou’s Interdisciplinary Plant Group to host 42nd annual symposium

The event will be held on campus April 24-26.
Ron Mittler stands with his arms crossed in front of a wall of green plants.

March 19, 2026

Mizzou scientists learn how plants protect themselves from multiple stressors

Discovery could lead to gene-edited or newly bred crops that can withstand multiple stressors simultaneously.
Sorghum plants growing in a field.

March 13, 2026

New DOE grant brings together expertise from Mizzou, Danforth Plant Science Center, Washington University in St. Louis, Caltech

Experts across Missouri and beyond combine their collective capabilities to capitalize on photosynthesis for bioenergy production.