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Centre for Novel Agricultural Products (CNAP)  -  Biology to benefit society

The Centre for Novel Agricultural Products (CNAP) uses cutting edge scientific methods and knowledge to harness the power of nature for the development of new products and processes to address some of the major global challenges of the 21st century. CNAP has been using excellent science to underpin industrial biotechnology for more than 18 years in projects that encompass plant and microbial sciences for the development of sustainable fuel, pharmaceutical and chemical industries, and to enhance food security. CNAP provides a creative and enabling environment to around 80 staff and students, led by five professors:  Ian Bancroft, Neil Bruce, Katherine Denby, Ian Graham and Simon McQueen-Mason (CNAP Director).

CNAP is committed to using world-leading bioscience to underpin progress towards providing sustainable supplies of food, energy and chemicals. Our work includes improving the quality and productivity of food crops, especially oil and fibre crops, as well as adding value to the non-food components of major crops. In addition to addressing science to underpin the establishment of sustainable biorefinery approaches to provision the supply of fuels and chemicals from plant biomass without compromising food security, our research also encompasses the development of plants for use in environmental decontamination. CNAP carries out research into both mainstream and so-called orphan crops that have been domesticated for centuries, but not yet subjected to intensive modern breeding.

Professor Simon McQueen-Mason, CNAP Director‌                          ‌‌‌‌‌

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Recent news:

• Ian Graham appointed to BBSRC Council Congratulations to Ian, who takes up his new role from April 2018.
• Ancient insects hold the key to future biofuel production? New research led by CNAP and published in Nature Communications  reveals surprising ability of ancient insects to efficiently digest cellulose.

• New breakthrough in battle to clean up land contaminated by munitions

Gene improves removal of TNT from contaminated soil: study just published in New Phytologist.‌‌

• Plant 'chemical factory' discovery

New research published in PNAS suggests potential for utilisation of natural 'chemical factory' system within plant.

• Welcoming Denby group

Brief introductions here.

• Recognition of scientific excellence by EMBO

Ian Graham elected as a 2016 EMBO Member.

• Ian Graham elected Fellow of Royal Society!

Congratulations to Ian on his election to the fellowship of the Royal Society, the oldest scientific academy in continuous existence.

• Research accolade for Ian Graham

Congratulations to Ian, who is to receive the Biochemical Society's 2017 Heatley Medal and Prize in recognition of the quality and impact of his research.

• New research on light-induced stomatal opening 

Discovery of critical process for stomatal opening in light published in Current Biology.

• Research led by CNAP helps in battle against ash dieback disease

Paper on identifying markers using associative transcriptomics published in Scientific Reports.

Video on the project available here.

• A step closer to biodegradable lubricant made from oilseed rape

New crop could have huge implications for the global lubricant market.

• Long term future secured for plant based malaria treatments

Cooperation between East-West Seed and CNAP on supplying Artemisia.

• Recognition of CNAP research in industry response to UK Government

GSK include CNAP research in their response to Government consultation.

• Plants to battle toxic soil

Field trials planned for a type of grass that could help solve a growing environmental problem.

• New video on Plant Power! 

Amazing science from everyday plants.

• Fighting pollution from explosives with plants

An important step forward to realising potential to use plants to clean land contaminated by explosives taken by CNAP team.

• Key genetic discovery: STORR gene

Scientists led by Ian Graham provide new insight into how poppy plants have evolved. Ian Graham is interviewed on BBC Radio 5 live, Science Podcast.

• New RCUK India 'Inspiring Change' video includes Resilient Rice project

CNAP led SCPRID Resilient Rice project is showcased by RCUK India.

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Latest News

Poppy genome decoded DNA code of the opium poppy genome determined.

Strengthening links with India: 2 major new research projects Funding secured by CNAP PIs.

Seeing the light: unlocking seed germination Key gene identified.

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GINs to improve UK crops! Agri-Tech Strategy funding award for Ian Bancroft led OREGIN Network.

Potential for strengthening natural plant defence to reduce crop waste Research by Katherine Denby and team with colleagues at Warwick published in ACS Synthetic Biology.