Dark Genome

Get the latest Dark Genome news, research and developments covering the largely unexplored regions of plant DNA beyond conventional protein-coding genes. This tag brings together developments in plant genomics, gene regulation, genome editing, computational biology and crop improvement, with a focus on how previously overlooked DNA sequences could reveal traits important for agriculture.

Coverage includes non-coding DNA, regulatory regions, gene expression, quantitative traits, genomics, machine learning, multi-omics and precision breeding. Researchers are examining these regions to identify genetic elements associated with traits such as heat and drought tolerance, yield and disease response. In 2026, Plantik Biosciences has been using its ATLANTIS machine-learning platform to identify regulatory targets for crop improvement, while research programmes in barley are investigating the potential of unexplored genomic regions for discovering agriculturally useful genes and accelerating breeding.

Find news on plant genome research, regulatory DNA, gene-editing technologies, crop trait discovery, climate-resilient breeding and biotechnology partnerships. Coverage also tracks developments in crops including strawberries, tomatoes, barley, maize and soybean, as researchers and agricultural biotechnology companies explore ways to modify regulatory elements without necessarily introducing foreign DNA into the resulting plant.