Chinese scientists have discovered a key gene that considerably improves rice’s tolerance to extreme heat while preserving grain quality and increasing yields — a breakthrough with major implications for food security amid climate change.

The gene, named QT12, was discovered by scientists from Huazhong Agricultural University in Wuhan, central China. Their research was published Wednesday in the prestigious journal Cell.

QT12 works by interacting with the NF-Y protein complex, forming a defensive mechanism inside rice grains under high heat.

Li Yibo, the study’s corresponding author, said that this interaction protects the grains from temperature stress while boosting starch and protein synthesis.

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