Ribonucleic acid (RNA) is like the workhorse of genetics, taking code from deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and using that code to construct proteins – the building blocks of life. RNA activity is a hot topic in science, including for human health and agriculture.

University of Manitoba researcher Mark Belmonte spoke at the conference. He and his U of M colleague Steve Whyard have uncovered new ways to protect canola from flea beetles and sclerotinia stem rot through RNA interference (RNAi).