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South America

Potato Evolved from Tomato Plants 8-9 Million Years Ago, New Research Suggests

by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor August 5, 2025

written by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor

Potato’s Ancient Hybrid Origin Uncovered

Interbreeding Event Gave Rise to Tuberous Staple

The potato, a vital global food source, owes its existence to a remarkable 8- to 9-million-year-old hybridization event between ancient tomato-like species and potato-like relatives from South America.

Evolutionary Breakthrough Triggered Tuber Formation

This ancient cross-breeding sparked the development of the tuber, the nutrient-rich underground storage organ characteristic of potatoes, yams, and taros. A multinational team of biologists made this discovery through comprehensive genomic analysis.

Analysis of 128 genomes revealed the potato lineage originated from hybridization approximately 8-9 million years ago.

The study, published in the journal Cell, analyzed 450 genomes from cultivated potatoes and 56 wild relatives. Researchers found that all potato species possess a stable genetic blend inherited from both the “Etuberosum” lineage and tomato ancestors.

“Our findings show how a hybridization event between species can spark the evolution of new traits, allowing even more species to emerge.”

—Sanwen Huang, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen

“We’ve finally solved the mystery of where potatoes came from,” stated **Sanwen Huang** of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences. The extensive dataset represents the most thorough collection of wild potato genomic data ever examined, according to researcher **Zhiyang Zhang**.

Key Genes from Both Ancestors Essential for Tubers

The potato’s ability to form tubers is attributed to a combination of genes from its parent species. The critical gene *SP6A*, which initiates tuber formation, was inherited from the tomato side of the family.

Another crucial gene, *IT1*, responsible for regulating the growth of underground stems that develop into tubers, originated from the Etuberosum lineage. Without these genes, the hybrid offspring would not have been able to produce tubers.

This evolutionary innovation coincided with the rapid geological uplift of the Andes Mountains, leading to new environmental conditions. The ability to store nutrients in tubers allowed early potatoes to adapt to these harsh mountainous environments and reproduce efficiently without relying solely on seeds.

The potato is now the world’s third-largest staple crop, crucial for global food security. In 2022, global potato production exceeded 370 million metric tons (FAOSTAT).

This adaptability fueled the rapid expansion of potato species across diverse ecological niches, from temperate grasslands to cold alpine meadows, contributing to the rich diversity seen today.

August 5, 2025 0 comments

Technology

Potato’s Ancient Roots: Scientists Trace Origins to Tomato Hybrid

by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor August 5, 2025

written by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor

Summary of the Article: The Potato’s Surprising Ancestry & Future Potential

This article details a new study revealing the surprising genetic origins of the modern potato. Here’s a breakdown of the key takeaways:

Potato’s Parents: The study identified the potato’s two parents as a wild, tuber-less potato-like species from Peru ( Etuberosum) and the common tomato plant.
Ancient Hybridization: This hybridization occurred roughly 5 million years ago, after the two ancestral lines had diverged about 14 million years ago. Adaptation to the Andes: The resulting hybrid developed tubers, allowing it to thrive in the cold, dry conditions of the rising Andes mountains.Tubers provided nutrient storage for cold adaptation and enabled asexual reproduction in challenging conditions. Nutritional Value: The article highlights the potato’s nutritional benefits beyond just carbohydrates, including vitamin C, potassium, fiber, and resistant starch.
Future Breeding Potential: The research offers potential for:
Improving potato breeding: Helping to remove harmful mutations by using the tomato genome as a base.
Creating novel crops: Perhaps engineering a plant that produces both tomatoes above ground and potatoes below ground.
Global Importance: The potato is the world’s third most vital food crop (after rice and wheat), and China is the leading producer.
* Nightshade Family: Both potatoes and tomatoes belong to the nightshade family.

In essence, the study sheds light on the evolutionary history of a crucial food crop and opens exciting possibilities for future agricultural innovation.

August 5, 2025 0 comments

World

From Laos to Brazil, Trump’s tariffs leave a lot of losers. But even the winners will pay a price

by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor August 2, 2025

written by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor

U.S. Tariffs Drive Up Consumer Costs, Economists Say, Despite Trump’s Claims

New analysis from economists suggests that tariffs imposed by the Trump administration are primarily impacting American consumers and businesses through higher prices, rather than penalizing foreign countries as the former president often claimed. While the exact impact is debated, the consensus among many economists is that the burden of these tariffs falls largely on U.S. households.

The tariffs, which have significantly increased the average U.S. tariff rate, are paid by U.S. import companies. These companies typically pass on the increased costs to consumers in the form of higher prices for imported goods. While this can pressure foreign exporters to lower their prices or risk losing market share, evidence suggests that overseas companies have absorbed only a fraction of these rising costs.

Economists at Goldman Sachs estimate that foreign exporters have shouldered approximately one-fifth of the increased costs associated with tariffs, with the majority of the financial burden falling on American consumers and businesses. This dynamic means that everyday items, many of which are not manufactured in the United States, have seen price increases.

companies such as walmart, Procter & Gamble, Ford, Best Buy, Adidas, Nike, Mattel, and Stanley Black & Decker have all cited U.S. tariffs as a reason for raising their prices. This trend affects a wide range of products, from apparel like sneakers and knapsacks to electronics such as televisions and video game consoles, as well as household appliances.

The impact of these tariffs is also seen as disproportionately affecting lower-income households, as they tend to spend a larger percentage of their income on essential goods that are subject to price increases. The Budget Lab at Yale University reports that the average U.S. tariff rate has risen from 2.5% at the beginning of 2025 to 18.3% currently, the highest level seen as 1934. This increase is estimated to cost the average American household an additional $2,400 annually.

The effectiveness and economic consequences of these trade policies remain a subject of ongoing discussion among economists and policymakers.

August 2, 2025 0 comments

Business

IMF Approves $2 Billion Disbursement to Argentina

by Priya Shah – Business Editor August 1, 2025

written by Priya Shah – Business Editor

IMF Approves $2 Billion Disbursement for Argentina Following Programme Review

Table of Contents

IMF Approves $2 Billion Disbursement for Argentina Following Programme Review
- Argentina’s Economic Landscape and IMF Relations
- Frequently Asked Questions About the IMF and Argentina

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) board concluded its first review of Argentina’s $20 billion program on Thursday, approving a disbursement of approximately $2 billion. The IMF acknowledged Argentina’s strong policy implementation, which has facilitated a transition to a more flexible exchange rate regime, contributing to declining inflation and continuous economic growth.

While Argentina did not meet its net reserve target for mid-June, the IMF team noted that the government’s policies, including the protection of the fiscal anchor and reserve recomposition, have been achieved. These efforts are intended to foster a more open, resilient, and market-based economy.

The agreement, valued at $20 billion over 48 months, was finalized in April. Under President javier Milei’s administration, Argentina has eased long-standing controls on foreign currency access and allowed the peso to float within a managed band.

Argentina’s Economic Landscape and IMF Relations

Argentina has a long history of engagement with the International Monetary Fund,often seeking financial assistance during periods of economic instability. The current $20 billion program represents a important commitment aimed at stabilizing the country’s economy, addressing high inflation, and promoting enduring growth. The government’s approach under President Milei emphasizes fiscal discipline, market-oriented reforms, and a more flexible exchange rate policy as key pillars for economic recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions About the IMF and Argentina

What is the primary purpose of the IMF’s program with Argentina?: The IMF’s program with Argentina aims to provide financial assistance and support economic reforms to stabilize the country’s economy, reduce inflation, and promote sustainable growth.
How much money did the IMF approve for Argentina in this review?: The IMF board approved a disbursement of approximately $2 billion for Argentina following its first program review.
What economic policies has Argentina implemented under the IMF program?: Argentina has implemented policies including a transition to a more flexible exchange rate regime, protection of the fiscal anchor, and recomposition of reserves.
Did Argentina meet all its targets in the IMF program review?: Argentina did not meet its net reserve goal for mid-June,but the IMF acknowledged the strong implementation of othre key policies.
What is the total value of the IMF program with argentina?: The total value of the agreement between Argentina and the IMF is $20 billion, spread over 48 months.
What changes has Argentina made to its currency controls?: Argentina has loosened controls on foreign currency access and allowed the local peso to float within a mobile track.

Disclaimer: This article provides data on economic and financial matters.It is not intended as financial advice. Consult with a qualified financial advisor for personalized guidance.