14/05/2026
Scientists at University College Dublin identified a genetic master switch called Monoecy1 on the cannabis X chromosome that determines whether a plant produces male or female flowers. The twist — hops, the essential ingredient in beer, carries the same genes from the same ancient ancestor.
For growers this is a game changer. Female plants produce the valuable resins in cannabis and aromatic cones in hops. Identifying a plant's s*x early eliminates wasted resources before they become expensive.
Your morning coffee activates a longevity switch. Your evening beer shares DNA with cannabis. Biology is having a moment.
Shared for informational purposes only. Source: University College Dublin / Brandao 2026
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