Scientists discover gene that helps corn survive cold, marking breakthrough for agriculture

Scientists have discovered a natural gene variant that allows corn to better withstand low temperatures, a finding that could expand where the staple crop can be grown.

The study, published in the journal Cell in 2025, identified the gene known as COOL1. Researchers found that the variant plays a critical role in helping maize adapt to high-latitude regions and colder climates.

The discovery is part of a broader scientific initiative to understand the molecular mechanisms plants use to cope with environmental stress, such as extreme temperatures and phosphorus absorption.

While previous studies explored how crops regulate growth to survive harsh conditions, the identification of COOL1 provides a specific target for future plant breeding. Scientists aim to use this discovery to create corn varieties that are more resilient to the effects of climate change.

The discovery of the COOL1 gene marks a pivotal breakthrough in agricultural biotechnology, carrying profound implications for global food security and the commodities landscape. By engineering maize varieties with enhanced cold tolerance, the industry can effectively expand cultivation frontiers into northern latitudes across North America and Eurasia—regions previously considered marginal for high-yield production. In an era of increasing climate volatility, such advancements are critical to stabilizing the global food supply chain.

From a commercial standpoint, COOL1 is poised to become a high-value intellectual property asset for leading ag-tech conglomerates. The development and subsequent licensing of genetically modified (GMO) or selectively bred hybrids utilizing this gene represent a significant new market opportunity, likely triggering a surge in patent filings and R&D competition within the biotech sector.

For Vietnam, a major importer of maize for its livestock industry, the direct application of cold-resistant traits is limited by its tropical geography. However, the strategic significance of this discovery lies in its methodological roadmap. The successful isolation of a specific gene to address environmental stress serves as a blueprint for Vietnam’s own high-tech agricultural policy. By adopting similar genomic techniques, Hanoi can accelerate the development of climate-resilient strains of its own staple crops, most notably rice, to combat regional challenges such as drought and saltwater intrusion.

Ultimately, the COOL1 breakthrough underscores a critical policy imperative: sustained investment in plant genetics and domestic R&D is essential for nations to secure food autonomy and ensure long-term agricultural sustainability in a shifting global climate.