Kirti Rathore

Texas A&M University professor Kirti Rathore has developed a technique to reduce the toxicity of cotton seeds, which could create a new protein source for chicken, fish, and even people.

But despite many meetings, Rathore hasn't found a company yet that will market the seeds.

He says they're concerned about profitability.

Now he's trying to give the seeds to cotton-growing countries across the world to prove their viability.

Officials in Uzbekistan will be the first to give the modified seeds to their farmers.

For NPR News, I'm Michael Marks.