The researchers studied how adding a gene from maize into rice plants can help them grow better in low-nitrogen conditions. They compared normal rice plants with ones that had the gene added. The rice plants with the added gene had more sugar and less nitrogen, making them better at handling low nitrogen levels. These plants also had higher levels of certain enzymes and products related to a process called photorespiration, which helps them use carbon more efficiently. Overall, the rice plants with the added gene were more tolerant to low nitrogen and produced more grains per plant.