New research shows wheat is more sensitive to heat waves before flowering, but later heat waves reduce grain weight after an early heat wave. Sequential heat waves may also provide 'priming' protection against later heat waves.
Macropis bees primarily visit nectar-bearing Lysimachia species, including L. stenosepala, to feed on nectar and patrol for mates. This specialization contradicts prior observations of their association with oil-secreting loosestrifes.
Researchers have found that coastal wildflowers, such as the yellow monkeyflower, have evolved multiple adaptations to withstand salt spray, including altered pore structures and ability to bead up and roll off salt droplets. This knowledge could point to ways to make other plants, including crops, more resilient to salt exposure.
A UBC-led study finds that insects pose a more immediate threat to North American forests, with over 60% of areas projected to experience 30% more insect pressure by mid-century. Climate change and pests could jeopardize critical carbon sinks and air quality, costing billions of dollars in economic losses.
Research at the University of Vienna discovered that scoop-shaped pores on anther pores determine how pollen is released, with narrower, more targeted jets and faster speeds. This finding is crucial for understanding buzz-pollination and its importance in light of climate change and declining bee populations.
Researchers discovered 'bypasses' in grass plants that allow for efficient synthesis of lignin and starch, enabling rapid growth and competitive advantage. This metabolic trait also benefits agriculture and opens doors for future improvements in plant biotechnology.
New research contradicts past findings on plant recovery from drought, revealing that sunflowers cannot fully recover from drought. A study by Colorado State University found that gas bubble blockages in sunflowers' water-transporting tissues do not reverse after watering, despite appearing to recover remarkably well from drought.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have identified a new species of endangered baobab tree, Adansonia bozy, unique to Madagascar. The discovery was made possible through genetic analysis and highlights the importance of conservation efforts for this charismatic tree species.
Researchers at UC Riverside identified a genetic marker that controls avocado tree flowering patterns, allowing breeders to determine flower type long before it blooms. This discovery could revolutionize avocado breeding by making decisions faster and more efficient, with potential benefits for high-quality fruit production.
A new study documents 2,304 grass species in China, including 1,978 native and 326 alien species, with 52% of native species endemic to the region. The checklist highlights conservation efforts for threatened species, invasive aliens, and guides biodiversity research.
The Journal of Systematics and Evolution (JSE) is launching a special issue on deep sea biodiversity, covering taxonomy, phylogenomics, comparative genomics, and microbial ecology. Researchers worldwide can submit free-access papers with waived page and color charges until January 31, 2027.
A new review reveals how plant characteristics influence wetland ecosystem functioning and provides insights for conservation and restoration. Dominant plant traits support higher productivity and long-term soil carbon storage in wetlands.
Researchers from Guizhou Province have successfully assembled the first haplotype-resolved chromosome-level genome of Phoebe zhennan, a critically endangered tree species. The high-quality reference genome reveals significant genetic variations, including inversions and translocations, that may play key roles in environmental adaptation.
A global study found that plant evolutionary history plays a stronger role in shaping nonstructural carbohydrate (NSC) storage than current environmental conditions. NSC variability is organ-specific, with leaf NSCs increasing toward higher latitudes and stem and root NSCs declining.
Researchers found that colossal karst sinkholes help preserve the rare Magnolia aromatica tree while limiting gene flow and diminishing its long-term evolutionary potential. The study suggests that conservation strategies should protect both individual habitats and connections among populations.
Research reveals that drought stress stimulates primary root elongation in plants, allowing them to adapt and survive. The plant hormone abscisic acid plays a crucial role in this process by integrating with other hormonal signals to promote primary root growth.
A study in Carlos Botelho State Park, Brazil found that brown howler monkeys rest more on hot, long days when feeding on leaves. The group traveled an average of 531 meters per day, influenced by interactions with other primate species like southern muriquis and capuchin monkeys.
A new genome assembly provides insights into the genetic system behind oregano's valuable oil, revealing a JA-inducible transcription factor that directly regulates EO biosynthesis. The study identifies OvbHLH13 as a molecular target for improving EO yield and quality in Greek oregano.
The National Herbarium of Ukraine is a global archive of biodiversity containing over 2.3 million plant specimens, including priceless material gathered by renowned botanical explorers. Digitisation and international collaboration are crucial to preserving this irreplaceable scientific resource.
This study describes ten new species of Inocybe and a new record for China from the Gaoligong Mountains. The research team conducted detailed taxonomic and phylogenetic investigations using extensive field collections, morphological examinations, and molecular analyses.
A team of scientists has identified a key genetic module that coordinates chilling resilience with nitrogen use efficiency in rice. The discovery, called Chilling Phoenix, reveals how this module enhances cooling tolerance during stress and promotes nitrogen uptake during recovery.
A recent study published in Forensic Sciences Research reveals how a common moss species helped solve a cemetery crime by establishing a critical timeline. The analysis of microscopic plant material proved to be a powerful form of physical evidence, contradicting suspects' claims about when the remains were moved.
Nishi Rajakaruna, a Cal Poly biological sciences professor, has received the Charles Edwin Bessey Teaching Award for his innovative teaching methods that combine fieldwork, food, culture, and rigorous science. The award recognizes his dedication to improving botanical education at a regional, national, or international level.
Keping Ma, a CAS academician, honors Peter H. Raven's contributions to coevolution, angiosperm biogeography, and plant conservation. Raven's work on butterflies and plants introduced the concept of reciprocal adaptation and ecological networks.
Researchers found that the success of species in a new habitat depends on the proportion of suitable but absent species (dark diversity) and community completeness. Species similar to local species are more successful in lakes with fewer suitable species, while those utilizing different resources thrive in lakes with more species present.
Researchers at the University of São Paulo found that climate change increases soybean production by 50% but reduces nutritional quality due to altered composition. High carbon dioxide levels, high temperatures, and drought also affect amino acid content, starch, and protein content in beans.
Healthy plants release chemical signals called VOCs that inform neighboring plants about competitive pressure, triggering adjustments in growth and defense strategies. Genetic analysis reveals shifts in biomass linked to changes in stress-response and cellular transport genes.
A study found that a mean annual precipitation threshold of 700 mm shifts dominant controls on ecosystem nitrogen retention. In dry ecosystems, higher precipitation leads to greater plant diversity and reduced nitrogen loss.
A new study suggests integrating indigenous and local management practices into scientific and political frameworks could improve biodiversity protection. The research identifies 343 reports of management practices targeting key cultural species, highlighting the importance of custodianship in biodiversity conservation.
Researchers have identified a novel genetic locus in the common agricultural weed Elymus repens that provides significant resistance to Fusarium Head Blight, a destructive fungal disease threatening global food security. The novel Fhb.Er-1StL locus has been successfully transferred into wheat, reducing diseased plant spikelets by up to...
Researchers studied evolution of Scalesia genus, finding lobed leaves evolved through multiple genetic pathways. The study highlights the flexibility and creativity of evolution, with new species forming and populations showing large genetic differences.
Five early-career scientists have been named recipients of the 2026 BioOne Ambassador Award for their ability to communicate complex research to diverse audiences. The winners, recognized for their outstanding research in fields like wildlife conservation and botany, will receive a $1,000 award and have their work showcased.
A comprehensive phylogeny of China's vascular plants reveals a hidden global biodiversity hotspot in Central China. The region supports over 14,000 vascular plant species and at least 2,024 endemic plant species, meeting the criteria for global biodiversity hotspot designation.
Research finds global hotspots of plant invasion risk will shift geographically, with temperate regions facing increasing risks, while subtropical areas may see declining risks. The study projects significant changes in alien species composition and expected impacts on native biota and human well-being.
Climate warming significantly increases plant growth in permafrost regions by altering growing seasons and root penetration, but its impact depends on nitrogen supply. A new study reveals that moss-associated biological nitrogen fixation is a critical factor in sustaining plant growth under warming conditions.
Researchers at the University of British Columbia have identified genes and pathways responsible for plant recovery from environmental stress, including cold snaps and flooding. This discovery could lead to the creation of climate-resilient crops that can recover faster and more efficiently after climate events.
A tiny clump of moss played a crucial role in proving a crime had taken place at Burr Oak Cemetery in Illinois. The moss's age was determined to be only a year or two old, bolstering the case against the cemetery employees, who were ultimately convicted in 2015.
Researchers found that plants living in areas with human activity causing population crashes have reduced genetic diversity and higher inbreeding levels. Conservationists must consider a population's history-influenced genetics alongside its size and habitat in planning.
Climate warming stimulates sphagnum growth, promotes iron protection, and inhibits microbial decomposition in boreal peatlands. This leads to increased soil carbon accumulation, potentially offsetting half of the decline in boreal forest carbon sink under future warming.
Researchers identified genes controlling cell wall changes in ripening pistachio hulls, which can lead to cracks and tears. The study also found that the physics of forces and humidity influence degradation, with applications for other non-berry fruit crops.
A new study reveals that resilient nematodes can persist in the Atacama Desert's hostile soil, with population diversity correlating to water profile and temperature fluctuations. The findings suggest that biodiversity in arid regions may be higher than previously assumed, but also warn of ecosystem damage.
Bucknell researcher Chris Martine identified a new species of bush tomato, Solanum nectarifolium, with specialized organs that produce sweet liquid to attract ants. This is the first known Solanum species with visible extrafloral nectaries, marking a significant discovery in biodiversity science.
The Qinghai-Tibet plateau faces multiple conservation challenges due to climate change and human activity. Research reveals shifting plant diversity under these pressures, with critical gaps in understanding the mechanisms behind acclimation and adaptation. Future research prioritization is proposed to address conservation concerns.
A subset of epidermal cells in plant leaves serve as 'first responders' to chemical cues from bacterial pathogens, warning neighboring cells about the presence of an attacker. This local wave of calcium ions differs from those generated by wound-induced cellular damage, indicating distinct mechanisms for specific types of pathogen attack.
A study by University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers has identified a previously unknown gravitropism pathway in plants, which helps them orient their growth direction. This new pathway, controlled by the SLQ1 gene, works independently of the LAZY genes and may provide a backup mechanism for detecting gravity.
Researchers at Lund University analyzed old air samples collected by the Swedish Armed Forces and found that spore dispersal of northern mosses has shifted four weeks earlier over the past 35 years. Warmer autumns enable mosses to release their spores earlier in spring, with climate conditions from the previous year being the key factor.
Bryophytes, including mosses, liverworts, and hornworts, have been found to be a significant source of trace evidence in forensic science. The new study provides a comprehensive review of their role in forensic botany, highlighting their potential for linking suspects, victims, and locations.
Butterworts have evolved CAM photosynthesis, a pathway similar to that of cacti and succulents, allowing them to thrive in dry habitats. This adaptation enables the plants to conserve water and produce sticky mucilage for trapping prey.
A new study reveals that grassland degradation increases soil microbial diversity while reducing plant richness, leading to a decline in ecosystem functioning and multifunctionality. The research highlights the critical importance of conserving soil microbial communities for sustainable restoration of degraded grasslands.
A University of Utah geologist used earthquake-monitoring tools to analyze how towering saguaro cacti respond to wind and ground motion without harm. The study found that saguaros' resonance frequencies vary widely across their height, with stiffness near the bottom and flexibility at the top.
Researchers analyzed over 1,700 Instagram photos to track the invasive Carpobrotus species, finding that its populations flower longer than native ones in invaded regions. This reproductive advantage may help explain their invasive success, and the findings offer practical guidance for coastal managers.
Researchers found that increased canopy structural complexity drives positive biodiversity-productivity relationships in forests. Complementary use of canopy space by tree species enhances productivity and strengthens over time.
A study has identified a novel photomorphogenetic factor BcAMT1 that regulates light-dependent development in Botrytis cinerea. The findings suggest that BcAMT1 plays a crucial role in mediating the effects of light on fungal morphogenesis.
Researchers found that bean plants and other species evolved a predisposition for the symbiosis at least three times, supporting a long-standing theory. This biological trick allows plants to access atmospheric nitrogen, boosting crop yields.
Researchers have discovered fossilized lime blossoms and bumble bees from 24-million-year-old sediments, showing that ancient bumble bees were key pollinators of linden trees. The findings provide insights into the evolution of flower-pollinator interactions and offer valuable lessons for understanding ecosystems.
A new model developed by University of Illinois researchers can accurately predict fluctuations in the relative abundance of tree species in a forest. The model uses genomic data and a one-time tree count to forecast changes in forest diversity, which is crucial for understanding how forests will change in the future.
Researchers discovered the largest eukaryotic photosystem I-fucoxanthin-chlorophyll supercomplex in coccolithophores, which can expand its light-harvesting cross-section by three to four times while maintaining over 95% energy conversion efficiency.
A new study reveals a hidden extinction crisis in China's native flora, showing that habitat decline over the past four decades has sharply increased extinction risks nationwide. The findings suggest that current conservation efforts are failing to keep pace with biodiversity threats.
Research finds that microbial carbon use efficiency rises following abrupt permafrost thaw, driven by shifts in community composition and nutrient availability. This increase may promote the incorporation of microbial-derived compounds into soil, fostering stable carbon formation.
Researchers identified three new diterpene esters with α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, outperforming the control drug acarbose. The study demonstrates an efficient dereplication approach for discovering bioactive compounds in complex food matrices.