Nitric oxide regulates plants as well as people
Researchers have identified 19 proteins and enzymes targeted by nitric oxide in Kalanchoe pinnata, affecting seed germination, photosynthesis, sugar metabolism and disease resistance.
Search results for “Botany”
827 results for "Botany"
China's economic boom sparks biological invasions
Over 400 alien species are now considered invasive in China, with many causing significant harm to the environment. The rapid growth of China's industrial infrastructure is making it easier for organisms to spread and establish themselves throughout the country.
Study finds that damaged land can restore itself
A new study published in Restoration Ecology reveals that damaged environments can be restored within a matter of years at virtually no cost. Spontaneous revegetation allows plants from surrounding areas to move in and take root, naturally restoring the site.
AGU Journal Highlights -- March 19, 2008
A new study finds that higher CO2 concentrations increase phytoplankton productivity in the Ross Sea, Antarctica, promoting larger diatom chains. Additionally, research suggests that to stabilize global temperatures, future greenhouse gas emissions must be eliminated, committing the climate system to warming on centennial timescales.
Screening the herbal pharmacy
Researchers have identified 18 plants with substantial anti-cancer properties, including Rangoon Creeper and Red-Root Sage, which outperform conventional treatments against specific tumor cell lines.
Why juniper trees can live on less water
Junipers' adaptation to avoid 'cavitation' allows them to withstand dry conditions, while their low specific leaf area enables them to conserve water. This study reveals the key structural features behind juniper trees' exceptional drought tolerance.
Gene guards grain-producing grasses so people and animals can eat
Researchers at Purdue University have discovered a gene that guards all grass species against a devastating fungus, which can destroy crops vital for human food supplies. The naturally occurring disease resistance has allowed grasses to thrive for 60 million years.
Using DNA, scientists hunt for the roots of the modern potato
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison found that Andean potatoes were introduced to Europe around 1700, while Chilean potatoes became popular 34 years earlier, contradicting previous theories about their origins.
UF botanists: Flowering plants evolved very quickly into 5 groups
Researchers from UF and UT Austin analyzed DNA sequences to build a family tree for plants, revealing the five major lineages of flowering plants that exist today. The diversification is believed to have been sparked by various factors, including climate change and the emergence of new traits.
UCR researchers awarded nearly $1.7M to develop improved cowpea varieties
UC Riverside scientists will use genomic technology to develop new and improved cowpea cultivars with drought tolerance and resistance to pests and diseases. The goal is to benefit resource-poor African farmers by increasing yields and income generation.
Plants can be used to study how and why people respond differently to drugs
A team of researchers discovered a key protein in plants that creates drug resistance and is similar to proteins found in humans. This finding could help uncover new factors contributing to variable drug responses in humans and advance the understanding of drug sensitivity.
UCR plant cell biologist to study how plant stem cells maintain and change their identity
A UCR plant cell biologist is studying how plant stem cells maintain their identity and specialize into different cell types. He will use two powerful methods, microgenomics and live imaging, to understand the molecular and cellular mechanisms behind stem-cell regulation.
Refugia of the Brazilian Atlantic rainforest could be the basis for its regeneration
The Brazilian Atlantic forest has lost 95% of its original size, but researchers have found 'refugia' where the forest is still thriving. These regions may hold the secrets to regenerating the ecosystem.
SourceInstitut de recherche pour le développement·JournalDiversity and Distributions·DateSep 5, 2007
Dr. Elliot Meyerowitz awarded ASPB foundation grant for science education public outreach
Dr. Elliot Meyerowitz has been awarded a grant from the American Society of Plant Biologists (ASPB) Foundation to develop a teacher-training program focused on plant science education public outreach. The program will use plants as model systems to address state biology standards in the Pasadena Unified School District.
Discovery in plant virus may help prevent HIV and similar viruses
Researchers genetically modified a plant to halt reproduction of cauliflower mosaic virus, which attacks the same protein complex used by HIV. The plant's protein complex involves two genes that can be blocked to prevent viral replication.
Size and positioning of floral anthers facilitates pollen collection by bees
The study reveals that flowers' anthers play a crucial role in facilitating pollen collection by bees. The researchers found that the size, shape, placement, and timing of anthers can be controlled by genetic networks and non-coding sequences.
SourceAmerican Society of Plant Biologists·JournalInternational Journal of Plant Sciences·DateJul 9, 2007
Size and positioning of floral anthers facilitates
The sizes and positions of floral anthers facilitate pollen collection by buzz-pollinating bees, according to Dr. Endress's work. Slight genetic changes can affect flower morphology and pollinator compatibility, highlighting the importance of understanding these interactions.
Iowa State University botanists identify new species of North American bamboo
Researchers identified a third native North American bamboo species, Arundinaria appalachiana, which differs from other two species in dropping its leaves in the fall. This discovery was made by Iowa State University botanists Lynn Clark and Jimmy Triplett, along with their colleague Alan Weakley.
UCR researchers examine how some invasive plants gain a foothold
Researchers found that controlling sexual compatibility in self-incompatible plants like the California wild radish can help minimize their reproductive success and prevent establishment. Larger population sizes and genetic diversity also boosted reproduction, highlighting potential strategies to combat invasive plant spread.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 9, 2007
Global warming will reduce ocean productivity, marine life
A 10-year satellite-based analysis found that global warming reduces marine life and phytoplankton production, which removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and fuels ocean ecosystems. This study reveals a tight link between climate change and ocean productivity, highlighting the importance of understanding this feedback mechanism.
Fires in far northern forests to have cooling, not warming, effect
Researchers found that northern forest fires could lead to a net cooling effect due to the reflection of sunlight by deciduous trees with light green leaves. This study suggests re-examining strategies for reducing carbon dioxide emissions through ecosystem management.
Iron critical to ocean productivity, carbon uptake
A new study found that large segments of the Pacific Ocean lack sufficient iron to trigger healthy phytoplankton growth, leading to overestimated ocean productivity. The researchers estimate a 2-4% reduction in global ocean carbon uptake due to this oversight.
UCR researchers determine genetic origin of California wild radish
A study by UC Riverside researchers found that the California wild radish is a hybrid of cultivated radish and jointed charlock, having completely replaced its ancestors in less than 100 years. The researchers attribute this rapid spread to unique traits such as unswollen roots and early flowering.
Historic plant type specimens to go digital
The Academy of Natural Sciences is digitizing historic plant type specimens, featuring over 30,000 samples from the 18th century. This project provides a valuable resource for researchers worldwide, particularly those in developing countries with limited access to research libraries and herbaria.
UCR researchers design chip that can improve citrus varieties
The GeneChip Citrus Genome Array is a new tool that helps researchers identify genes associated with desirable traits in citrus, such as easy peeling and flavor components. The array will also aid in the development of new diagnostic tools for citrus agriculture and post-harvest fruit handling.
UC Riverside researchers release new variety of asparagus
DePaoli asparagus offers a higher yield of spears than other varieties, reducing labor costs and making the vegetable more profitable. The new variety boasts an excellent spear quality, with a high percentage of marketable spears.
Pleasing plant shapes explained by new computer model
Researchers created a three-dimensional simulation of plant growth, simulating cell division and auxin concentrations to reveal the molecular mechanism behind phyllotaxis. The model enhances biological experiments and promises accurate models for other organisms' development from primordial stem cells.
Grants will give developing world access to scientific research
Yale is establishing an online library for developing countries to access peer-reviewed scientific literature. The project aims to increase the ability of scientists in underdeveloped nations to conduct high-quality research and develop educational programs.
Central Americans save plant diversity through local cultivations
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis report that Central American farmers have preserved genetic variation in the jocote by growing it locally for family consumption. This practice, despite large-scale deforestation, has helped maintain diversity in the species through multiple domestications.
SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 9, 2005
Biologists discover new pathway into plant cells
Researchers at Oregon State University have identified a protein that can cross plant cell membranes and function as a toxin, allowing for potential manipulation of plant behavior. The discovery bears similarity to mammalian cell function and may lead to new tools for delivering compounds inside plant cells.
NC State researchers redesign life for Mars and beyond
Researchers at NC State have successfully transferred genes from a heat-tolerant sea microbe, Pyrococcus furiosus, into tobacco and Arabidopsis plants to enhance their resistance to extreme temperatures. The study's findings show promise for developing plants that can thrive in harsh conditions on Mars and other planets.
EMBO honours leading Italian and Russian science communicators
Italian scientist Boncinelli is recognized for his ability to cover multiple disciplines in his books. He finds balance between scientific facts and a social context. A Russian scientist, Dr. Alexander Vershinin, receives an additional prize for his education initiative promoting marine life knowledge among children.
Virtual trip to the heart of 400 million years old microfossils
Researchers identified ancient charophyte algae fossils with complex evolution, including vertical and spiral structures. The study sheds light on the Paleozoic era's climate and provides a non-destructive method for investigating small fossils.
Genetic discovery could lead to drought-resistant plants
Researchers have discovered a key gene controlling how leaves close their surface pores, leading to improved understanding of plant responses to climate. This finding has significant implications for crop breeding and studying evolutionary responses to drought.
Purdue researchers find key to rice blast fungus
Researchers identified an enzyme called MAP kinase as a crucial player in the fungus' attack, triggering cellular communication necessary for fungal invasion. Understanding this process is essential to develop new fungicides or resistant rice plants.
Plants defy Mendel's inheritance laws, may prompt textbook changes
Purdue University researchers discovered that some plants can revert to normal traits carried by their grandparents, bypassing genetic abnormalities carried by both parents. This challenges accepted scientific beliefs and may prompt textbook revisions.
2004 AAAS International Scientific Cooperation Award to Michael J. Balick
Dr. Michael J. Balick was honored by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) for his tireless efforts to promote scientific collaboration in ethnobotany. He received the award for preserving traditional knowledge and supporting local scientists, as well as his research on plant domestication and conservation.
Assumptions of effects of rising carbon dioxide probed
A team of researchers, led by UCR scientist Michael Allen, investigated the response of a mycorrhizal fungal community to CO2 concentrations over six years. The findings suggest that previous work has overestimated the magnitude of community and ecosystem responses to carbon dioxide changes.
New system can measure productivity of oceans
Researchers developed a new method to measure phytoplankton growth rates and biomass using satellite data, providing insights into the Earth's oceans. This discovery has significant implications for understanding marine ecosystems, fisheries, and climate change.
Quantum dots research leads to new knowledge about protein binding in plants
Researchers used quantum dots to visualize protein localization in plant cells for the first time, providing valuable understanding of pollen tube interaction. The study paves the way for using quantum dots in live imaging and improving plant breeding techniques.
Dwarf mistletoe reveals its sexual secrets
Dwarf mistletoe has an extreme water-pump seed ejection system that fires seeds up to 20 meters. This discovery could aid disease control by targeting the unique characteristics of dwarf mistletoe reproduction.
SourceNatural Sciences and Engineering Research Council·JournalCanadian Journal of Botany·DateDec 14, 2004
A $2 Million NSF grant brings technology and biology together at UC Riverside
A $2 million NSF grant enables researchers to develop real-time soil monitoring technologies, reducing the impact of fertilizers and greenhouse gases on the environment. The project aims to determine best management practices for California agriculture while minimizing harm to the environment.
National Science Foundation awards $2 million grant to UC Riverside
A five-year study will monitor weed growth and make recommendations for maintaining fragile biodiversity, which is already impacted by development. The research aims to determine the threshold at which nitrogen affects different vegetation types and model future vegetation based on N emissions and urban development scenarios.
Restoring sweetgrass to the South Carolina lowcountry
Researchers found that residential development is the primary cause of sweetgrass scarcity, and basket makers support alternative management plans. They propose setting aside land for growing sweetgrass and working with island residents to access the resource.
UCR earns $1.5 million grant to examine how engineered crop genes stray
The project aims to examine both natural and human factors that spread transgenes into non-engineered crops and natural populations. Biological scientists will collaborate with social scientists to develop a global model of gene flow, accounting for human and natural processes.
Huge market for forest moss raises concerns
The huge market demand for forest moss is causing ecological concerns, with millions of pounds being harvested annually. The removal of large amounts of moss can lead to unintended consequences, such as removing endangered species or shipping insect pests overseas.
New England forests at greater risk from air pollution
A new study reveals that New England forests are under greater threat from air pollution compared to those in the Southeast region. The research used lichen community composition as an indicator of air pollution and found that nearly one-eighth of the New England area is affected by poorer air quality.
Ecosystem bounces back from hurricanes
A team of scientists found that the estuaries were resilient and recovered quickly from the storms, with most shellfish and finfish populations returning to normal. However, blue crabs took longer to recover due to overfishing and floodwaters disrupting their migration patterns.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 14, 2004
Keeping your peas and carrots safe to eat
A recent study highlights the importance of implementing sanitary growing and harvesting conditions worldwide to reduce the risk of human disease outbreaks linked to fresh produce. Plant pathologists emphasize the need for good quality irrigation water and sanitary worker conditions, particularly as international imports increase.
Birds use herbs to protect their nests
Researchers found that several plant materials and extracts inhibited the growth of harmful bacteria when introduced into bird nests. These findings suggest that parent birds may be using medical botany as a form of effective home nest security to protect their offspring from disease.
UCR study says second-hand smoke affects healing
A UCR study found that exposure to second-hand smoke compromises the ability of fibroblasts to move towards damaged tissue, leading to abnormal healing and excessive scarring. The research team discovered that components of second-hand smoke alter the cells' cytoskeleton, increasing adhesive properties and reducing mobility.
Researchers develop computer application to 'read' medical literature, find data relationships
A new software application called IRIDESCENT allows researchers to easily identify commonalities in research data and relate them to their studies, saving time and speeding discovery. The system emulates the scientific thought process and can compile diverse facts to present a list of 'hypotheses' for finding hidden knowledge.
Simple sugars make cell walls like steel
Purdue University scientists discovered that simple sugars, particularly galactose, are essential for maintaining plant cell wall strength. The study found that enzymes break down xyloglucan polymers during growth, allowing microfibrils to separate and new fibers to be integrated, preventing the cell wall from becoming too thick.
SARS coronavirus part bird, part mammal: study
Researchers believe SARS evolved from a rare recombination of mammalian and avian viruses, enabling it to evade human immune systems. The study sheds light on the evolutionary history of SARS, which may hold clues to designing effective treatments and vaccines.
Newly identified gene may halt fuzzy, moldy fruit
A newly identified gene, BOS1, has been found to regulate plant response to both biological and non-biological stresses. This gene provides resistance to the gray mold disease that destroys up to 30% of tomato and strawberry crops annually.
Purdue researchers solve decades-old corn, sorghum problem
A team of Purdue University researchers has identified the genetic mechanism responsible for dwarfed appearance in corn and sorghum plants. This finding may help develop dwarf forms in other crops, improving food production in certain regions. The study also reveals a genetic phenomenon involving direct duplication that causes instabil...
Newly found gene resistant to economically crippling wheat disease
A newly discovered gene, Stb8, has been found in bread wheat species to be resistant to Septoria tritici leaf blotch, a fungus causing significant yield losses worldwide. The gene's longer duration of effectiveness compared to previous genes may make it a valuable addition to breeding programs.
June issue ofPlant Physiologyhas significant UCR contributions
The June issue of Plant Physiology features UCR's Center for Plant Cell Biology, which addresses fundamental questions in plant biology through interdisciplinary approaches. The center's work has significant implications for understanding plant cell function and responses to environmental changes.
Problem-Based Learning Center at Wake Forest gets Hughes Grant
The Wake Forest Problem-Based Learning Center has received a $539,352 grant from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute to support teacher professional development. The center's program, which uses problem-based learning to engage students in real-world science and math projects, has shown remarkable success, with 97% of tracked students ...
Harry Potter and the Ecuadorian flowers
A new species of the gentian family, Macrocarpaea apparata, has been discovered in Ecuador. The plant was found to have yellowish-white bell-shaped flowers that emerge only as darkness falls, mirroring the magical concept of apparition.