Researchers have identified biosynthetic genes involved in producing usnic acid in lichens, a compound showing antiviral, antioxidant and antibacterial activity. The study reveals why some lichens lack this compound and identifies new biosynthetic genes with unknown functions.
Researchers from Hokkaido University discovered that marimo develop their characteristic spherical shape due to the rare formation of reproductive cells. The study found low levels of zoospore production, particularly in aggregative forms, which maintains the marimo's shape.
Scientists have discovered that a critically endangered tree species on Guam modifies its leaf function to best exploit prevailing light conditions. The findings provide new insights into the adaptations of trees in response to changing environmental factors.
Researchers found unprecedented magnitude of summer heatwaves and droughts in inner East Asia, tightly coupled by anthropogenic climate change. Tree-ring data suggests abrupt shift to hotter and drier climate over the past two decades.
Researchers found that the medicinal plant Lu Bei has evolved camouflage in response to human harvesting, changing color from brown to green depending on collection intensity. The study suggests that this adaptation may weaken the plant's attractiveness to pollinators.
Researchers found that Siberian primrose performed better in northern Norway than in southern Finland, indicating a lack of adaptation to global warming. Assisted migration and ex situ conservation are proposed solutions to help the species survive.
A plant species, Fritillaria delavayi, has evolved to become better camouflaged in areas with high human harvesting, increasing its survival chances. Human activity is found to be driving the evolution of camouflage in this species.
A recent study found that cassava can maintain its nutritional quality and photosynthetic efficiency even under elevated carbon dioxide levels. The crop showed significant yield increases of 22-39% in various varieties, making it a promising option for smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa.
Researchers report a successful restoration of an ancient oak woodland in Illinois, with native plant biodiversity comparable to best remnant woodlands. The team's efforts focused on rooting up invasive plants, periodically burning, seeding native plants and culling deer, achieving a level of success rare in restoration ecology.
A study of fossil records reveals that human arrival in the Bahamas caused devastating effects on birds, with some species losing their habitats and going extinct. The researchers found that many bird species, such as parrots and hawks, were still present in the islands until around 1,000 years ago.
The study reveals distinct responses of Arabidopsis thaliana to two generalist caterpillar species, the cabbage looper and beet armyworm. Researchers found that plant defense mechanisms differ in response to these caterpillars, suggesting potential strategies for coping with herbivory.
A team of scientists found that dodder parasites eavesdrop on their host plants' flowering signals to synchronize their own flowering. This allows the parasite to optimize its reproduction and increase its fitness.
Researchers discovered dodder plants synchronize flowering with host plants by eavesdropping on their FT signaling protein. This unique behavior allows dodders to thrive by parasitizing diverse hosts without fixed flowering times.
Researchers at Stellenbosch University and the University of Plymouth have successfully used unique signature whistles of individual bottlenose dolphins off Namibia's coast to estimate population size and track movement. The method, which marks a first for acoustic monitoring, yielded promising results and has potential applications fo...
Researchers successfully estimated the size of bottlenose dolphin populations using unique signature whistles, with results matching traditional photographic mark-recapture methods. The technique has potential applications in tracking other species, including endangered humpback dolphins.
Researchers at Oregon State University have found that the order of microorganisms colonizing plants has a significant impact on microbiome composition and disease susceptibility. This discovery could provide farmers with important tools to combat plant diseases and maintain crop diversity.
Research by UNSW Sydney and NSW DPI Fisheries found that artificial reefs in estuaries with limited natural reef can increase fish abundance significantly. The study revealed a 20-fold increase in fish populations in the reef areas compared to bare sand habitats, benefiting recreational fishing and environmental conservation.
Scientists at KIT have successfully introduced genetic information into a multicellular cyanobacterium, Phormidium lacuna, using natural transformation. This breakthrough opens up possibilities for basic research and biotechnical applications, including the synthesis of biofuels like ethanol and hydrogen.
A new plant species, Keraphyton mawsoniae, has been discovered in a 372-359 million year old Australian fossil. The fern-like plant shares similarities with modern ferns and horsetails, providing valuable information on plant evolution during the Devonian-Carboniferous period.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have discovered a new plant gene, CLE53, that regulates cooperation between fungi and plants. The gene helps plants absorb phosphorus more effectively, reducing fertiliser use and increasing agricultural efficiency.
Root traits respond to soil characteristics, enabling trees to adapt to harsh environments and maximize resource acquisition. The study found that contaminated soils foster shorter roots, which can immobilize toxic elements like arsenic and lead.
A recent study explores the application of deep learning in ecological resource research, addressing challenges such as multi-source/multi-meta heterogeneity and high dimensional complexity. The study highlights the potential of deep learning in connecting computer science with classical theoretical sciences in ecology.
Reconstructing the paleoecology of the Paleo-Agulhas Plain reveals a diverse, verdant environment with abundant game and plant species. The lost landscape, which existed around 11,500 years ago, supported megafauna such as giant Cape Buffalo and giraffes.
Researchers are developing innovative solutions to increase crop production under climate change conditions, including improving photosynthesis and making crops more resistant to drought. The goal is to double cereal production by 2050 to ensure global food security.
A research team has identified reliable reference genes for studying wheat meiosis, enabling precise measurements of gene expression. The discovery will aid future genetic improvement efforts, potentially allowing for manipulation of chromosome associations and integration of genes from other species.
Researchers at the University of Kansas have discovered that the mahogany family dates back to the last hurrah of the dinosaurs, with a fossil found in Canada dating back to the Campanian stage of the Late Cretaceous. The discovery pushes back the known origin of mahogany by 15-20 million years.
Researchers have identified a novel temperature sensing mechanism in plants using the phytochrome B protein, which triggers plant growth and controls flowering time. The study reveals that specific photobodies disappear selectively at different temperatures, suggesting individual sensors for specific temperature ranges.
A new study reveals that soil has a significant role in mitigating climate change, with up to 25% of global potential for natural climate solutions. The research highlights the importance of agroforestry and improved agricultural practices in enhancing soil health and carbon sequestration.
A team from the University of Illinois has developed a new method to quickly screen thousands of plants for key traits related to photosynthesis. This breakthrough technology uses hyperspectral cameras to analyze light reflected off plant surfaces and estimate trait values, allowing researchers to identify promising plants for further ...
Researchers from diverse fields collaborate to understand plant-environment interactions, bridging paleoecology, physiology, ecology, genetics, and more. Key findings reveal how plants leverage their genomes to adapt to abiotic stressors and interact with microbes.
Severe damage to male maple trees caused them to flower as females two years later, suggesting a threshold for sex-determining cues. This research supports the idea that changes in sugar concentration in female trees might be a consequence of injury and physical damage.
A recent study reveals that the herringbone pattern in plant cell walls, created by alternating angles of cellulose layers and a protein called CSI1, is critical for cell growth. This discovery challenges existing theories about cell growth and has implications for biofuels research.
New research highlights the crucial role of coastal plants in shoreline defences, which are under threat from climate change-induced rising sea levels and extreme storm events. The study calls for integration of long-term monitoring with flood risk models to predict the impact of storms on coastal ecosystems.
Exequiel Ezcurra, a professor of ecology, has been recognized for his leadership in bringing together research, education, outreach, and policy to protect the environment. He has made significant contributions to conservation science, ecosystem management, and policy outcomes.
Researchers discover that up to 90% of plant species rely on fungi for organic nutrients, challenging the long-held assumption of fair exchange relationships.
A team of researchers has developed an artificial intelligence method to predict iron deficiency responses in plants, identifying key regulatory elements and transcription factors. This breakthrough can lead to improved plant cultivation by increasing iron uptake in new varieties, enhancing adaptation to poor soil conditions.
A team of researchers discovered that soil can capture NOx gases from the atmosphere and transform them into nitrate through a process called
A new study reveals under-sampled regions across Arctic, with research gaps in Botany, Biogeochemistry, and others. The findings highlight the need for increased sampling in areas like Canadian Arctic Archipelago and northern Siberia.
A study published in PNAS found that humans are driving the loss of biodiversity among narrow-ranged plant species in China, while widespread species are thriving. The research revealed that human impact factors lead to a negative correlation with narrow-ranged species and a positive correlation with widespread species.
The MASS software program automates geometric morphometric analyses on leaf shape, reducing errors and making it more accessible to novice researchers. By utilizing digitized herbarium specimens, researchers can now analyze larger groups of data and explore new research questions.
Researchers have discovered that evergreen tree species, such as holly and ivy, are more water-efficient under rising CO2 concentrations, potentially giving them a competitive edge over deciduous trees. This advantage is expected to be particularly pronounced in cooler climates like Ireland.
Researchers found that flower shapes have evolved in adaptation to distinct pollinators, but not uniformly across the entire flower. The showy sterile organs of flowers adapted more quickly to different pollinators than the reproductive organs.
Scientists cultivate chemical reactions similar to those found on Earth, using a novel strategy to study the origin of life. The system appears to consume its raw materials, forming feedback loops and self-propagating networks.
A collection of 14 articles in Biological Conservation explores the challenges of implementing conservation measures and presents solutions, including a transdisciplinary turn in conservation. The researchers emphasize the need for improved cooperation between science, politics, and practice to navigate the spaces between research and ...
Researchers analyzed DNA samples from over 1,000 African herbivores to understand the relationship between diet, environment, and gut microbiome. They found that closely related species had similar microbiomes and diets, while domesticated animals like cattle had more sensitive seasonal changes in their microbiomes.
Researchers at Stellenbosch University have discovered a unique association between the Cape geophyte genus Oxalis and the nitrogen-fixing bacterial genus Bacillus. The bacteria help Oxalis fix nitrogen from the air and perform extraordinary feats of germination, with some species inheriting the bacteria from mother plant to seed.
A new study reveals that stalked glandular trichomes in cannabis flowers are the richest source of THC- and CBD-forming metabolites and fragrance-giving terpenes. The findings provide insight into how these trichomes make and store valuable products.
Researchers conducted a 'Photosynthesis Olympics' study to identify the most efficient wheat varieties, finding that top performers were up to 90% better than worst ones due to genetic differences. The results have significant implications for breeders and farmers, offering potential for improved yields with reduced inputs.
A study reveals that fungal types and accumulation rates mediate tree-neighborhood interactions, driving species coexistence in subtropical forests. The findings suggest a key role for pathogenic fungi and mutualists in shaping diversity patterns.
A two-year study in Sydney's urban coastal environments reveals that some beaches have elevated levels of antibiotic-resistant bacteria following rainfall. The research highlights the exchange between human wastewater streams and natural ecosystems, posing a risk to human exposure to antibiotic-resistance bacteria.
Researchers discovered physically linked mating type loci in 24 Trichosporonales fungi species, with highly conserved gene sequences. This is unusual, as mating type chromosomes tend to degenerate during evolution, and the mechanisms stabilizing these loci will be analyzed in future studies.
A special issue of PhytoKeys highlights 23 newly described species from China's biodiversity hotspots, showcasing the country's unique flora and diverse microclimates. The discovery underscores the need for conservation efforts in these regions to counteract increasing anthropogenic disturbance and destruction.
Researchers have identified a genetic suppressor of flp stomatal defects, which acts downstream from core cell cycle genes to ensure terminal division during stomatal development. The study found that CDK-mediated phosphorylation at the N-terminus of RPA2a is essential for RPA functioning and localization.
Researchers discovered that stressed plants control iron levels within cells, adapting to scarcity rather than redistribution. This finding highlights the importance of 'external borders' in cellular response strategies.
Evolutionary ecologists use quantum dots to label and track pollen grains, showing that long- and short-tubed flowers place and receive pollen on different parts of a fly's tongue. This reveals a barrier to gene flow, capturing plants in the act of speciation and providing insights into the mechanisms behind this process.
A recent study found that lower microbial abundance and aggregate protection are coexisting mechanisms underlying lower Q10 in subsoil, while substrate quality and mineral protection play less role. Microbial communities regulate depth-associated variations in Q10 in the active carbon pool, whereas aggregate protection controls it in t...
A recent study has found a greater diversity of coralline algae species in kelp forests compared to sea urchin barrens, where they thrive despite the loss of sea otters. This discovery suggests that corallines may play a crucial role in maintaining these ecosystems.
A long-term study of butterflies in Ohio found that common species are declining at a rate of 2% per year, resulting in an overall 33% decrease over 21 years. This trend is consistent with other monitoring programs in Europe and highlights the impact of environmental changes on insect populations.
Researchers discovered that the Venus flytrap's tactile sensors respond to minute pressure stimuli, converting them into electrical signals that cause the trap to close. The plant has evolved smaller traps to detect the smaller forces generated by lightweight mosquitoes.
Callery pear trees, originally introduced as urban favorites, now outcompete native species in US forests, threatening ecological balance. The invasive trees' deep roots and long growing season make them difficult to remove, posing an existential threat to native biodiversity.