A global temperature increase of 2°C would double risks for plants, animals, and insects, leading to widespread biodiversity loss. If left unchecked, warming could trigger systemic ecological simplification, threatening ecosystem services crucial for human well-being.
A recent study by University of British Columbia researchers found that the Jerusalem artichoke's ability to produce a large number of tubers is a major driver of its invasive success. The trait evolved independently multiple times in invasive populations, highlighting the potential for invasiveness to evolve repeatedly.
The digitization of botanical collections data is revolutionizing the field of botany, making valuable information accessible for computational analysis. Methods and challenges for extracting data from specimens have been discussed, as well as applications for collections data once digitized.
Scientists studied China's terrestrial ecosystems, revealing significant carbon stock changes driven by climate change, ecological restoration projects, and land-use practices. The study identified four major ecosystems with varying carbon sink or source capabilities.
Crab spiders aid buckler-mustard plants by eliminating plant-eating insects and their larvae. This unexpected alliance benefits the plant, as it increases the production of floral volatile that attracts beneficial spiders.
The Protein Society has awarded Minfei Su and Chang-Ting Lin the 'Best Paper' award for their research on autophagy, a critical process in eukaryotic cells. The winners' work investigates the structural and thermodynamic details of protein interactions, shedding light on cellular homeostasis and evolution.
Research found that older tropical forests can access deeper soil layers during droughts, while younger forests struggle to survive due to shallower root systems. This study has implications for reforestation efforts and understanding forest responses to climate change.
Researchers discovered that grapes experience internal oxygen shortage during ripening, leading to cell death and potentially affecting wine quality. The study's findings suggest that manipulating oxygen supply can reduce cell death, and may lead to new ways of selecting grape varieties for warmer climates.
Researchers discovered that Pseudomonas aeruginosa rapidly overexpresses genes coding for proteins capturing host's iron and uses lactate, lipids, and collagen as nutrients. This knowledge opens the way to develop innovative treatments to counter its strategies.
Researchers propose two distinct floras, Rhododendron Flora and Metasequoia Flora, to represent core regions of the Sino-Japanese and Sino-Himalayan flora. The study suggests East Asian flora is relatively young, with most clades originating since the Miocene, and may be a refugial area for ancient relict plants.
Research shows that plants evolve to stop producing toxic chemicals in response to immune herbivores. The study found genetic evidence of a gene's evolution and loss in multiple plant lineages, supporting the 'defense de-escalation' hypothesis.
A Rutgers study found that striped maples change sex periodically, prompted by physical damage, and can wait up to three weeks before flowering. The research suggests that the trees' ability to delay reproduction may be an adaptation to their perilous environment.
Researchers at UCR discovered that tropical trees in the Amazon Rainforest have developed an unusual way to conserve and redistribute water during drought, using a layer of living cells around their xylem. This unique method may alleviate concerns about the impact of drought on these critical climate regulators.
Researchers discovered molecular evidence of obligate symbiosis in lichens, where fungal organisms streamline their genomes to coexist with algae. This finding suggests a genetic division of labor that makes the resulting lichen more efficient, potentially conferring an ecological advantage.
A team of researchers has discovered 31 species of plants known only from caves in China, highlighting the importance of cave flora for species conservation. The study also found that plants can photosynthesize at much lower light levels than previously thought.
Researchers studied angiosperm genera in China, finding that eastern provinces have a 'museum' of ancient plants, while western provinces are an evolutionary cradle for herbaceous genera. The study suggests conservation efforts should focus on connecting nature reserves across provincial borders.
Climate change is affecting the size of organisms, including British Columbia beetles. Larger beetle species have shrunk by up to 20% in the last 45 years due to warmer temperatures.
The John Innes Centre announces the Janaki Ammal Scholarship Scheme to support postgraduate research applicants from eligible countries. The scholarships cover tuition fees for students studying plant and microbial sciences, aiming to reduce financial impact on international students.
Researchers reveal OsMAPK3-OsbHLH002-OsTPP1 pathway enhances rice chilling tolerance by increasing trehalose content and activating cold signal transduction. OsbHLH002 is phosphorylated by OsMAPK3, reducing its ubiquitination and degradation.
Researchers found that plants react to anesthetics by losing autonomous movements and being immobilized. This study suggests that plants can serve as a suitable alternative test system for human anesthesia.
During a two-week top-to-bottom survey of Penang Hill's rainforest, scientists discovered several previously unknown species, including a new scorpion and likely new fly, water bear, and bacterium. The expedition logged over 1,400 species observations, contributing valuable data for mapping the region's distribution of wildlife.
A new study reveals how a specific lichen species, Lobaria scrobiculata, changes its reproductive strategy depending on rainfall levels. In dry places, the lichen reproduces with greater intensity and smaller volumes to ensure population persistence.
A team of researchers from Friedrich Schiller University Jena and the Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology has made a groundbreaking discovery about the chemical communication between algae and bacteria. The study reveals that a specific lipopeptide, orfamide A, plays a central role in this process.
Research by Stellenbosch University found that fynbos seeds can still be viable in soils where pines have grown for up to 30 years, enabling restoration. Clearing pine plantations within 40-50 years saves time and effort in rehabilitating sites.
Researchers successfully transplanted beneficial microbes from a healthy, related species to a critically endangered Hawaiian plant, Phyllostegia kaalaensis. The treatment provided significant protection against powdery mildew disease, allowing the plants to thrive in the wild for the first time.
A study published in Biodiversity Data Journal uses deep learning techniques to differentiate between similar plant families with high accuracy. The researchers trained neural networks on digitized herbarium specimens, achieving up to 99% accuracy in distinguishing between two challenging species.
University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers have discovered an ancient loosening of a biochemical pathway that led to the evolution of characteristic red pigment in beets. The discovery sheds new light on how plants can produce various compounds and has implications for beet breeding programs.
Two new species of bird-catcher trees from Puerto Rico have been discovered and named after Frances W. Horne and Ana Roque de Duprey, unrecognised women who devoted decades to educational projects in botany. The research highlights the importance of these trees thriving in well-studied areas like the Luquillo Mountains.
Researchers investigate the effects of climate change on plant-pollinator interactions, exploring new techniques for measuring floral cues, rewards, and pollinator behavior. Studies reveal diverse tactics being used to deepen understanding of these complex relationships in a changing environment.
Researchers found that native North American species have a vegetation period approximately 3 weeks shorter than those in Europe and Asia due to fluctuating temperatures. This difference affects plant productivity and biogeochemical cycling, with implications for climate change impacts on ecosystems.
Researchers found that South Africa's oil-collecting Rediviva bee species have evolved long front legs to reach oil in snapdragons' twin spurs. The length of these spurs varies among species, and bees coat their legs with velvety hairs to soak up the oil.
A new study by ICRAF and Princeton University proposes payment schemes for rural communities to protect and restore China's native forests on collectively owned land. The researchers argue that existing policies neglect these lands and fail to promote biodiversity and ecosystem health.
Research finds that meiosis, a key process in sexual reproduction, takes a heavy toll on offspring viability, affecting various organisms including humans and non-human animals. The study suggests that the advantages of sex must outweigh its drawbacks to be advantageous for evolution.
A team of scientists from Drexel University has discovered a dinosaur-era plant, Lychnothamnus barbatus, alive in North America for the first time. The species was previously thought to be extinct and is now found in lakes across Wisconsin and Minnesota.
Scientists discover dodder parasite transmits insect feeding-induced signals among different hosts, triggering defense reactions in neighboring plants. The parasitic plant's vascular system connects with its hosts, enabling the transfer of warning signals.
Research reveals that dodder plants transmit herbivory-induced signals among host plants, triggering defense responses and reducing insect growth. The discovery showcases the complex ecological interactions between parasitic plants and their hosts.
Researchers found hundreds of new species of fungi living in association with algae in mesophotic coral ecosystems. The discovery reveals the remarkable ability of some fungi to tolerate and thrive in extremely different habitats.
Researchers at Oregon State University have discovered that diatoms, previously thought to be asexual, reproduce sexually using ammonium as an inducer. The findings may aid in the evolution of sexual behavior and offer promising biotechnological applications.
Researchers discovered that CP12 regulates enzymes GAPDH and PRK, allowing plants to respond to changing light levels. Removing all three forms of the protein results in reduced photosynthetic efficiency and smaller plant yield.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have discovered a new way that legumes, including peanuts, produce an essential amino acid called tyrosine. The team found that a single mutation in a plant enzyme is responsible for this unique pathway, which could lead to increased production of morphine and other valuable chemicals.
Katayoon Dehesh, a UC Riverside molecular biochemist, has been elected to the Leopoldina, the German National Academy of Sciences. Her research focuses on deciphering the molecular and biochemical regulatory mechanisms underlying stress-induced responses in plants.
New fossil research from the University of Adelaide suggests that the ancestors of the iconic New Zealand Christmas Tree, P?hutukawa, may have originated in Australia. The fossils, found near St Helens, East Coast Tasmania, date back to around 25 million years ago and describe two new species of Metrosideros.
Ticks use specialized pads on their feet to adhere to surfaces, allowing them to walk and search for prey on humans and animals. Their attachment mechanism is reversible and can be folded and unfolded like an accordion.
Scientists develop a new method for identifying palm species in the Neotropical genus Syagrus by analyzing the first few millimeters of the leaflet margin. This technique is useful when other morphological characteristics are unclear, providing a reliable alternative for species identification.
A special issue of Epilepsy & Behavior evaluates the benefits of medical marijuana for treating epilepsy, highlighting gaps in knowledge and education. Key findings include anecdotal data on cannabis use for epilepsy treatment and potential effects on brain function.
Researchers have engineered soybeans to withstand increased temperature and carbon dioxide levels, resulting in higher yields in future climate conditions. The modified crops outperformed conventional soybeans in field studies conducted at SoyFACE, a facility emulating future atmospheric conditions.
A new study analyzed high-resolution satellite data to quantify the impact of China's afforestation programs, finding that most new tree cover consists of sparse, low-density plantations. The research provides valuable insights for policymakers and researchers, enabling them to track returns from tree-planting investments and identify ...
The tea tree genome contains diverse genes that produce antioxidants and caffeine, contributing to its rich flavors. Researchers have successfully sequenced the genome, which is four times larger than the coffee plant genome and contains multiple copies of disease-resistant genes.
Scientists analyzed plant species in China's Hengduan Mountains and found that new species evolved at a faster rate than in nearby regions. This study provides the strongest evidence yet for the uplift-driven diversification hypothesis, supporting the idea that mountains create micro-habitats allowing species to adapt and diversify.
Researchers have identified approximately 30 terpene synthase genes that contribute to diverse flavors in cannabis. These genes play a role in producing natural products like limonene, myrcene, and pinene, which are responsible for the plant's characteristic aromas.
A four-year study of two congeneric lupines found that seed predation can shape plant communities, but the impact depends on habitat conditions. The removal of European beachgrass altered the ecosystem, leading to a rebound in the rare lupine population and suggesting that seed loss is not always detrimental.
Researchers found that plants pollinated by bumblebees became more fragrant and had larger flowers with greater UV color component. In contrast, plants pollinated by hoverflies were smaller and less fragrant, with increased self-pollination.
A custom-made software package called Identifin has been developed to standardize data collection for great white sharks. The software uses image recognition technology to match dorsal fin images and provides a user-friendly database for researchers to access.
A University of Wyoming researcher and her team have discovered that the rapid evolution of Lake Victoria cichlids was facilitated by earlier hybridization between two distantly related species. This phenomenon has resulted in over 700 species of fish evolving in just 150,000 years.
Scientifics found that lower leaves of corn and Miscanthus are less efficient in low light, leading to a 10% loss in potential yield. This 'Achilles' heel' likely applies to other C4 crops, such as sugarcane and sorghum.
A new study uses herbaria specimens to show a decrease in white trillium leaf area due to deer overbrowsing, indicating lower reproductive potential. The research demonstrates the value of herbaria collections for long-term plant population studies.
Scientists have sequenced the ash tree genome, which aids the breeding of resistant trees against ash dieback fungus. The UK is home to over 1,000 species that rely on ash trees, making their conservation crucial.
Researchers developed a mapping system to identify areas where new roads can increase food production with minimal environmental cost. The study found potential for massive habitat conversion in some proposals, but also identified areas where new roads could substantially boost food production through improved transport links.
A new mapping system uses biodiversity, climate, transport and crop yields data to identify areas for road-building projects that balance food production with environmental protection. The approach aims to guide developers and conservationists towards more sustainable infrastructure planning.
Researchers have identified flavonoids in Gymnema sylvestre R.Br. plant parts and callus culture, which exhibit antidiabetic properties. The study aimed to develop a sustainable method for metabolite production using tissue culture, helping conserve the endangered species.