The researchers identified the molecular structure of a protein complex that plays an important role in regulating the circadian rhythm. The complex contains a zinc ion, which stabilizes it and may play a key role in regulating metabolic processes.
The University of California, Riverside has received a five-year, $2.4 million grant from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute to support STEM education and increase retention rates among underrepresented groups. The grant will provide lower division science students with early research immersion and career exploration opportunities.
Recent research emphasizes the significance of gene flow in plant populations, counteracting forces of mutation, genetic drift, and selection. Gene flow between populations can be surprisingly far-reaching, even among stationary individuals, with some studies detecting alleles from hundreds to thousands of meters away.
The National Institutes of Health has awarded $600,000 to the University of California, Riverside to expand its data storage capacity. This grant will enable researchers to process vast amounts of high-throughput data generated in various fields, including genome biology and biomedical sciences.
A study published in the Journal of Ecology found that between 45-48% of the world's plants are woody, contradicting initial assumptions and expert opinions. The researchers developed a statistical method to account for sampling bias and made their data and methods openly available.
A genomic investigation by University of British Columbia researchers has revealed that a lethal parasite infecting a wide range of insects originated from pond scum. The parasite, Helicosporidium, has shed its green past on its evolutionary journey, losing almost all its genes except those required for photosynthesis.
A new study revisits the evolution of pollen development in flowering plants, finding that both bi- and tricellular lineages gave rise to each other, debunking the long-standing assumption of one-way evolution. Tricellular lineages are slower-evolving but still advantageous in certain lifestyles.
A graduate student at UC Berkeley is using a new technique to recreate the appearance of ancient plants, shedding light on their evolution. The study, led by Jeff Benca, uses fossil fragments to create lifelike images of extinct plant species, including Leclercqia scolopendra, a centipede clubmoss from the Devonian Period.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison discovered that calcium waves can transmit information in plant cells, allowing them to respond quickly to environmental stressors. The team found that these waves are involved in processing information and sending rapid signals to help plants adapt to changing conditions.
A new study reveals that UK gardens with diverse global plant species support a range of pollinating insects, including threatened bumblebees. The research found that long-tongued bees prefer plants from the UK and Europe, while other species visit plants in proportion to flower availability.
A study published in PLOS ONE reveals that bighorn sheep became extinct on Tiburón Island in the Gulf of California between the 6th and 19th centuries. The research uses ancient DNA analysis to confirm the extinction, challenging conventional wisdom about the species' presence on the island.
The American Journal of Botany celebrates its centennial anniversary, tracing the journal's founding to socio-politics, personalities, and institutions. The journal has remained at the forefront of botanical research, with F.C. Newcombe playing a crucial role in its establishment.
Researchers at UC Riverside have discovered a new auxin sensing and signaling system localized on the plant cell surface, which explains how leaf epidermal cells form their distinctive jigsaw puzzle-piece shapes. This breakthrough discovery sheds light on the molecular mechanisms underlying various auxin-modulated developmental processes.
Recent research on serpentine ecosystems sheds light on the mechanisms of adaptation, natural selection, and endemism. Kruckeberg's seminal paper (1951) has influenced subsequent research on local adaptation, evolutionary pathways, and climate-soil relationships.
A new species of Stone Oak has been discovered in the Ton Pariwat Wildlife Sanctuary in Thailand. The species, Lithocarpus orbicarpus, is a medium to small tree with unique spherical acorns covered in dense scales.
Multicellularity has evolved in at least 25 plant and animal lineages, with different developmental pathways and mechanisms. The critical point is that natural selection acts on functional traits, allowing for multiple evolutions of multicellular organisms via various cellular biology aspects.
A South American tree species, Embothrium coccineum, has adapted to form cluster roots to access limited phosphorus in volcanic soils. Cluster root formation is stimulated by low soil nitrogen levels, enabling small seedlings to maintain adequate foliar P levels.
Scientists confirm that the mlo gene, which provides resistance to powdery mildew, also increases susceptibility to Ramularia leaf spot. The research found that this trade-off is most significant in spring barley and can be mitigated by breeding lines resistant to both diseases.
Paleobotanists discover complete fossil remains of Agathis trees from Australia to South America across Antarctica, revealing its vast range and adaptability. The findings provide insights into climate change's impact on the tree's distribution.
Researchers found that desert winter annuals outperform each other based on their water use efficiency and growth rate. In wet environments, plants with higher water-use efficiency thrive, while those with faster growth rates dominate in dry years.
A 115- to 125-million-year-old flowering plant fossil, named Potomacapnos apeleutheron, has been discovered in a Virginia canal bank where freed slaves were forced to dig a canal. The find raises questions about the evolution of flowering plants and pollen.
A team at the University of Geneva has generated a transgenic plant that constantly detects and responds to UV-B rays, producing high levels of antioxidants and flavonoids. This plant is equipped with an UVR8 mutated receptor, which remains active even without UV exposure.
Researchers found that thicker leaves have larger cells in all tissues except vascular tissue, and cell walls are proportionally thicker. The team developed new mathematical equations to predict internal anatomy from leaf thickness, providing insights into leaf function and design.
Research by UBC evolutionary ecologist Rob Colautti found that invasive plants can rapidly evolve to local climates, increasing reproduction and fitness. This adaptation allows them to thrive in northern Ontario and potentially respond to climate change.
Alpine plants show genetic differences in appearance and features due to Ice Age climate changes, highlighting their adaptability to environmental conditions. The study discovered variations within species are partly driven by natural selection, with plants adapting to shorter growing seasons.
The MGC Herbarium is a vital repository for Mediterranean plant diversity, containing over 76,000 vascular plant species, with 63% georeferenced and 97% taxonomically identified. The herbarium's data is accessible through the GBIF portal, supporting biodiversity research and conservation efforts.
Researchers analyzed Neogene plant fossils to understand how plants respond to climate change. The study found that stomatal density increased during the present epoch and decreased during the late Pliocene, indicating an inverse relationship with atmospheric CO2 concentrations.
Researchers used a special microscope to reveal how nanostructures contain damage within microscopic cavities, allowing trees to seal off damaged cells. The bordered pits are filled with a mesh membrane of nanofibrils that radiate from a thickened central region, controlling sap flow and protecting trees.
Researchers have closed the genetic map of the fungal kingdom by sequencing the genome of Pyronema confluens, a basal filamentous ascomycete. The study reveals key differences between this species and higher ascomycetes, shedding light on the evolution of mating type genes and light-activated processes.
The root microbiome plays a vital role in plant functions and ecosystem well-being, influencing genetic structure, health, and interactions with other plants. Microbial organisms associated with plant roots have far-flung global influences, from regulating plant performance to facilitating crop production in harsh climates.
Researchers have identified the ancient ancestor of the tulip tree line, which diverged from magnolias over 100 million years ago. The discovery sheds light on the evolution of this iconic Eastern North American species.
Researchers found that positive selection often act on residues adjacent to critical active sites, allowing for the acquisition of new functions without disrupting native folding structure. This mechanism may be a general pathway for functional diversification of enzyme families.
A study published in Botany reveals that the genetic diversity of the Branched Bartonia plant in Ontario is greater than initially thought. The research found that the Muskoka population is genetically distinct from a core population in New York State, highlighting the importance of considering genetic novelty in conservation policies.
Researchers found that plants can eavesdrop on herbivore cues, including snail slime, to mount a defensive response before being attacked. The study shows plants can use generalist herbivore cues in a sophisticated way to trigger defense mechanisms.
Researchers have uncovered the evolutionary past of psychedelic mushrooms by studying their molecular and morphological traits. The study classifies 'magic' mushrooms into different families based on shared secondary metabolites, indicating a complex history of evolution and adaptation.
A new series of articles in the American Journal of Botany explores how plants respond to climate change, providing insights into plant biology, ecology, and evolution. The studies reveal complex relationships between plants and wide-scale biological changes.
Tiny parasites, known as Mikrocytos mackini, have been found to infect Pacific oysters, causing unsightly green lesions and death. The discovery sheds light on the parasites' reduced metabolism and unique relationship with their host.
Research shows that selective grazing by slugs can prevent key grassland species from taking hold and reduce overall plant diversity. The team found that some of the most ecologically important species, such as red clover, are particularly tasty to slugs, which may hinder restoration efforts.
For the first time, a large complex of proteins and RNA has been identified in chloroplasts, which cuts non-coding regions out of messenger RNA to create a protein blueprint. The study reveals that this splicing complex contains 23 different proteins encoded in the cell nucleus.
The UNEX Herbarium has synthesized a comprehensive dataset of 36451 specimens, covering regions including Spain, Portugal, Africa, and Brazil. The dataset is now accessible through the GBIF portal, providing valuable information for researchers and students.
Renowned geneticist Susan Wessler has been elected a member of the American Philosophical Society (APS), a prestigious organization established in 1743. The election recognizes her extraordinary contributions to plant genetics and her commitment to scientific engagement and knowledge promotion.
A new checklist of Cucurbitaceae from India brings up-to-date information on the family's evolution, diversity, and distribution. The list includes 94 species, 79% of which have DNA sequences available in GenBank.
Scientists assembled the transcriptome and genome of the noxious weed Brachypodium sylvaticum, providing insights into its invasive capabilities and adaptation to new environments. The study offers a model for studying ecological and evolutionary aspects of invasion.
Researchers found that floral morphologies are less reliable than other traits in determining the relationships of papilionoid species and genera. Other morphological characteristics may indicate relationships more reliably, according to the study published in the American Journal of Botany.
A study published in Science reveals a significant decline in bee species in West Central Illinois since the late 1800s. Charles Robertson's records from the 19th century provided valuable insights into wild bee interactions, which are still relevant today.
A 10-year study found that diverse ecosystems are less likely to collapse after disturbances like climate change or pest invasion. Researchers suggest encouraging more types of plants in fields and woods to mitigate ecosystem damage.
Researchers investigate how plants sense gravity and respond to it, with a focus on genetics and the cytoskeleton's role in directing cell growth. Recent genetic studies reveal potential mechanisms for regulating actin and auxin distribution.
Researchers have discovered that the penicillin-producing fungus Penicillium chrysogenum reproduces sexually through a two-gender cycle. This leads to strains with new properties, including high penicillin production without contaminating genes.
In a recent discovery, botanists have identified three new species of cave-dwelling nettles in the Guangxi province of China. These plants thrive in extremely low light conditions, deep within limestone caves.
Researchers have discovered two new species of Caribbean orchid belonging to the Laeliinae family. The new species, Encyclia navarroi and Tetramicra riparia, were found in Cuba's eastern and western zones respectively.
Recent review reveals palm trees have living cells sustained throughout their lifetime, potentially holding the key to longevity and understanding cellular structure in plants. Palm trunks consist of individual cells living for centuries, unlike most long-lived trees with dead woody tissues.
Research reveals that symplasmic transport plays a crucial role in transporting nutrients and signaling molecules long distances within tree tissues. The study found that fluorescent dyes could be visualized in living cells and cytoplasmic bridges, confirming intercellular movement.
Scientists have discovered that microscopic protozoa stole genes from algae to produce energy, leading to the evolution of a new species. This process, called endosymbiosis, reveals a key moment in the history of life on Earth and may have implications for algae biofuel production.
A team of middle school students, led by a University of Arizona graduate student, conducted the first systematic study on leaf shrinkage when drying out. They found that leaves shrink about 20% on average, but variables such as species and structural investment determine the amount of shrinkage.
A Yale University study found that most Northern conifer species emerged within the past 5 million years, with mountainous environments driving the formation of new species. The researchers also discovered significant differences in conifer evolutionary dynamics between the Southern and Northern Hemispheres.
Biologists at Ruhr-Universität used a combination of laser microdissection and RNA-seq to analyze gene activity in the entire genome of certain fungi. They found that gene expression differs between tissue types, with some genes active only in specific tissues.
A new article provides simple guidelines for establishing basic authenticity and reliability of fungal ITS sequences, targeting traditional DNA sequencing. The guidelines aim to assist researchers in sharpening their datasets and reducing noise in public sequence databases.
A botany student has confirmed the existence of a new species, New England Banksia, previously classified as a variety of the Hairpin Banksia. The study, published in PhytoKeys, used molecular evidence to support the distinct species status of New England Banksia.
Glenn Hicks led a groundbreaking workshop in Dhaka, introducing modern approaches to biotechnology research. He found Bangladeshi students were eager to learn but needed practical training, highlighting the importance of education for quality of life.
Ontologies enable computers to transform information into knowledge by attaching meaning to data. This allows scientists to access and analyze large datasets more efficiently, facilitating breakthroughs in plant science and beyond.