Researchers developed an AI tool, AIMe, to predict and organize small molecule structures, covering over 100 million compounds. The tool, called DeepMS2Reasoner, uses neuro-symbolic AI to simulate molecule fragmentation, providing interpretable outputs and accelerating hypothesis generation.
Researchers discover a natural compound ascr#18 that primes plants to fight pathogens more effectively, increasing resistance without sacrificing growth and development. The treatment, effective in various crops, provides a promising solution for global food security and sustainability.
Researchers connected visible stress responses to genetic and physiological changes in plants, identifying a conserved stress signaling mechanism. A protein called DUS2 was found to regulate photosynthesis under stress by modifying RNA transcripts.
Research reveals that the invasive fern species S. molesta has a clonal nature, making it highly efficient and prone to rapid spread. This understanding challenges prevailing models of fern genome evolution and offers insights into its remarkable reproductive biology.
Laura Gonzalez Garcia, a postdoctoral researcher at BTI's Nelson Lab, has been selected as a 2026 Pew Latin American Fellow to study RNA modifications. She aims to understand the functional role of dihydrouridine (DHU) modification and its potential as a biomarker for cancer and crop performance.
PrecizionIQ is a health technology startup using high-resolution mass spectrometry and AI to detect chromosomal abnormalities in early pregnancy. The company aims to make prenatal testing more accurate, affordable, and accessible.
Dr. Natalie Hoffmann receives the inaugural Jane Silverthorne Postdoctoral Fellowship to investigate plant cell wall plasticity during arbuscular mycorrhizal symbioses. She aims to understand how plants remodel their cell walls to allow beneficial fungi to grow through them.
A comprehensive watermelon super-pangenome has been established to understand genotypic differences contributing to phenotypic variation in watermelon. This resource integrates 138 genomes from wild and cultivated watermelons, revealing evolutionary relationships and genomic prediction capabilities.
The Boyce Thompson Institute has received a multi-year award from the USDA's FANE program to expand access to biotechnology education for K-12 students. The P-BIOTEK initiative will create hands-on learning opportunities and community science programs to introduce students to plant biotechnology, bioengineering, and science communication.
Dr. Eric Richards, a professor at BTI, has been awarded a 2026 Guggenheim Fellowship to investigate Daniel MacDougal's pioneering work on ovarial injection experiments in plant genetics. He aims to use archival research and modern DNA sequencing to determine if MacDougal's protocol actually created mutations.
Researchers discover a unique protein component, RbcS-STAR, that helps concentrate carbon dioxide around Rubisco, boosting photosynthetic efficiency. This breakthrough could lead to more sustainable food production by improving crop yields while reducing environmental impact.
A research team led by Boyce Thompson Institute has created the most comprehensive genetic map of cucumber ever made, revealing nearly 172,000 large-scale DNA rearrangements that shape its evolution and agronomic traits. The study found that structural variants were purged during domestication, but continued to be present in global var...
Researchers at the Boyce Thompson Institute have developed new tools to study the molecular level of plant-fungus partnerships. By identifying key proteins involved in nutrient exchange, they aim to develop crop varieties that form more effective symbioses, reducing fertilizer costs and improving crop resilience.
Researchers at Boyce Thompson Institute engineered compact goldenberry plants that are 35% shorter than their wild relatives, making them viable for commercial agriculture. These new plants have the same nutritional profile as commercially available goldenberries but can be grown at higher density and with reduced maintenance.
The Jane Silverthorne Postdoctoral Fellowship Program provides comprehensive support for groundbreaking research in plant science. The program aims to nurture innovative scientists and foster collaboration between disciplines.
Researchers have discovered that Phytophthora infestans can quickly acquire and lose resistance to mefenoxam, a common fungicide used to manage the disease. The pathogen uses a defense mechanism known as pleiotropic drug resistance, which activates cellular pumps to eject the fungicide.
A $2 million collaboration will use genomics and targeted recombination to create drought-tolerant and disease-resistant tomatoes. This project seeks to improve global food security by leveraging cutting-edge technologies to address environmental stress and pathogens.
Scientists have decoded the complex genome of sweetpotato, revealing an intricate origin story and providing a powerful tool for improvement. The research showed that sweetpotato is a 'segmental allopolyploid,' with six sets of chromosomes that contribute to its remarkable adaptability and disease resistance.
Researchers at Boyce Thompson Institute developed a new method for transforming maize using leaf whorls, reducing the need for advanced growing facilities. The new technique has been tested on two maize genotypes and shown to be effective in boosting plant resistance.
Researchers found that pathogenic bacteria like Pseudomonas syringae produce glycosyrin, a molecule that blocks plant immune surveillance. Plants have evolved countermeasures to strip away sugars from flagellin, but this bacterial strategy disrupts these defenses and creates conditions favorable for bacterial growth.
A recent study reveals that gut bacteria modify bile acids to control digestion, cholesterol levels, and fat metabolism. The body counters this influence by producing compounds that act as FXR antagonists, ensuring a finely tuned system.
Scientists discover unique hornworts with natural CO2-concentrating mechanism, optimizing photosynthesis and potentially revolutionizing agriculture. The discovery could lead to increased crop yields and improved food security, making it a promising direction for sustainable agriculture.
Research on hornwort genomes uncovers the secrets of plant evolution, revealing stable autosomes despite deep evolutionary history. The study also identifies dynamic accessory chromosomes and potential sex chromosomes, providing insights into plant reproductive strategies and adaptation to environmental challenges.
A new study reveals insights into leveraging allele dosages in sweetpotato breeding practices to improve key agricultural traits. Researchers found that differences in allele dosage significantly impact root weight, plant architecture, and flesh color.
An international team of researchers warns that climate change could lead to widespread food shortages and famine if rapid changes are not made to develop climate-resilient crops. The group emphasizes the need for unprecedented collaboration between scientists, farmers, policymakers, and the public to address this crisis.
A study has identified a gene called MdTCP11 that controls the growth of compact apple trees, also known as spur-type varieties. These trees exhibit increased fruit yield and require less pruning, making them ideal for modern orchards.
Piangua populations are experiencing a significant loss of genetic diversity due to intense harvesting, reducing their ability to adapt to environmental challenges. The study reveals subtle genetic variations among local populations, highlighting the need for targeted conservation strategies.
Researchers have decoded the genetic makeup of 'Samantha' rose variety to create a powerful resource for future comparative genomic studies. The study found that human selection has significantly influenced the genetic diversity of modern roses, but preserving genetic traits is essential for their health and adaptability.
A recent study discovered that COI1 proteins in maize balance growth and defense by degrading JAZ and DELLAs. This finding could lead to developing more resilient maize varieties. The research revealed an unexpected role of COI1 in regulating DELLA levels, enabling maize to thrive under hot and arid climates.
Researchers studied how viruses move proteins in fruit flies to infect other animals. They found that viral proteins have built-in GPS signals guiding them to precise locations within the host cells. This knowledge could lead to new strategies for disrupting virus movement and controlling insect-borne diseases.
The Boyce Thompson Institute's cluster hire process values teamwork and inclusivity, leading to a significant increase in female applicants and hires. The approach, which emphasizes collaboration from the start, has shown promising results in creating diverse and effective research teams.
A study on wild tomato species reveals that a plant's vigor plays a significant role in its salt tolerance. The researchers found correlations between traits like transpiration rate, shoot mass, and ion accumulation with plant performance under salt stress.
Researchers developed more resilient varieties of cotton by analyzing its genes and physical traits. They found two key regulatory genes that help cotton plants manage water stress while maintaining fiber production.
Researchers have used CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing to improve groundcherry's growth habit and fruit characteristics. This breakthrough could lead to increased crop yields and reduce the need for pesticides. The study also highlights the potential of groundcherry as a model species for studying plant biology.
A new study reconstructs the global migration history of Phytophthora infestans, challenging the common theory of its Mexican origin. The research found that P. infestans likely originated in the South American Andes and then spread globally.
A new system developed by Boyce Thompson Institute makes affordable, mobile and high-throughput phenotyping tools accessible worldwide. This allows researchers to conduct data-driven studies on plant growth and responses over time, accelerating breeding of more resilient crop varieties.
Researchers discovered that ferns and flowering plants independently evolved nectaries around the same time to defend against herbivores. Ferns likely recruited ant defenders secondarily, tapping into pre-existing relationships as they transitioned from forest floor to canopy.
Scientists at Boyce Thompson Institute have developed a method to enhance Rubisco production in maize, increasing carbon assimilation and boosting plant height. The transgenic plants also showed improved resilience to chilling stress, maintaining higher photosynthetic rates during cold exposure.
A team of researchers decoded the origins and spread of the bottle gourd, a staple in ancient civilizations for over 10,000 years. The study mapped the genetic blueprint of 197 varieties, revealing its domestication in Southern Africa around 12,000 years ago.
Scientists explored desiccation tolerance in mosses, tracing 450 million years of plant evolution. They found closely related species use similar pathways to coordinate dehydration but differ in rehydration management.
Recent research by scientists at Boyce Thompson Institute reveals that a specific fatty acid produced by gut bacteria directly influences fat metabolism in animals. This discovery sheds light on the complex interplay between diet, gut microbiota, and host metabolic health.
Groundbreaking research reveals key insights into plant-AM fungi interactions, including the roles of two proteins, CKL1 and CKL2, which control lipid flow essential for fungal survival. This symbiosis could lead to advances in agricultural sustainability and crop resilience.
A new study reveals critical patterns of protein fatty acid attachment in C. elegans, a microscopic worm offering insights into fundamental biological processes. The findings highlight the link between protein modification and specific fat metabolic pathways, with vast implications for human health.
A team of researchers has found that homosporous lycophytes have maintained a consistent genetic structure for over 350 million years. This unusual phenomenon reveals important aspects of plant evolution and genetics, providing a unique window into the past.
Researchers at Boyce Thompson Institute discover helper NLRs Nrc2 and Nrc3 play a vital role in triggering the plant's immune response, activating MAPK signaling to induce immunity in tomatoes. The study highlights the importance of these proteins in ensuring crop resilience against pathogens.
Researchers at the Boyce Thompson Institute discovered a novel family of metabolites called acylspermidines that are linked to sirtuin activity. These compounds were found to influence lifespan in C. elegans and cell proliferation in mammals, providing new insights into the physiological functions of spermidine and sirtuins.
Researchers sequenced genomes of key cultivated and wild pepper species to identify genes associated with critical traits like fruit shape, flavor, and stress responses. The study provides valuable genomic resources for future functional studies and breeding efforts.
Scientists at the Boyce Thompson Institute have constructed a comprehensive 'super-pangenome' for watermelon and its wild relatives, uncovering beneficial genes lost during domestication. This genetic toolkit can be used to develop varieties with enhanced yield, increased disease resistance, and improved adaptability.
Researchers at Boyce Thompson Institute discovered a unique tomato mutation that unlocks the potential for enhanced fruit quality and stress resistance. The mutation, called 'adpressa', shows major transcriptional and metabolic adjustments, including increased levels of soluble sugars and enhanced growth.
A new study reveals a consistent difference in favorability ratings between gene editing and genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in social and traditional media. Gene editing consistently receives higher favorability ratings, with close to 100% achieved in numerous monthly values, indicating a positive shift in public sentiment.