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Study shows how plant roots access deeper soils in search of water

Plant scientists have discovered how abscisic acid (ABA) and auxin influence root growth angles in cereal crops like rice and maize to seek deeper water reserves. This mechanism could lead to developing drought-resistant crops with improved root system architecture, addressing global food security concerns.

Plants transformed into detectors of dangerous chemicals

Researchers at UC Riverside successfully engineered a plant to turn beet red in the presence of a banned pesticide, enabling an environmental sensor without damaging its native metabolism. This breakthrough opens up possibilities for detecting other toxic substances like drugs and birth control pills in water supply.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

The dual face of photoreceptors during seed germination

Phytochromes play a dual role in seed germination of Aethionema arabicum, stimulating but also inhibiting germination. The study reveals that high light intensity and duration inhibit germination, while short exposure favors germination, indicating a genetic basis for adaptation to environmental requirements.

Researchers solve pre-harvest sprouting in rice and wheat

A recent study reveals that the SD6/ICE2 molecular module regulates seed dormancy in rice, controlling abscisic acid homeostasis. By editing this gene, researchers improved pre-harvest sprouting resistance in both rice and wheat, offering a promising strategy for improving crop yields.

Decoding how plants survive drought

Researchers discovered that ABA inhibits stomatal production by phosphorylating the master regulator SPEECHLESS, reducing its levels and leading to decreased stomatal number. This finding could lead to fine-tuning crop plants' drought tolerance through targeted manipulation of the underlying 'code'.

Plant stress transformed into rapid tests for dangerous chemicals

Researchers have developed innovative tests for multiple chemicals using plant-based molecules that can detect synthetic cannabinoids and banned pesticides. The system uses a simple and inexpensive approach to quickly signal the presence of nearly 20 different chemicals.

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

What plants need to withstand drought

Researchers at NTNU identified a molecular component, THE1, required for modulating cell wall stiffness and abscisic acid production in plants. This finding provides novel insights into plant adaptation to drought and changing environments, with potential benefits for agriculture.

How do plants hedge their bets?

Researchers found that genetically identical seeds can have varying germination times due to the ABA-GA network, which allows for a 'bistable switch' behavior. This variability in germination time can be beneficial for plants growing in unpredictable environments, such as agriculture and natural areas.

New study finds a shortage of therapists to treat children with autism

A new study found a significant shortage of therapists to treat children with autism, with substantial variation across states and regions. The study suggests that higher public education spending and median household income are associated with more certified Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) providers per capita.

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Game changer: New chemical keeps plants plump

A UC Riverside-led team has developed a chemical to help plants retain water, reducing crop losses from drought. The new compound, Opabactin, is more effective than earlier versions and works quickly, allowing farmers to manage crop performance.

A new drought-protective small molecule 'drug' for crops

Researchers have created a synthetic abscisic acid (ABA) mimic, opabactin, nearly 10 times more effective in manipulating crop water use than natural ABA. The molecule demonstrates high potency in wheat and tomato plants and provides long-lasting protection against underwatering.

How plants measure their carbon dioxide uptake

In a balancing act between drying out and starving in dry conditions, plants use an elaborate network of sensors to regulate their carbon dioxide uptake. The study reveals that guard cells have sensors for CO2 and ABA, allowing them to measure photosynthesis and water supply, and adjust the stomata accordingly.

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News about a plant hormone

Scientists have found that jasmonic acid triggers the quick closure of stomata, a crucial mechanism for plants to conserve water during drought stress. The discovery also reveals a molecular crosstalk between jasmonic acid and abscisic acid, two key plant hormones involved in regulating stomatal conductance.

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

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Discovery of compounds that keep plants fresh

Researchers at Nagoya University have discovered new compounds that can control stomatal movements in plants, preventing leaves from drying up and suppressing withering. These compounds could lead to the development of agrochemicals for drought tolerance and extend the freshness of cut flowers.

Infants are able to learn abstract rules visually

Researchers at Northwestern University found that infants as young as 3 months old can detect and generalize visual patterns, solving a puzzle about their cognitive abilities. The study demonstrates that infants are capable of learning abstract rules visually, indicating an early origin in infancy.

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ABA: Evolution of a plant hormone

Researchers found that the plant hormone ABA did not yet regulate water balance in early land plants like ferns. Instead, it played a key role in sex determination. The study suggests that the evolution of ABA's function changed as plants transitioned to flowering plants.

Scientists trace plant hormone pathway back 450 million years

Researchers discovered that abscisic acid (ABA) promotes femaleness in ferns, which is linked to spore dormancy. ABA also plays a key role in regulating stomate function in flowering plants, allowing them to conserve water during drought. This study sheds light on the evolution of plant hormones and their roles in ancient species.

Overlooked plants defy drought

Scientists have discovered that certain plants resistant to a hormone called abscisic acid (ABA) can grow better than normal neighbors during droughts. ABA-resistant varieties may hold the key to breeding 'stay green' traits in crops, which could help them retain their leaves and continue to produce food and other essential resources.

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Fighting rice fungus

A study published by University of Delaware plant scientists has identified a stress hormone that appears to increase the virulence of the rice blast fungus. The research may lead to new control methods for the devastating disease.

Four fairies watch over Sleeping Beauty

Researchers discovered a network of transporters involved in controlling hormone ABA transport to seed embryos, ensuring optimal germination timing. This knowledge can be integrated into breeding programs to prevent premature germination and reduce economic losses.

Scientists reprogram plants for drought tolerance

A team of scientists led by Sean Cutler at UC Riverside successfully repurposed an agrochemical to enhance plant drought tolerance. The researchers engineered plant receptors to respond to mandipropamid, a widely used agricultural chemical, and found that the plants effectively survived drought conditions.

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Abscisic acid treatments can prevent tomato blossom-end rot

Research found that abscisic acid (ABA) treatments can increase calcium concentrations in tomato fruit, reducing the risk of blossom-end rot. ABA applications were effective in early stages of plant development, but additional treatments may be needed for later stages.

Drought hormones measured

Researchers at Carnegie Institution have developed a new method to measure abscisic acid levels in individual plant cells, shedding light on the hormone's role in plant stress responses. This breakthrough tool has the potential to improve crop yields and inform strategies for mitigating the impacts of drought and climate change.

American Bar Association awards lower ratings to women and minorities

A new study by University of Rochester researcher Maya Sen finds that the American Bar Association systematically awards lower ratings to minorities and women than to white or male candidates. This has significant implications for representation in federal courts, with African Americans being 42 percentage points less likely to receive...

Improving crop yields in a world of extreme weather events

A UC Riverside-led team has discovered a new chemical called quinabactin that mimics a naturally occurring stress hormone in plants to improve drought tolerance. This breakthrough could provide a powerful tool for farmers to protect their crops under extreme weather conditions.

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Abatacept as effective as adalimumab in rheumatoid arthritis

A head-to-head trial shows that subcutaneous abatacept is as effective as adalimumab in clinical and functional outcomes for patients with active rheumatoid arthritis. The study found comparable efficacy and safety profiles between the two treatments, with fewer injection site reactions in the abatacept group.

Botanical compound could prove crucial to healing influenza

Researchers at Virginia Tech have discovered that abscisic acid has anti-inflammatory effects in both the lungs and gut, which could lead to a novel way to combat inflammatory disease. This compound may offer a safer alternative to existing treatments for influenza by targeting the immune response rather than the virus itself.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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Researchers discover how natural drug fights inflammation

Scientists at Virginia Tech uncover how abscisic acid, a natural plant hormone, fights inflammation by interacting with the lanthionine synthetase C-like 2 protein. This alternative mechanism avoids known adverse side effects of existing drugs, paving the way for new treatments.

Growing drought-tolerant crops inching forward

Researchers at Medical College of Wisconsin and University of California, Riverside create synthetic chemical mimicking abscisic acid to improve crop resistance to drought. The discovery paves the way for developing new molecules that activate or turn on receptors.

Plant scientists move closer to making any crop drought-tolerant

Plant scientists have made a significant advance in developing drought-resistant crops by understanding how the synthetic chemical pyrabactin works. By identifying subtle differences between receptors in their binding pockets, researchers can now develop more effective chemicals for bringing drought-resistance to plants.

Moss helps chart the conquest of land by plants

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis study how mosses adapt to dehydration, revealing the role of ABA and ABI3 signaling pathways. They identify 22 genes that are upregulated during dehydration and discover that these genes are also expressed during rehydration, but only in wild-type moss.

Drought resistance explained

Scientists discovered how plant hormone ABA interacts with protein PYR1 to trigger drought response. This interaction enables PP2C molecules to be hijacked, allowing plants to increase water uptake and storage while decreasing water loss. The study offers new approaches for increasing crop tolerance to water shortages.

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Synthetic chemical offers solution for crops facing drought

A new synthetic chemical, pyrabactin, has been identified as a potential solution for crops facing drought. The compound activates the ABA signaling pathway, helping plants survive in water-scarce conditions. Researchers at UC Riverside have developed a stable and easy-to-make chemical strategy to improve plant resilience.

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CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Young plant's natural defenses amount to more than just its seed

A research team at Rockefeller University has discovered a novel protein, AFP, that regulates early growth arrest in young plants. This development provides insights into how plants naturally tolerate drought and stress, with potential applications in creating drought-resistant crops.

Research reveals how cells protect against stress

Scientists have discovered a chain of cellular events that occurs in plant cells when exposed to environmental stress, ultimately leading to the production of protective proteins. The research, led by Sarah M. Assmann, found that a hormone called abscisic acid regulates the processing of RNA molecules involved in stress response.