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UW team programs solitary yeast cells to say 'hello' to one another

Researchers at the University of Washington have engineered yeast cells to communicate with each other using auxin, a plant hormone that can induce specific genes to be expressed. This breakthrough could lead to the development of synthetic stem cells and artificial organs that require different types of cells to work together.

Core mechanism for root growth identified

Researchers found that auxin and PLETHORA transcription factors regulate root growth by controlling cell division, elongation, and differentiation. The study reveals a graded distribution of these factors near the root tip, enabling plants to adapt to environmental conditions.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Unearthing key function of plant hormone

Researchers have discovered a key function of plant hormone auxin in regulating the organization of the cell's inner skeletons. Auxin interacts with transmembrane kinases to activate ROP GTPases, which affect cytoskeleton structure.

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.

How do plants grow toward the light?

Researchers at TUM discovered that auxin hormone plays a crucial role in plant growth towards light. By understanding the auxin transport mechanism, they were able to prove its involvement in phototropism for the first time. The study highlights the importance of auxin in regulating plant cell elongation and responding to light signals.

EMBO Gold Medal 2012 awarded to Jiri Friml

Jiri Friml received the EMBO Gold Medal for his groundbreaking research on auxin transport and gradient formation in plants, which has significant implications for plant development and agriculture. His work provides a basis for targeted engineering to develop plants that produce higher yields or are more resistant to drought.

Is your leaf left-handed?

Recent research reveals that the spiral pattern of leaf formation affects the symmetry of tomato and Arabidopsis leaves. The study found measurable anatomical differences between the left and right sides of both young and mature leaves, identifying a previously overlooked axis of asymmetry.

Key part of plants' rapid response system revealed

Researchers have identified a family of enzymes that attach amino acids to hormone molecules, turning them on or off. This discovery sheds light on the rapid response system in plants, allowing them to adjust to environmental stresses and defend against pathogens.

That is why plants grow towards the light!

Researchers at VIB discovered a new transport mechanism for auxin, allowing plants to direct their growth towards the light and absorb sunlight efficiently. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient crop growth and higher yields by regulating auxin levels in specific areas.

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Salk scientists discover how plants grow to escape shade

Researchers found that phytochrome interacting factor 7 (PIF7) serves as key messenger between plant's cellular light sensors and production of auxins, hormones that stimulate stem growth. This discovery could lead to high-yield crops that gather light more efficiently and make better use of farmland.

Herbicide may affect plants thought to be resistant

Researchers found that ABCB4, a protein responsible for moving auxin, also removes excess hormone when it accumulates, potentially affecting root growth. The study suggests that the herbicide 2,4-D may impact plants thought to be resistant due to its effect on this protein.

Which direction are herbicides heading?

A team of researchers led by Dean Riechers proposes using tank-mixing auxinic herbicides with glyphosate as a short-term solution to combat growing herbicide resistance. The approach aims to broaden the spectrum and postemergence weed control, particularly in corn, soybean, and cotton crops.

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Plant hormone auxin triggers a genetic switch

Researchers found that auxin promotes the breakdown of an inhibitor, leading to increased gene activity and maintaining embryonic development. The study revealed a regulatory network controlled by auxin, which boosts gene activity even after auxin concentration declines.

New growth inhibitors more effective in plants, less toxic to people

Researchers created a new class of plant growth regulators that block auxin transport, controlling growth processes without hormonal activity or toxicity concerns. The inhibitors are expected to reduce environmental impact and safety risks associated with current growth regulators.

How plants counteract against the shade of larger neighbors

Research scientists unravel a regulation pathway for shade avoidance syndrome, where auxin hormone accumulation enhances growth in shaded plants. The transport protein PIN3 enables auxin formation, promoting shoot elongation and upward movement of leaves.

Sensor important to understanding root, seedling development

A new biosensor developed at Purdue University can detect auxin movement in real-time, allowing scientists to better understand how the plant hormone regulates root growth. The sensor uses nanomaterials to create an electrical signal that measures auxin concentration, enabling instantaneous and continuous measurements during root growth.

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Plant growth hormones: Antagonists cooperate

A recent study published in Nature found that auxin and cytokinin, two previously thought-to-be antagonistic plant growth hormones, actually cooperate to regulate plant growth. The international team of researchers discovered that auxin boosts the effect of cytokinin by suppressing genes that limit its activity.

Getting to the root of nutrient sensing

Plants perceive nutrient availability through NRT1.1 nitrate transporter stimulation, inducing lateral root growth in nitrate-rich patches. This mechanism regulates root branching by controlling auxin accumulation, demonstrating a connection between nutrient and hormone signaling during organ development.

Protein power for Jack and the beanstalk

Researchers have isolated the ICR1 protein, which influences auxin distribution in plants, allowing breeders to manipulate plant cell wall composition and increase yields for biofuel production. This breakthrough has the potential to make fuel production more cost-effective by reducing lignin content and increasing cellulose levels.

The roots of food security

Researchers found that auxin hormones regulate root branching in plants, enabling more efficient nutrient uptake and storage, which can support high-yield crops and enhance food security.

Explaining why pruning encourages plants to thrive

Researchers have discovered that all shoot tips on a plant can influence each other's growth, allowing the strongest branches to thrive. By understanding the action of hormones like auxin and strigolactone, horticultural practices can be developed to promote optimal branching patterns in crops.

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At long last, how plants make eggs

A team of scientists at UC Davis discovered that the plant hormone auxin is responsible for egg production in plants, providing new insights into evolutionary pathways and potential techniques to enhance crop reproduction. The study found that auxin concentrations determine the fate of nuclei within the reproductive structure.

Shatter-resistant brassicas

Researchers have developed a method to prevent pod shattering in oilseed rape, reducing seed loss by up to 70% and improving harvest efficiency. By controlling hormone production, scientists can seal seeds inside pods, addressing a major issue in farming this high-value crop.

Combating infection of crops by nematodes is soon to improve

Scientists have identified how nematodes trick plants into producing food for them by manipulating auxin transport. This discovery opens doors to developing environmentally friendly methods to counteract this phenomenon and protect crops from devastating nematode attacks.

More food at lower cost

A new study published in Nature Cell Biology has discovered a way to increase the length of root hairs on plants, potentially improving crop yields. This method enables plants to take up minerals and water more efficiently, reducing fertiliser waste and promoting sustainable food production.

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Researchers find an essential gene for forming ears of corn

A team of plant geneticists has identified a gene called sparse inflorescence1 (spi1) essential in controlling the development of the maize plant's growth hormone auxin synthesis. This discovery sheds light on the complex process of organ formation and development in maize.

A place in the sun

Researchers at the Salk Institute discovered a key enzyme involved in auxin synthesis, which allows plants to stretch towards sunlight. This breakthrough could lead to increased crop yields by manipulating the plant's response to shade avoidance syndrome.

NC State researchers identify genes key to hormone production in plants

Researchers at NC State University have identified a small group of genes responsible for regulating hormone production in plants. The study found that the TAA1 gene is essential for auxin synthesis and that its disruption can lead to reduced auxin levels, affecting plant growth and development.

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Circadian clock controls plant growth hormone

The discovery explains how plants time their growth to take advantage of resources such as light and water. The researchers found that the circadian clock regulates nearly every step in the auxin signaling pathway, with activity peaking late at night when water is most available.

UCSD biologists solve plant growth hormone enigma

Researchers at UCSD have identified a family of 11 genes involved in the synthesis of auxin, a key plant hormone. Disrupting these genes reveals that localized production of auxin controls plant architecture, contradicting previous assumptions. This discovery has significant implications for crop improvement and development.

UC San Diego biologists solve plant growth hormone enigma

Researchers identified a family of 11 genes involved in auxin synthesis and found that their localized production influences plant development. This discovery can be applied to agricultural problems like producing seedless fruit or stronger stems.

Researchers offer clues to how leaf patterns are formed

Scientists found that the same mechanism regulates vein formation in leaves and branches, changing plant development studies. The discovery sheds light on plant growth and may lead to new ways of manipulating plant development.

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Plant gene related to cancer treatment may foster new oncology drugs

Researchers from Purdue University and Kyoto University have discovered a plant gene that helps explain why human cells reject chemotherapy drugs. The gene, related to multi-drug resistant proteins in humans, moves a plant growth hormone into cells, suggesting a new approach to reducing drug dosages for cancer patients.

At long last, scientists figure out how plants grow

Researchers identify TIR1 as the protein that works with auxin to influence plant cell growth and division. This discovery sheds light on the long-standing mystery of auxin's role in plant development, with potential implications for understanding human biology.

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Scientists find microRNAs regulate plant development

MicroRNAs play a crucial role in regulating plant development by controlling gene expression related to the auxin response pathway. Studies show that microRNA-mediated regulation of genes like ARF17 and NAC1 is essential for normal plant growth, affecting root and shoot development.

Purdue genetic discovery may aid plants and human medicine

A team of Purdue University researchers has identified two genetic mutations that alter plant growth and development, potentially leading to more resilient crops. These mutations also hold promise for improving cancer treatments by controlling the effectiveness of chemotherapy drugs.

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Enzyme is crucial for production of plant growth hormone

Researchers have identified a flavin monooxygenase-like enzyme central to auxin biosynthesis in plants, revealing an important pathway for auxin synthesis. The discovery offers clues that may aid researchers studying similar enzymes in mammals.