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How do plants survive constant DNA damage?

Researchers found a unique protein called YAF9B that helps plants protect their stem cells from DNA damage. This discovery sheds light on how plants coordinate DNA repair processes, which could improve future crops by guiding more precise genome editing.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 8, 2026

How do plant roots grow in unpredictable temperatures?

Researchers found that auxin's partner proteins serve as internal plant 'thermostats' that directly sense temperature and change genetic programs to direct root growth accordingly. This discovery could lead to engineering plants that withstand extreme temperatures, protecting crop productivity under challenging conditions.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 8, 2026

Protecting turfgrass from fungal foes

University of Delaware researchers have discovered a novel strain of Bacillus subtilis that helps plants resist soil-borne diseases and retain moisture. The microbe, UD1022, is effective in controlling dollar spot fungus but only when applied directly to leaves, not through soil treatment.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalPlant Stress·DateFeb 13, 2026

Tricky treats: Why pumpkins accumulate pollutants

A Kobe University team identified the cause of pollutant accumulation in pumpkins and their relatives, discovering that specific proteins bind to pollutants and transport them through the plant. By controlling these proteins' behavior, safer crops can be created and polluted soils can be cleaned.

SourceKobe University·JournalPlant Physiology and Biochemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 30, 2025

Poplar tree discovery could help shape the future of energy and biomaterials

A University of Missouri-led study has uncovered how poplar trees can naturally adjust a key part of their wood chemistry based on changes in their environment, supporting improved bioenergy production. The discovery sheds light on the role of lignin and its potential to create better biofuels and sustainable products.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 18, 2025

New plant leaf aging factor found

Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University found a mutant protein that helps plants fight mildew, but also accelerates leaf aging and yellowing. The discovery could contribute to crop yield improvement and sustainable agriculture.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalPlant and Cell Physiology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 30, 2025

Less bitter, just as satiating

A recent study by the Leibniz Institute for Food Systems Biology at the Technical University of Munich shows that less bitter-tasting pea protein hydrolysates can form bioactive peptides during digestion, which induce satiety signals via bitter taste receptors. The study reveals molecular mechanisms that can be used to optimize the tas...

SourceLeibniz-Institut für Lebensmittel-Systembiologie an der TU München·JournalFood Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 27, 2025

Including pork in plant-forward diets makes meals more appealing and just as healthy, study finds

A new study suggests that including pork in plant-forward diets makes meals more appealing and just as healthy, offering a higher protein quality score compared to plant-based proteins. The study found that meals with lean pork delivered significantly better results for satisfaction, satiety, and willingness to adopt post-trial.

SourceNational Pork Board·JournalCurrent Developments in Nutrition·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 13, 2025

Nearly 90% of US adults believe inaccurately that it’s important to eat animal products to get adequate protein

A new survey found that nearly 9 out of 10 US adults incorrectly assume they need to eat meat and dairy to get enough protein. Research supports the use of plant-based diets, with studies showing equal effectiveness in building muscle mass and containing fewer artery-clogging cholesterol and saturated fat.

Purdue biochemists discover self-repair function in key photosynthetic protein complex

Researchers have discovered a self-repair mechanism in the photosystem II protein complex, which is crucial for photosynthesis. The study found that phosphorylation plays a dual role in driving disassembly and quality control mechanisms for repair, shedding light on how plants maintain efficient photosynthetic processes.

SourcePurdue University·JournalPlant Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 10, 2025

Pea-based cappuccino: The greener future of food

Researchers at Institut Laue-Langevin and Aarhus University developed a new method to characterise foam structure, enabling the creation of plant-derived foaming ingredients in food. The technique uses small-angle neutron scattering, imaging, and electrical conductivity measurements to provide insights into pea albumin-based foams.

SourceInstitut Laue-Langevin·JournalJournal of Colloid and Interface Science·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 3, 2025

Lab-grown pork gets support from sorghum grain

Researchers have created a prototype cultured pork using kafirin proteins isolated from red sorghum grain, expanding the options for lab-grown meats. The resulting product contains more protein and saturated fat but fewer mono- and polyunsaturated fats compared to raw lean pork.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateOct 28, 2024

New chemical treatment reduces number of plant pores that regulate water loss

Researchers at Nagoya University have identified a chemical compound that regulates stomatal density in plants, reducing water loss through transpiration. The compound, Stomidazolone, inhibits stomatal development without affecting plant growth, offering a promising solution for drought-prone environments.

SourceInstitute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 23, 2024

Thaumatin: natural sweetener with anti-inflammatory potential

A new study reveals thaumatin, a widely used natural sweetener, produces bitter peptides that stimulate acid secretion and influence inflammatory reactions in human stomach cells. The peptides also show anti-inflammatory effects by reducing pro-inflammatory interleukin 17A release via the TAS2R16 bitter taste receptor.

SourceLeibniz-Institut für Lebensmittel-Systembiologie an der TU München·JournalFood Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 30, 2024

Increased antioxidants and phenolic compounds produced in salted red perilla leaves during Japanese apricot pickling

A study found increased antioxidant content and activity in Japanese apricot pickles made with salted red perilla leaves. The phenolic compounds' release was highest before digestion, but a significant increase occurred between 60 minutes and 120 minutes of small intestinal digestion.

SourceChiba University·JournalFood Research International·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 26, 2024

Vegans’ intake of protein and essential amino acids is adequate but ultra-processed products are also needed

Researchers found that Brazilian vegans' diets consisted mainly of unprocessed foods, with a significant reliance on ultra-processed proteins like textured soy protein to meet their protein needs. The study's findings contradict the stigma surrounding veganism and its ability to provide adequate nutrition.