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Soy is on top as a high-quality plant protein

A recent study published in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry has evaluated a new method for determining protein quality. Soy protein was found to be a high-quality protein with a PDCAAS score of 1.00, comparable to animal-based proteins like eggs, dairy, and meat.

SourceSolae, LLC·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateDec 6, 2011

Blossom end rot: Transport protein identified

A team of researchers has identified a protein that facilitates the radial transport of calcium ions from the root to the shoot, resolving a long-standing mystery. This breakthrough could lead to new strategies for preventing blossom end rot and other nutrient deficiencies in crops.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 23, 2011

UGA discovery changes how scientists think about plant cell wall formation

Researchers at University of Georgia discovered that GAUT1 and GAUT7 proteins form a critical part of pectin-synthesizing protein complexes in plant cells. This fundamental discovery opens a new door to converting plants to biofuels and other carbon-based products.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 21, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Shoe strings and egg openers

Researchers at Max Planck Institute identify novel Rubisco activase in red algae that repairs useless proteins by opening active centers like a shoe string. This discovery could aid in designing more efficient plants and microorganisms that convert CO2 into valuable biomass.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateNov 8, 2011

Breakthrough in the production of flood-tolerant crops

Researchers at the University of Nottingham have discovered a molecular mechanism plants use to sense low oxygen levels during flooding, enabling potential high-yielding, flood-tolerant crops. This breakthrough could help tackle catastrophic flooding's impact on agricultural production worldwide.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalNature·DateOct 23, 2011

How plants sense low oxygen levels to survive flooding

Researchers at UC Riverside and the University of Nottingham have discovered how plants sense low oxygen levels to survive flooding. They found that key plant proteins become unstable when oxygen is normal but stable when oxygen levels drop, allowing plants to tap into their energy reserves and survive in low-oxygen conditions.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature·DateOct 23, 2011
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Protein plays role in helping plants see light

Scientists discover critical protein NPH3 modifies phototropin 1 based on light conditions, allowing plants to move towards or away from light. The finding has implications for understanding molecular signaling pathways and potential applications in fields beyond agriculture.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateOct 12, 2011

ISU plant pathologist updates science community on groundbreaking research

Researchers have built upon the 2009 discovery of TAL effector proteins, which enable targeted gene manipulation, leading to breakthroughs in understanding gene function and improving traits in livestock and plants. The technology has also been successfully used in model organisms such as yeast, zebrafish, and human stem cells.

SourceIowa State University·JournalScience·DateOct 11, 2011

We are not only eating 'materials', we are also eating 'information'

A new study reveals that plant miRNAs acquired through food intake can regulate human physiology by targeting specific genes. This discovery expands the functions of microRNAs and has significant implications for human health, metabolism, and disease treatment.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalCell Research·DateSep 19, 2011
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.

The breathtaking dance of plants

Scientists at Norwich BioScience Institutes discovered that plant pores, essential for life and carbon cycles, are evenly spaced due to a specific protein called SPEECHLESS. This protein's activity helps create an even spatial pattern during plant growth, allowing plants to breathe efficiently in different environments.

SourceNorwich BioScience Institutes·JournalScience·DateSep 8, 2011

New component of a plant steroid-activated pathway discovered

Researchers have identified a new protein called Constitutive Differential Growth1 (CDG1) that plays a crucial role in the brassinosteroid-activated pathway. CDG1 adds a phosphate to BSU1, leading to deactivation of BIN2 and promoting gene activity.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalMolecular Cell·DateAug 18, 2011
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

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

Switch in cell's 'power plant' declines with age, rejuvenated by drug

Researchers found a protein in mitochondria involved in energy regulation decreases with age, but is increased by losartan treatment, leading to lowered blood pressure and cellular energy usage. This discovery may lead to new treatments for mitochondrial-specific diseases like diabetes, Parkinson's disease, and frailty.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 16, 2011

The last 3 million years at a snail's pace

Researchers develop new method to link climatic records with plant and animal responses to climate change, enabling precise dating of archaeological sites. This breakthrough enables detailed analysis of human occupation patterns in Britain during the Ice Age.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalNature·DateAug 4, 2011
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Largest-ever map of interactions of plant proteins produced

The largest-ever map of plant protein interactions has been created, covering 6,205 interactions involving 2,774 individual proteins in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. The new network map provides insights into protein functions and compositions, and may help advance efforts to improve crop plants.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalScience·DateAug 1, 2011

Scientists map attack tactics of plant pathogens

A new study from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill reveals that plant pathogens employ a surprisingly limited number of cellular targets to infect plants. By mapping the interactome for Arabidopsis thaliana, researchers found that these targets are shared among multiple pathogens, suggesting a coordinated attack strategy.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalScience·DateJul 28, 2011

Plant immunity discovery boosts chances of disease-resistant crops

Researchers have uncovered a huge network of genes that help plants defend against pests and diseases, making it possible to explore new avenues for crop improvement. The study's findings suggest that looking for single genes is not sufficient and instead, breeders should work together to produce plants with robust networks of genes.

SourceBiotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council·JournalScience·DateJul 28, 2011
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

1 more way plants help human health

Researchers have identified a key regulator of the plant's daily growth cycle, which shares similarities with human circadian rhythm genes. This discovery may lead to a better understanding of how clock genes regulate cell division in humans and provide new avenues for developing disease therapies.

SourceNIH/National Institute of General Medical Sciences·JournalNature·DateJul 13, 2011

TUM researchers discover a new switch in resistance to plant diseases

Researchers at Technical University of Munich (TUM) have identified two proteins in barley that powdery mildew takes advantage of during its attack. The RACB protein, a molecular switch, supports the fungus by increasing plant cell surface area, while MAGAP1 prevents this effect and limits the fungus's entry into plant cells.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateJul 12, 2011

Insight into plant behavior could aid quest for efficient biofuels

Researchers at University of Edinburgh discovered tiny seawater algae's survival strategies, which can aid in developing sustainable crops for biofuels and adapting to changing climates. The alga recycles nitrogen from its own body and absorbs alternative nutrients when food sources are scarce.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalJournal of Proteomics·DateJun 28, 2011

What makes a plant a plant?

Researchers have identified a list of plant proteins essential for photosynthesis, known as the GreenCut, which is unique to plants and green algae but not found in non-photosynthetic organisms. The study suggests that these proteins play critical roles in regulating metabolism, DNA transcription, and other cellular processes.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJun 15, 2011

Salivating over wheat plants may net Hessian flies big meal or death

Researchers found that Hessian flies can trigger strong defenses in wheat plants, causing them to release essential nutrients to the insects. However, avirulent larvae can sometimes survive by reversing these defenses, potentially extending the durability of resistance.

SourcePurdue University·JournalJournal of Experimental Botany·DateJun 14, 2011
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

It's not easy being green

Researchers at the Salk Institute identified a signaling molecule called heme that drives expression of photosynthesis-related genes. This discovery may help plants overcome stress and improve growth, leading to increased crop yields and better plant health.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 17, 2011

Cola detectives test natural flavoring claims for pricey soft drinks

Cola detectives use protein testing to verify natural ingredients in premium soft drinks, detecting plant proteins in drinks claiming 'organic agave syrup and cola nut extracts'. Coca Cola products, without natural cola extract claims, have no detected protein, giving consumers a certificate of authenticity.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Proteome Research·DateMay 4, 2011
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Starch-controlling gene fuels more protein in soybean plants

Scientists at Iowa State University have introduced a starch-controlling gene into soybean plants, increasing protein content by 30-60%. This discovery holds promise for improving nutrition in areas with protein-deficient diets. The research also sheds light on genes with obscure functionalities and their potential applications.

SourceIowa State University·DateApr 7, 2011

Rejuvenating electron microscopy

UCSD scientists create a new type of genetic tag visible under an electron microscope, allowing for detailed, three-dimensional images of individual cells. The modified protein, dubbed miniSOG, produces abundant singlet oxygen when exposed to blue light, enabling its visualization.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalPLOS Biology·DateApr 5, 2011

Rejuvenating electron microscopy

Scientists at UCSD and colleagues create a new type of genetic tag visible under electron microscopy, enabling detailed three-dimensional images of individual cells. The breakthrough enhances electron microscopy capabilities, allowing researchers to visualize proteins in unprecedented detail.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateApr 5, 2011

How do plants fight disease?

Researchers have discovered how plant pathogens attack soybeans by reducing isoflavone production. Plants respond with a surge in isoflavone production, sparking a counterattack from the pathogen. This complex interaction may hold key to developing effective disease treatments and preventing crop losses.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateMar 28, 2011

Viruses teach researchers how to protect corn from fungal infection

Researchers at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center developed a corn variety resistant to fungal infection using a naturally found killer protein made by a virus. The single gene approach offers hope for effective solutions to control other pathogenic fungi and reduce crop losses.

SourceDonald Danforth Plant Science Center·JournalPlant Biotechnology Journal·DateMar 8, 2011
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Study analyzes role of PARP enzyme in eukaryotes

Researchers analyzed evolutionary history of poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase (PARP) superfamily in eukaryotes, finding ancestral proteins with diverse functions. The study suggests that the PARP superfamily is larger than previously documented and will grow as more eukaryotic genomes become available.

SourceOhio Supercomputer Center·JournalBMC Evolutionary Biology·DateMar 8, 2011

Nailing down a crucial plant signaling system

Researchers fill in a missing gap in the mechanism of how brassinosteroids cause plant genes to be expressed, with implications for agricultural science and evolutionary research. Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is identified as the key component of the signaling pathway.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateJan 23, 2011

University of Illinois research makes plant breeding easier

A new molecular tool helps researchers understand the mechanism of RF genes, leading to rapid advancements in plant breeding. This unified nomenclature allows for easy comparison of unknown gene functions to known ones, improving hybrid technology.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 4, 2011
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Gatekeeper for tomato pollination identified

Scientists at UC Davis have identified a gene called Cullin1 that acts as a biochemical gatekeeper, controlling whether or not pollen from related wild species can fertilize tomatoes. This finding has significant implications for plant breeding and understanding reproductive biology in the Solanaceae family.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalScience·DateDec 23, 2010

Unlocking the secrets of a plant’s light sensitivity

Research from Carnegie Institution for Science reveals that a protein called GATA2 acts as a key link between brassinosteroid and light signaling pathways, controlling plant growth and development. The study found that brassinosteroids dictate the light-sensitivity of plants by regulating the production of a key light-responsive protein.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateDec 13, 2010

Evolutionary arms race between smut fungi and maize plants

Scientists have identified new genes in smut fungi that play a crucial role in infecting maize plants. The study reveals an evolutionary arms race between the plant and parasite, with each side developing new molecules to outsmart the other.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateDec 9, 2010
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Discovery of the secrets that enable plants near Chernobyl to shrug off radiation

A study found that plants growing in contaminated soil near the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant adapt by altering certain proteins involved in cell signaling, allowing them to thrive in highly radioactive environments. Only about five percent of proteins were altered, suggesting a surprising resilience.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateDec 8, 2010

Mildew-resistant and infertile

Researchers have discovered two proteins, Feronia and Nortia, crucial for both fertilization and resistance to powdery mildew infections in plants. These proteins, essential for seed formation, also facilitate fungal invasion, making it challenging to breed resistant yet fertile plants.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateNov 24, 2010

Change in temperature uncovers genetic cross talk in plant immunity

Researchers at the University of Missouri discovered a previously unknown level of genetic cross talk between plant proteins that fight off bacterial infections. The study found that certain proteins physically associate, enabling them to communicate danger signals to the cell's nucleus.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateNov 15, 2010
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.

Researchers could use plant's light switch to control cells

Researchers have created a novel 'on-off switch' using a plant's light-activated proteins to control cell functions. The blue-light switch has been successfully tested in yeast, mammalian cells and cultured rodent brain tissue, offering a new approach for controlling cell growth, death and delivering medication directly to diseased cells.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Methods·DateOct 31, 2010

100-million-year-old mistake provides snapshot of evolution

Researchers at the University of Leeds discovered a 100-million-year-old gene mutation that led to differences in how plants produce male and female parts. The study found that the mutation, which occurred around 20 million years ago, creates a new role for one of the duplicate genes, enabling it to make both male and female parts.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 18, 2010

Alternative fish feeds use less fishmeal and fish oils

USDA researchers are developing new fish feeds with lower levels of fishmeal and fish oil, replacing traditional sources with concentrated plant proteins. The alternative diets show promise in supporting the growing demand for fish as a lean protein source, while promoting sustainability in aquaculture production.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·DateOct 13, 2010
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

The elusive intermediary

A newly discovered protein, PAM68, is essential for the assembly of Photosystem II in green plants and cyanobacteria. The protein's unique function highlights common features between plant and bacterial photosynthesis.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateOct 7, 2010

Red light regulates nectar secretion

Scientists have discovered that red light influences the regulation of nectar secretion in extrafloral nectaries of plants like Lima beans. This process involves the phytochrome protein and affects the binding of plant hormone jasmonic acid to isoleucine.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 29, 2010

Insecticides from genetically modified corn present in adjacent streams

A study by the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies reveals that streams in the Midwest are contaminated with insecticidal proteins from genetically modified corn, which can persist in the landscape. The research highlights the need for further investigation into the effects of agricultural practices on freshwater ecosystems.

SourceCary Institute of Ecosystem Studies·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 27, 2010
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Plants give up some deep secrets of drought resistance

A team of Wisconsin researchers has identified the protein targets in cells of a key hormone that controls how plants respond to environmental stresses such as drought. The study's findings could help underpin the development of new crop plant strains capable of thriving in hotter, dryer climates.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 23, 2010

Researchers discover how the storehouses of plant cells are formed

A team of scientists at TUM has discovered a new protein crucial for the formation of plant cell vacuoles, which store vital substances like proteins and pigments. The protein, known as a 'splitting protein', plays a key role in initiating metabolic processes and assigning tasks to proteins.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateAug 19, 2010

VIB and UGent researchers identify key mechanisms of cell division in plants

Researchers have discovered over 100 new proteins involved in plant cell division, revealing the machinery behind this process for the first time. The newly developed Tandem Affinity Purification (TAP) Platform enables rapid unraveling of protein interactions, advancing crop yield optimization.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalMolecular Systems Biology·DateAug 11, 2010
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Cellulose: Hard to digest, but full of energy

Researchers at Max Planck Institute identify CSI1 protein involved in cellulose synthesis, linked to improved cell wall digestibility and energy generation. The discovery aims to increase animal feed efficiency and tap into plant cell walls as a renewable energy source.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 20, 2010

Mapping out pathways to better soybeans

Scientists have narrowed down where genes that determine protein and oil content are likely to be found in the soybean genome. Breeders can use these 'signposts' to develop new soybean lines with higher protein and oil levels, enhancing U.S. competitiveness in international markets.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·JournalBMC Plant Biology·DateJul 19, 2010