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$14.8 million grant supports Illinois-Singapore partnership on precision fermentation for food

Researchers from University of Illinois and National Research Foundation are developing precision fermentation technology to convert sugars and inedible crop parts into nutritious food molecules. The project aims to improve food supply chain resilience, reduce environmental impacts, and address global micronutrient deficiencies.

Key nutrients help plants beat the heat

Researchers at Salk Institute found that higher temperatures drain plants of important dietary nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, affecting their long-term sustainability. The study's findings will inform the engineering of climate-resilient crops to address global warming's impact on food production.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 3, 2024

Transgenic expression of rubisco factors increases photosynthesis and chilling tolerance in maize

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.

SourceBoyce Thompson Institute·JournalJournal of Experimental Botany·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 28, 2024

NTU Singapore researchers develop a method to extract useful proteins from beer-brewing leftovers

Researchers from NTU Singapore have created a method to extract over 80% of the available protein in grain leftovers from brewing beer, commonly known as brewers' spent grain. The extracted proteins could be used commercially to enrich human diets and cosmetic products, providing an eco-friendly alternative to conventional ingredients.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalInnovative Food Science & Emerging Technologies·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 10, 2024

Insulin affects the recycling of cellular power plants

In nerve cells, insulin facilitates the elimination of defective mitochondria when energy is available. However, during energy scarcity or disrupted insulin signaling, mitochondrial recycling is reduced, allowing potentially damaged power plants to continue operating. This process affects ageing processes and neurological diseases.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Metabolism·DateMar 19, 2024

Photosynthetic secrets come to light

Researchers at John Innes Centre used cryo-EM to visualize the structural architecture of chloroplast RNA polymerase and build a detailed atomic model. The study reveals new insights into transcription, a fundamental step in making photosynthetic proteins, and how these proteins interact with DNA and mRNA.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalCell·DateMar 4, 2024

Scientists develop novel RNA- or DNA-based substances to protect plants from viruses

Researchers at Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg developed novel RNA- or DNA-based substances that reliably fight off viral infections in plants. The new approach uses antisense oligonucleotides to target specific viral RNA molecules, achieving an impressive up to 90% success rate against a common virus.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 29, 2024

IPK researchers identify a key player in chromatin regulation in Arabidopsis thaliana

A team of researchers from IPK has identified several proteins associated with the nuclear matrix in Arabidopsis thaliana, including novel players FRS7 and FRS12. The study found that AHL22 collaborates with FRS7 and FRS12 to regulate hypocotyl elongation, a critical process for plant growth and survival.

Understanding jasmonic acid: A switch that activates autophagy in Arabidopsis petals

A team of researchers from Nara Institute of Science and Technology discovered a phytohormone-mediated switch controlling autophagy, leading to terminal cell differentiation for petal abscission. They found that jasmonic acid promotes petal abscission by activating autophagy at the base of petals.

SourceNara Institute of Science and Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 7, 2024

Replacing animal-based foods with alternative proteins would unlock land for carbon removal

Researchers suggest replacing 50% of animal products with alternative proteins by 2050 to unlock vast energy and negative emission potentials via BECCS. This transition could free up large agricultural areas, generating enough renewable energy equivalent to today's coal-generated power while removing substantial CO2 from the atmosphere.

SourceCell Press·JournalOne Earth·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 7, 2024

USC researchers uncover biological circuit that protects plants from extreme conditions

Plants use their circadian clocks to regulate responses to changes in water and salinity levels, offering a new avenue for creating drought-resistant crops. The discovery of the ABF3 feedback loop reveals a delicate balance between boosting stress tolerance and maximizing growth and yield.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 5, 2024

Orchestrating plant organ symmetry in style

A recent study published in Nature Plants reveals that O-glycosylation of the transcription factor SPATULA promotes Arabidopsis style development. The experimental study sheds new light on the mechanisms underlying plant organ symmetry.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalNature Plants·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 26, 2024

Low-carbohydrate diets emphasizing healthy, plant-based sources associated with slower long-term weight gain

A new study led by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that low-carbohydrate diets rich in plant-based proteins and fats, along with healthy carbohydrates, are linked to slower long-term weight gain. Diets high in animal proteins and unhealthy carbohydrates, on the other hand, are associated with greater weight gain.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateDec 27, 2023

From infamy to ingenuity

Researchers have uncovered the intricate molecular mechanism used by parasitic phytoplasma bacteria to manipulate plants. The discovery sheds light on a peculiar phenomenon in nature, where plants exhibit 'zombie-like' effects due to bacterial infection.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 5, 2023

ROP signaling: Origin at dawn of multicellular plant life

Researchers found that ROP proteins evolved during the transition from unicellular to multicellular plant life. ROP proteins are highly conserved between land plants and streptophyte algae, excluding certain species. The study suggests that ROP signaling may have contributed to the evolution of multicellularity in plants.

SourceGregor Mendel Institute of Molecular Plant Biology·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 2023

Proof of concept of new material for long lasting relief from dry mouth conditions

A novel aqueous lubricant technology has been developed at the University of Leeds, providing a longer-lasting solution for people with dry mouth conditions. The substance, composed of microgel and hydrogel, binds strongly to the surface of the mouth, reducing desorption and offering up to five times more effective relief.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 20, 2023

Discovering the secrets of plant defense

A team of MSU scientists has identified a key protein in transporting antimicrobial proteins out of plant cells, which could lead to breakthroughs in crop productivity and yield. By understanding how plants defend themselves against pathogens, researchers can develop new strategies to improve crop resilience.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 19, 2023

A tale of two proteins: Fundamental research could make growing better crops like clockwork

A recent study published in Plant Physiology reveals the inner workings of photosynthesis and plant productivity by investigating the interaction between RBL10 and ACP4 proteins. The researchers identified that these proteins act independently in parallel ways to affect lipid biosynthesis, paving the way for engineering crop plants wit...

SourceMichigan State University·JournalPLANT PHYSIOLOGY·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 14, 2023

Unzipping mRNA rallies plant cells to fight infection

A new molecular mechanism has been identified that helps plants adjust protein levels to fight infection. By unzipping specific RNA structures, plant cells can produce defense proteins. This discovery also has implications for human cells, suggesting a similar mechanism may control protein production in response to pathogens.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 20, 2023

Novel study shows greater metabolic response to animal versus plant proteins in young and older adults

A novel study found that consuming two oz-eq portions of animal-based versus plant-based protein foods results in different EAA bioavailability. The study, conducted by scientists at Purdue University, included young and older adults, with no differences in EAA bioavailability between age groups.

SourceNational Pork Board·JournalNutrients·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 15, 2023

Making plant-based meat alternatives more palatable

Researchers at the University of Leeds have created plant protein microgels that transform dry plant proteins into hydrated ones, mimicking the sensation of fat. The breakthrough could lead to the development of healthier, palatable, and sustainable plant-based foods.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 14, 2023