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Plant Protector: How plants strengthen their light-harvesting membranes against environmental stress

A study by an international consortium reveals the structure and mechanism of a protein that builds and maintains photosynthetic membranes in plants. The research provides new opportunities for engineering plants to be more resistant to extreme environmental conditions, helping to sustain human food supply and combat climate change.

Not all dietary proteins are created equal

A recent study published in The Journal of Nutrition found that animal-based protein food sources elicited greater anabolic responses and increased whole-body net protein balance compared to plant-based protein food sources. This suggests that 'ounce equivalents' of protein food sources are not metabolically equivalent, and animal prot...

SourceFoodMinds LLC·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateJun 22, 2021

Little crop of horrors

Researchers are investigating how carnivorous plant genes can help crops defend themselves from pathogens and insects, reducing reliance on pesticides and fertilizers. The team plans to test transgenic crop plants with protein-based pest deterrents and nutrient-enhancing traits.

How is a molecular machine assembled?

Researchers from Ruhr-University Bochum and collaborators isolated a PS II transition complex with three helper proteins using cryo-electron microscopy. The study reveals a novel protective mechanism that prevents the formation of aggressive oxygen species during assembly, allowing for a more efficient and stable machine.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNature Plants·DateApr 22, 2021

Auxin visualized for the first time

The new biosensor, AuxSen, enables scientists to observe spatial and temporal redistribution dynamics of auxin in plants, revealing rapid uptake and slower export. It also shows rapid auxin redistribution after root tip rotation, a response not previously measurable.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateApr 10, 2021

Making protein 'superfood' from marine algae

A team of researchers at Flinders University has developed a sustainable way to produce protein 'superfoods' from marine algae. The process involves cultivating single-cell organisms from the ocean and converting them into healthy cell patties, chips, pastes, jams, and even caviar.

SourceFlinders University·JournalInternational Journal of Biological Macromolecules·DateJan 21, 2021

Resistance training paired with peanut protein affects muscle health in older adults

A six- to ten-week resistance training program significantly improved knee flexion peak torque and vastus lateralis thickness in older adults who received peanut protein supplementation, compared to those without. The study found that PP supplementation increased muscle strength and growth in untrained older individuals.

SourceKetchum New York·JournalJournal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition·DateDec 15, 2020

Dynamic plants

Researchers identify NAD+ capping as a key regulator of RNA stability in plants, allowing them to dynamically respond to environmental cues and stress. This process is similar to what has been found in mammalian cells, with implications for understanding plant development and response to hormone signals.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateDec 7, 2020

Molecular mechanism of plant immune receptors discovered

Researchers at the University of Cologne have discovered the molecular mechanism of plant immune receptors, revealing a common structural principle to trigger intracellular immune signals and cell death. The study found that activated protein forms a tetramer, which creates a unique surface necessary for defence signal triggering.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalScience·DateDec 7, 2020