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'Thermometer' protein regulates blooming

Researchers have discovered that a thermosensing protein complex regulates plant growth and flowering in response to temperature changes. The study found that ELF3 protein plays a crucial role in this process, preventing the complex from repressing plant genes when temperatures rise.

SourceCNRS·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 23, 2020

How plants sound the alarm about danger

A team of scientists has discovered a complex communication network in plants that responds to the hormone jasmonic acid, allowing them to defend against insects and fungi. The study reveals two key genes, MYC2 and MYC3, which play a crucial role in regulating plant defense responses.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature Plants·DateMar 13, 2020

A molecular map for the plant sciences

A comprehensive map of the proteome of the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana has been created, detailing the presence, location, and quantity of approximately 18,000 proteins in the plant. This study provides new insights into plant biology and offers potential avenues for improving crop yields and disease resistance.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature·DateMar 12, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

A promising new strategy to help broken bones heal faster

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed an affordable oral therapy to help broken bones heal faster in people with diabetes. The therapy, grown in plants, uses a protein called insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) to stimulate bone-building cells and promote bone regeneration.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalBiomaterials·DateFeb 24, 2020

Herringbone pattern in plant cell walls critical to cell growth

A recent study reveals that the herringbone pattern in plant cell walls, created by alternating angles of cellulose layers and a protein called CSI1, is critical for cell growth. This discovery challenges existing theories about cell growth and has implications for biofuels research.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Experimental Botany·DateFeb 4, 2020

Getting to the root of plant survival

Scientists identify hormones and proteins regulating root emergence through intercellular communication. This discovery could aid in controlling root growth and improving plant adaptability to drought conditions caused by climate change.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 27, 2020
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.

With high fiber diets, more protein may mean more bloating

A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that people on high fiber diets are 40% more likely to experience bloating if they consume protein-rich diets. The researchers suggest that substituting high-quality carb calories for protein calories may reduce bloating and make these diets more tolerable.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalClinical and Translational Gastroenterology·DateJan 27, 2020

Plant physiology: One size may not suit all

A new study published in Nature Plants reveals that there is no simple or universal solution to the problem of engineering plants to cope with the challenges posed by climate change. Higher levels of photoprotection may actually interfere with other mechanisms important for plant growth, and targeted adaptation is a complex task.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Plants·DateJan 10, 2020

Photosynthesis -- living laboratories

Cyanobacteria and plants use similar mechanisms to regulate cyclic electron flow during photosynthesis, according to LMU biologists Marcel Dann and Dario Leister. Two proteins, PGRL1 and PGR5, mediate control of CEF in plants.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 27, 2019
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.

Regulator of plant immunity tagged

KAUST scientists have identified MAP4K4 as a key player in plant immunity, essential for proper responses to environmental pathogens. The discovery reveals targets in a molecular pathway that could be manipulated by crop breeders to make plants more resistant.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalEMBO Reports·DateNov 26, 2019

Discovery increases chance of improving iron content in plants

Researchers have identified a key regulator in iron uptake in plants, which controls hundreds of genes and has the potential to increase iron potency in crops like rice and wheat. The study's findings could provide a solution to iron deficiency affecting over 2 billion people globally.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 25, 2019

How to build a chloroplast

A team of researchers from Japan and the UK has identified a crucial communication route in developing chloroplasts, the energy factories of plant cells. The newly characterized protein GUN1 regulates tetrapyrrole biosynthesis, controlling the cell's production of heme.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 15, 2019

Chitin-binding proteins override host plant's resistance to fungal infection

Researchers discovered a chitin-binding protein in the soilborne fungus Verticillium nonalfalfae that abolishes the host plant's chitin-triggered immune response. This finding highlights convergent evolution of similar functions among structurally unrelated fungal effectors.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalMolecular Plant-Microbe Interactions·DateNov 13, 2019
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Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Protein that triggers plant defenses to light stress identified

Researchers have discovered a protein that triggers a defense mechanism in plant cells when exposed to excessive light, protecting them from damage. This finding has implications for agriculture, as it could help crops withstand harsh climate conditions and increase the production of proteins used in vaccines.

SourceeLife·DateOct 15, 2019

Plant death may reveal genetic mechanisms underlying cell self-destruction

Researchers at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology discovered that hybrid plant cells induce programmed cell death due to protein aggregate accumulation. The study used imaging tools and a chemical chaperone to halt the process, paving the way for genetic improvement techniques to enhance crop varieties' disease resistance a...

SourceTokyo University of Agriculture and Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 10, 2019
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Quality control in cells

Researchers at Heidelberg University discover bacterial Rqc2 protein plays central role in quality control, eliminating toxic protein chains. This finding suggests the mechanism must have existed in the last universal common ancestor several billion years ago.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournalCell·DateSep 19, 2019

A Matter of concentration

A team of scientists at the University of Freiburg has found that the concentration of Argonaute proteins plays a central role in regulating the balance between stem cells and differentiated cells in plants. This balance is crucial for plant development, growth, and adaptation to environmental changes.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalPlant Communications·DateSep 17, 2019
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

SPEECHLESS, SCREAM and stomata development in plant leaves

Researchers discovered that master-regulatory proteins SPEECHLESS and SCREAM regulate stomatal differentiation in plants. The exact mechanism of how these proteins interact with MAP kinases MPK3 and MPK6 was unclear until recently.

SourceNagoya University·JournalNature Plants·DateSep 5, 2019

Cell suicide could hold key for brain health and food security

Researchers have discovered common ways human and plant cells bring about cell suicide, which may lead to new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases. The study found that a particular protein plays a crucial role in the breakdown of brain cells across different diseases, paving the way for potential drugs.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalScience·DateAug 22, 2019

Experiments illuminate key component of plants' immune systems

A team of biologists has shed new light on a crucial aspect of the plant immune response, revealing how plant resistance proteins trigger localized cell death. By understanding this mechanism, scientists may develop strategies for engineering disease-resistant crops.

SourceColorado State University·JournalScience·DateAug 22, 2019
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Scientists find precise control of terminal division during plant stomatal development

Researchers have identified a genetic suppressor of flp stomatal defects, which acts downstream from core cell cycle genes to ensure terminal division during stomatal development. The study found that CDK-mediated phosphorylation at the N-terminus of RPA2a is essential for RPA functioning and localization.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 20, 2019

Cell biology: Compartments and complexity

A study published in The Plant Journal has provided new insights into the dynamics of metabolic processes in eukaryotic cells. By quantifying the subcellular distribution of proteins and metabolites, researchers have identified key regulatory mechanisms controlling plant metabolism.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalThe Plant Journal·DateAug 13, 2019

Controlling the shape-shifting skeletons of cells

Researchers at Caltech have designed a method to study and manipulate the cytoskeleton in test tubes, shedding light on how cells control movement. By using light-activated proteins, they can control when and where asters form, allowing for the development of new tools for molecular biology and chemistry.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateAug 8, 2019
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Missing link in algal photosynthesis found, offers opportunity to improve crop yields

Researchers from Louisiana State University have made a groundbreaking discovery in the process of photosynthesis, shedding light on a long-standing puzzle. The study reveals three transport proteins that facilitate the movement of bicarbonate into the compartment where Rubisco resides, a crucial step in carbon dioxide fixation. This b...

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 5, 2019

Ants that defend plants receive sugar and protein

Researchers found that ants receiving protein from herbivorous arthropods increase their aggression in environments with scarce food supply. This discovery challenges the idea that only carbohydrates are offered by plants to protectants.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalBiological Journal of the Linnean Society·DateJul 17, 2019

Mustering a milder mustard

Researchers mapped the crystal structure of a key protein that makes metabolites responsible for the bitter taste in Brassicas. The study could be used to manipulate crop plants for nutritional and taste benefits.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateJul 11, 2019
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.

Plant nutrient detector breakthrough

Researchers at La Trobe University have discovered a protein that can sense vital phosphorus levels in plants and adjust growth and flowering accordingly. This breakthrough has the potential to reduce fertiliser wastage and improve crop efficiency, leading to significant environmental and economic benefits for farmers.

SourceLa Trobe University·JournalPLANT PHYSIOLOGY·DateJul 6, 2019

Plants' oil-production accelerator also activates the brakes

Scientists discovered a paradoxical mechanism where a plant protein that turns on oil synthesis also activates a protein to put the brakes on it. This balance ensures fatty acid precursors are perfectly regulated, preventing toxicity and promoting healthy membrane and oil production.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalPLANT PHYSIOLOGY·DateJun 20, 2019
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.

Directed evolution comes to plants

A KAUST-led team has developed a new platform for speeding up and controlling the evolution of proteins inside living plants. This allows plant breeders to rapidly engineer new crop varieties with improved yield and immunity to pathogens.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalGenome Biology·DateJun 19, 2019

Unearthing the sweet potato proteome

Researchers analyzed sweet potato leaves and roots to gain a better understanding of their protein makeup. They identified 3,143 unique proteins from leaves and 2,928 from roots, providing new insights into the plant's genome.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Proteome Research·DateJun 19, 2019

It's not easy being green

UC Riverside researchers identified two genes responsible for regulating plant greening through mutant plant experiments. The discovery sheds light on the complex process of photosynthesis and its control by the cell's nucleus and chloroplasts.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 14, 2019

Structuring sweetness: What makes Stevia 200 times sweeter than sugar

The study determined the structure of the RebA protein, which synthesizes the plant's high-intensity sweetness. The researchers found that the plant enzyme decorates a core terpene scaffold with three special sugars to create the sweetness.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 10, 2019

Red and white meats are equally bad for cholesterol

A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition finds that red and white meats raise low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) by the same amount, regardless of meat type. Plant proteins show the best cholesterol benefit and should be prioritized for heart health.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateJun 4, 2019
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Improving plant photosynthetic efficiency

Researchers discovered that prolonging phototropin photocycle enhances light sensitivity of chloroplast movement and leaf positioning in Arabidopsis thaliana, leading to increased biomass under low-light conditions. This finding suggests a strategy for improving photosynthetic efficiency and crop yields.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 3, 2019

Scientists demonstrate plant stress memory and adaptation capabilities

Researchers have discovered a connection between two signalling systems that help plants survive stress situations, enabling them to remember and adapt to dangerous conditions. This breakthrough may lead to new bioengineering technologies to overcome crop growth retardation and development anomalies in stress-resistant crops.

SourceAKSON Russian Science Communication Association·JournalTrends in Plant Science·DateMay 30, 2019
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.

Location is everything for plant cell differentiation

In Arabidopsis thaliana, the location of proteins within a cell and the position of the cell itself play crucial roles in determining cell type. The study found that ATML1 protein accumulation is inhibited in internal cell layers, leading to epidermal cell differentiation. This post-transcriptional regulation enables plants to form a s...

SourceOsaka University·JournalDevelopment·DateMay 9, 2019

Understanding the power of honey through its proteins

Researchers analyzed 13 honeys from the Czech Republic to identify proteins, revealing a similar ratio of known and previously unreported proteins. The study also shed light on allergens present in honey, which could aid in treating allergies.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Natural Products·DateMay 8, 2019
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.

NTU scientists discover sustainable way to increase seed oil yield in crops

Researchers at NTU have developed a sustainable method to increase seed oil yield in crops such as canola, soybean and sunflower. The new genetic modification involves modifying the key protein Wrinkled1, resulting in larger oil reserves in seeds, which could lead to higher economic gain and increased production of biofuel.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalPlant Signaling & Behavior·DateApr 20, 2019

Plants are also stressed out

Researchers discover GUN1 plays a crucial role in regulating chloroplast-to-nucleus communication, enabling plants to respond to stress. This finding may help breed plants that can better withstand environmental stressors and maintain food production.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 19, 2019

Diet rich in animal protein is associated with a greater risk of death

A diet high in animal protein and meat is associated with a greater risk of death, according to a 20-year follow-up study. Men who primarily consumed animal-based proteins had a 23% higher risk of mortality compared to those with a balanced ratio of animal and plant-based proteins.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateApr 10, 2019

Substituting healthy plant proteins for red meat lowers risk for heart disease

A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found that diets with high-quality protein sources from plants like legumes and nuts lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure compared to those with red meat. This study provides evidence for the benefits of plant-based diets in reducing cardiovascular disease risk factors.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalCirculation·DateApr 9, 2019
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

'Electron shuttle' protein plays key role in plant cell-wall construction

A recent study by scientists from Brookhaven National Laboratory has revealed the mechanistic details of a protein involved in the assembly of lignin, a key cell-wall component. The discovery identifies an electron shuttle protein that delivers fuel for the construction of one specific type of lignin building block.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateApr 8, 2019

Resistosome illuminates plant disease resistance mechanisms

A recent study has solved the first structures of a full-length plant NLR protein, uncovering previously unknown mechanisms of this important class of immune receptors. The researchers found that plant NLRs form oligomeric complexes called resistosomes, which are essential for disease resistance and hypersensitive cell death-triggering.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience·DateApr 8, 2019
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.

Plant immunity cut to size

Researchers found a class of enzymes called metacaspases play a crucial role in plant immune response, releasing calcium and peptides to prevent infection. The discovery opens up new avenues for improving crop breeding techniques and boosting plant immunity.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalScience·DateMar 21, 2019