Articles tagged with Symbiosis
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Researchers at the Boyce Thompson Institute have developed new tools to study the molecular level of plant-fungus partnerships. By identifying key proteins involved in nutrient exchange, they aim to develop crop varieties that form more effective symbioses, reducing fertilizer costs and improving crop resilience.
Researchers discovered that beneficial fungi enhance plant resistance to disease by remodelling the plant cell membrane at pathogen infection sites. This transformation coincides with a significant reduction in pathogen colonisation and offers critical new insights into how plants coordinate defences in complex natural environments.
Researchers have identified a new species of ancient symbiotic fungus preserved within a 407-million-year-old plant fossil from Scotland. The discovery provides unprecedented three-dimensional insight into one of the earliest known plant–fungus partnerships, known as mycorrhiza.
A breakthrough study from Aarhus University identified two amino acid changes that allow plants to switch off their immune system and form symbiosis with nitrogen-fixing bacteria. This discovery could lead to breeding crops like wheat, barley, and maize that can fix nitrogen themselves, reducing the need for artificial fertilizer.
A new species of sea anemone has been discovered building shell-like homes for hermit crabs. The anemone secretes a carcinoecium that expands and reinforces the crab's shell, forming a mutualistic relationship between the two species.
A study by Kobe University discovered that wild orchid seeds require fungi from decaying logs to germinate. The team found a consistent association between young and adult plants with coral-shaped rhizomes and wood-decaying fungi, suggesting an essential role for these fungi in the orchid's nutritional needs.
Researchers found that bean plants and other species evolved a predisposition for the symbiosis at least three times, supporting a long-standing theory. This biological trick allows plants to access atmospheric nitrogen, boosting crop yields.
Researchers studied a microscopic alliance between algae and cyanobacteria to understand how bacteria lose genes and adapt to increasing host dependence. The study found that the level of integration between the symbionts affects genome size, gene content, and metabolic pathways.
Researchers from Kyoto University discovered a new shrimp roommate, Betaeus levifrons, living in Japanese mud shrimp (Upogebia major) burrows on the Pacific coast of Hokkaido. This symbiotic relationship highlights the unique ecological and evolutionary processes underlying these interactions.
Researchers at OIST found that only cyanobacteria Trichormus azollae are true symbionts of Azolla ferns, with their genomes showing extreme decay and loss of genes. The study sheds light on the genomic impacts of symbiosis and its potential applications in food security.
Anemonefish evolved into diverse species due to distinct ecological lifestyles, including swimming efficiency, muscle architecture, and behavior. The study challenges long-held ideas about host specialization, positioning anemonefish as a new model system for studying ecological and evolutionary forces.
Research shows how tropical plants like Squamellaria manage rival ant colonies by physically separating them within the plant's domatia. The compartments act as individual flats, preventing physical contact and allowing multiple ant species to coexist peacefully.
Researchers at Nara Institute of Science and Technology have found beneficial microbes in rice roots that can support plant growth and reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers. The study reveals an increase in microbial diversity as plants mature, with nitrogen-fixing bacteria enriching the soil.
Researchers found that dual symbioses between trees and mycorrhizal fungi enhance tree fitness, making them less sensitive to drought and nutrient scarcity. This cooperation enables trees to colonize a larger territory and adapt to harsher climates, particularly in dry areas.
Researchers identify CLE16 peptide as key molecule promoting symbiotic relationship between plants and beneficial soil fungi. Supplementing with this peptide or its fungal equivalent can enhance nutrient exchange and strengthen these traits in crops.
Researchers at Kobe University discovered that gut microbes convert glucose into short-chain fatty acids when fed sugar, highlighting a new symbiotic relationship. This finding could lead to the development of novel therapeutics for regulating gut microbiota and their metabolites.
Anemonefish provide food to bubble-tip anemones through active provisioning, which increases the host's growth rate. This symbiotic behavior is crucial for the anemonefish as it benefits them by making their hosts larger.
Coral larvae reduce metabolism and increase nitrogen uptake to resist bleaching in high temperatures. This adaptation allows the coral to conserve energy and resources, while also limiting algal overgrowth and maintaining symbiotic relationships.
A study on attine ants reveals that beneficial bacteria live on the surface of their exoskeletons, which nourish these bacteria. The researchers found that these bacteria, including Pseudonocardia, are thought to have initially been gut symbionts and became cuticular symbionts around 20 million years ago.
Researchers discovered a bacterial parasite that infects the nuclei of deep-sea mussels, reproducing to over 80,000 cells while keeping its host alive. The parasite produces proteins that suppress apoptosis, an 'arms race' with the host cell, and acquires nutrients from host components.
Researchers challenge single-origin theory of root nodule symbiosis, identifying multiple origins and ideal experimental systems to better understand symbiotic relationships. The findings suggest a lesser role for shared genetic machinery in genetically engineering crop plants to work with nitrogen-fixing bacteria.
Researchers discovered that the regeneration process of certain marine worms is controlled by a common transcription factor called runt, which also regulates the communication with the algae living inside them. This finding sheds light on the complex interactions between species in symbiotic relationships.
Researchers found a symbiotic relationship between cyanobacteria UCYN-A and marine algae, B. bigelowii, where UCYN-A fix nitrogen gas into ammonium without regulating dinitrogen use. This suggests they may be on the path to becoming organelle-like structures.
Researchers have identified two genetic factors, LSH1/LSH2, that promote the production of specialized root cells required for nitrogen-fixing bacteria to thrive in legumes. This discovery brings us closer to engineering non-legume crops to develop root nodule organs and reduce our reliance on industrial nitrogen fertilizers.
Groundbreaking research reveals key insights into plant-AM fungi interactions, including the roles of two proteins, CKL1 and CKL2, which control lipid flow essential for fungal survival. This symbiosis could lead to advances in agricultural sustainability and crop resilience.
A recent study at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem documented a groundbreaking observation of phoresy involving a myrmecophile pseudoscorpion on a myrmecophile scorpion. The study reveals the first recorded instance of this symbiotic relationship, where the pseudoscorpion attaches to the scorpion for dispersal into new environments.
Researchers found that the IAA-miR164a-NAC100L1 module induces callose deposition to mediate graft incompatible cucumber/pumpkin seedlings. The module regulates callose synthase activity and interacts with NAC100L1 to enhance symbiotic incompatibility.
Researchers found that specific algae from the genus Breviolum help Caribbean octocorals withstand heat waves and bleaching events. The study provides clues for the future of coral reefs and highlights the need for further research to better understand the ecosystem.
Researchers found a tradeoff between fast growth and heat tolerance in corals, with thermally sensitive algae dominating faster growth but only in cooler water. This study helps predict reef futures and inform conservation strategies, highlighting the complexity of coral growth on a reef.
New research reveals that adult coral can handle more heat and keep growing thanks to heat-evolved symbionts. The study found that these symbionts enhanced coral recovery from bleaching and improved heat tolerance without compromising growth.
Researchers at Kyoto University have found three new species of animals living together in harmony with worms in dead coral rocks. The discovery highlights the importance of community structure and biodiversity patterns in cryptofauna, suggesting that symbiotic relationships are omnipresent in the ocean.
A study by Hokkaido University researchers has discovered a wide diversity of symbiotic, photosynthetic microalgae associated with small, worm-like animals called acoels. Acoels form relationships with single-celled microalgae, storing them below their outer surface and creating energy using sunlight.
Researchers discovered a species of fungus that fosters a unique symbiotic relationship with oilseed rape plants, increasing flavonoid biosynthesis and enhancing plant defense against pests. This breakthrough offers promising potential for sustainable agriculture and minimizing ecological footprints.
Researchers have identified a new process by which sugar is released by symbiotic algae, showing the cell wall plays a crucial role in symbiosis and carbon circulation. The findings provide an important piece of the jigsaw puzzle for understanding carbon cycling in marine environments.
Researchers found that competition between beneficial bacterial strains degrades the service they provide to plants, resulting in smaller benefits. The study used native California plant and eight compatible nitrogen-fixing bacterial strains to directly measure their ability to infect plants and provide benefits.
Researchers at Penn State discovered that bioluminescent bacteria use a small RNA molecule called Qrr1 to coordinate their behavior and colonize the squid's light organ. This mechanism is likely widespread among bacteria, enabling them to exploit quorum sensing pathways.
A recent study has shown that the mutual symbiosis between bacteria and fungi can be fragile, as a specific protein maintains the balance. When this protein is absent, the bacteria are trapped within fungal hyphae and die.
Scientists discover that warmer temperatures cause sea sponges to lose essential microbes, leading to tissue poisoning and necrosis. This study highlights the impact of climate change on marine ecosystems and the potential loss of medicinal molecules.
Researchers have identified a phenomenon that could help coral reef managers plan and act for the future. Ocean processes during El Niño strengthened the North Equatorial Counter Current, driving cooler plankton-rich waters to Palmyra's coral reefs and enabling them to better manage heat stress.
Researchers found that plants allocate a significant amount of carbon to mycorrhizal fungi, equivalent to roughly one-third of carbon emitted yearly by fossil fuels. This discovery highlights the importance of understanding fungal networks in soil ecosystems and their role in mitigating climate change.
Researchers have discovered a common virus hidden within the genomes of coral symbionts, which can threaten the stability of the symbiotic partnership. Climate change and stress can trigger the release of this non-retroviral RNA virus, leading to disease in corals.
Researchers discovered fragments of RNA viruses embedded in coral partners' genomes, dating back 160 million years. The discovery provides insights into how corals fight off viral infections and may hold the key to understanding the ecological impact of viruses on reef health.
Researchers have uncovered a previously unknown process in marine phytoplankton that accounts for between 7% to 25% of all oxygen produced and carbon fixed in the ocean. This discovery sheds light on how tiny organisms contribute to global oxygen production, with potential implications for our understanding of evolution.
Coral cells use a molecule called LePin to mark friendly algae for ingestion, a mutually beneficial relationship that helps corals survive. This discovery could inform strategies to prevent coral bleaching and promote coral resilience.
Researchers discovered how sea anemones distribute sugar from symbionts to recycle nitrogen waste, enabling them to build massive reef ecosystems. The study reveals that sea anemones play a major role in recycling scarce nitrogen, challenging the belief that algae are the sole actors.
Researchers from Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County have discovered evidence of a symbiotic relationship between Cretaceous dinosaurs and feather-feeding beetles. The study found that the beetles fed on the feathers of theropod dinosaurs during the Early Cretaceous period, approximately 105 million years ago.
The study found fossils of beetle larvae in intimate contact with dinosaur feathers, suggesting a symbiotic relationship where the beetles fed on the feathers. The discovery provides insight into coevolution between vertebrates and arthropods over 500 million years, revealing rare evidence of their interaction.
Researchers discovered that ambrosia beetles Xylosandrus germanus use the volatile compounds of their fungal symbionts to aggregate and potentially kill trees. This finding suggests a new method for biological control by targeting specific beetle species with trapping lures based on these compounds.
A recent study found that ocean warming triggers dinoRNAV infections in coral colonies, intensified in unhealthy colonies. This is the first empirical evidence of reef-wide dynamics of viruses infecting coral symbionts during heat waves.
A research group at Nagoya University discovered that the Japanese longicorn beetle has a symbiotic yeast called Scheffersomyces insectosa. The yeast breaks down xylose and other wood components, making it edible for the beetles.
A new study by the University of Exeter found that microplastic pollution reduces energy production in microscopic creatures like Paramecium bursaria. The microorganisms rely on algae for energy through photosynthesis, but severe contamination can lead to a 50% decline in net photosynthesis.
Scientists from the Institute of Botany discovered a widespread phenomenon called alcobiosis, where algae live inside fungal tissue and engage heavily in photosynthesis. The coexistence is common among corticioid basidiomycetes and is distinct from lichens.
Researchers found that symbiotic fungi convert chemical defenses of spruce trees into attractive compounds for bark beetles. The fungi's volatile compounds, particularly oxygenated monoterpenes, serve as chemical signals to keep the symbiosis alive and stimulate tunneling behavior in beetles.
Research reveals DNA methylation plays a crucial role in tree-fungi symbiosis, affecting water uptake and environmental adaptability. Epigenetic modulation between trees and fungi enhances symbiotic relationships, with implications for forest management and climate change mitigation.
Researchers found that conifer-killing beetles can detect the smell of a beneficial fungus through specialized neurons in their antennae, allowing them to identify infected trees. This detection system enables the beetles to locate fungi-produced compounds in tree resin, which may serve as cues for feeding and breeding.
A new study found that some coral reefs in the Eastern Pacific could maintain high coral cover into the 2060s by shuffling symbiotic algae communities. The reefs predominantly built by corals in the genus Pocillopora and hosting heat-tolerant alga Durusdinium glynnii are better equipped to survive and maintain high levels of coral cover.
Researchers have discovered that fungi in orange lichens can transport toxic pigments out of their cells, creating a 'sunscreen effect'. This mechanism allows the lichens to reflect harmful radiation while still allowing some solar radiation to pass through for photosynthesis.
Researchers have identified two new feather mite species associated with the endangered Laysan albatross in Japan. The study provides valuable insights into the ecological dynamics of these parasites and their impact on the bird population. The findings highlight the importance of conservation efforts to protect this species.
A new framework identifies barriers and context-specific measures for plastic use and disposal, guiding policymakers in selecting effective intervention measures. The framework has been tested in Kyoto City, revealing potential desirable behavioral changes, critical barriers, and corresponding intervention measures.
Coral hosts can punish selfish algae by limiting nutrient supply, promoting more beneficial species. This finding sheds light on coral survival and potential interventions to prevent bleaching due to climate change.