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How do thirsty plants hold out during drought?

Salk Institute scientists created a high-resolution atlas showing how droughts affect plant cells. They identified a gene, Ferric Reduction Oxidase 6 (FRO6), that could be targeted to create more resilient crops. FRO6 expression in mesophyll cells partially maintained leaf growth under drought stress.

Plant microbiota: War and peace under the surface

Researchers at the University of Lausanne discovered that plant roots release complex compounds called root exudates to recruit beneficial bacteria. These bacteria are attracted to glutamine, an amino acid that acts as a signal allowing them to colonize precise leakage sites on the root surface.

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.

All DRII-ed up: How do plants recover after drought?

Researchers discovered that plants rapidly activate a coordinated immune response during drought recovery, prioritizing immunity over growth. This finding highlights the importance of studying the post-drought period and points to new strategies for engineering crops that can rebound more effectively after environmental stress.

Scientists debut a new foundational atlas of the plant life cycle

Researchers create first genetic atlas to span entire Arabidopsis life cycle, capturing gene expression patterns of 400,000 cells in multiple developmental stages. The atlas provides comprehensive insights into plant biology, enabling future studies on different cell types and developmental stages.

Scientists get back to basics with minimal plant genomes

Researchers at Salk Institute used CRISPR-Cas9 to delete large duplicated regions in Arabidopsis thaliana genomes, revealing minimal off-target effects. The study shows that it's possible to obtain viable plants with streamlined, minimal plant genomes, challenging assumptions about essential DNA blocks.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Researchers engineer plants for optimal biofuel production

Researchers have charted how plant metabolism responds to genetic changes that increase oil production, finding simultaneous increases in both oil and protein content. The study's findings will provide scientists with clues for optimizing biofuel production in plants such as camelina and pennycress.

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.

Demystifying the role of plant x- and y-type thioredoxins

X- and y-type thioredoxins play a crucial role in maintaining the redox balance of photosynthesis during fluctuating light conditions. The study found that these proteins facilitate electron transport through the electron transport chain, preventing photoinhibition and promoting plant growth.

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.

Seeing the insides of plants in 3D

A new technology called PHYTOMap allows researchers to study dozens of genes simultaneously without genetic manipulation, providing insights into plant responses to climate change. The method has the potential to improve crop resiliency and inform agriculture optimization.

Refining surge protector in crops could boost yields

Researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln have identified new genes that regulate the surge protector in plants, which can help increase photosynthesis efficiency and boost corn yields. The discovery could lead to breeding plants better equipped to capitalize on yield-boosting sunlight.

The missing links: Finding function in lincRNAs

Researchers at Boyce Thompson Institute have created the first comprehensive annotation of long intergenic non-coding RNAs (lincRNAs) in four mustard species. The study identifies locations across all four genomes that encoded lincRNAs, proposed functions for them, and confirmed the function of some lincRNAs involved in germination. Th...

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.

Nanocarrier spray: Better crops without genetic modification

Researchers at RIKEN CSRS have developed a non-transgenic method to modify plant genes using a bioactive molecule spray, which can be used to improve crop yield and resistance to pests. The technique has shown promising results in improving economically desirable quality traits in crops.

Study shines a light into “black holes” in the Arabidopsis genome

Researchers have sequenced the Arabidopsis genome at unprecedented detail, shedding light on centromere evolution and revealing genetic and epigenetic topography. The findings provide insights into the genomic equivalent of black holes, a region that has long been challenging to analyze.

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.

Lockdown for genome parasites

Researchers at GMI discovered that Arabidopsis's Decreased DNA Methylation I (DDM1) gene product silences undesirable genetic elements and transposable elements, preventing genome instability. This mechanism dominates other known TE silencing mechanisms.

Some plants regenerate by duplicating their DNA

Scientists found that plant genome duplication enables herbaceous plants to regenerate and become more fertile after being damaged. The study showed that increased genome duplication leads to an increase in cell growth and production of key proteins.

Little plant tells big stories

A study published in Nature has decoded the genetic variation of Arabidopsis thaliana, a model plant used in research. By analyzing 19 strains of this plant, scientists have gained insight into its ability to adapt to different environments and climates.

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Salk scientist Joseph Ecker, appointed as HHMI-GBMF Investigator

Joseph R. Ecker, a renowned plant biologist, has been selected as an HHMI-GBMF Investigator for his pioneering work on Arabidopsis thaliana genome sequencing and genomic methylation patterns. His research aims to explore epigenetic mechanisms in plants and their relevance to human health and disease.

Evolution can cause a rapid reduction in genome size

Researchers have decoded the entire genome of lyre-leaved rock cress, a close relative of the thale cress, revealing that its genome is significantly larger. The study found that considerable elements were lost from the thale cress genome, with hundreds of thousands of small deletions accounting for most of the differences in size.

Searching for genes behind a trait

A team at the University of Southern California used a genome-wide association method to locate genes behind important plant traits such as flowering time and disease resistance in Arabidopsis thaliana. The study identified dozens of genes linked to these traits, with potential applications in agriculture and biofuels.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Evolution caught in the act

A US-German team studied genetic changes in Arabidopsis thaliana over 30 generations, finding that new mutations occur frequently, with an average of one per genome per generation. The study also reveals that not all parts of the genome are equally affected and provides new estimates for when species split up.

Scientists decipher fruit tree genome for the first time

Researchers have successfully sequenced the papaya genome, revealing a complex evolutionary history and providing valuable insights into fruit tree biology. The study also identified genetic mechanisms underlying arboreal development and seed dispersal, with potential implications for other crops in the Brassicales order.

One species, many genomes

Researchers found nearly four percent of Arabidopsis genes are variable and some are non-functional, revealing a highly adaptable plant with a streamlined genome. The study suggests that environmental conditions drive gene variation, enabling plants to adapt to different climates.

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Charting ever-changing genomes

Researchers developed a method to catalog genetic variations in Arabidopsis thaliana, revealing regions targeted by natural selection. The study found that one out of 10 genes is very different and many gene families were shaped by evolution. The data have been placed in a publicly accessible database.

Poplar DNA code cracked -- a step in combating global warming?

The poplar's genome has been cracked, revealing potential genes specific to trees that could aid in combating global warming. By comparing the genomes of Populus and Arabidopsis, researchers hope to identify tree-specific genes that can be used to modify trees for better energy production and wood quality.

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.

Salk news: Gene chips and crop yield

A recent study published in Science has identified nearly 6,000 protein-encoding genes in the tiny mustard weed Arabidopsis, revolutionizing plant genetics research. This breakthrough allows researchers to quickly identify and modify desirable traits in other plants using these genes.

New 'knockout' map helps study gene functions in model plant

Scientists have inactivated almost three-quarters of all genes in the genome of Arabidopsis thaliana, creating a public database of genome-wide gene mutations. The study provides significant new information on the function of individual and groups of genes.

'Knockout' research eases study of plant gene functions

Researchers can now study specific gene function in Arabidopsis by quickly searching for and ordering genetically modified plants with knocked-out genes. Over 21,700 genes were identified as having been turned off using insertional mutagenesis, representing a significant advancement in understanding plant genome functions.

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.

Scientists report first complete genome sequence of a plant

The international Arabidopsis Genome Initiative has successfully completed the sequencing of the entire genome of Arabidopsis thaliana, a powerful tool in plant molecular biology. The study reveals vast chromosomal regions have been duplicated in the genome, and approximately 70% of genes can be functionally predicted.

First plant genome completed

A team of scientists has successfully completed the sequencing of the Arabidopsis thaliana genome, paving the way for accelerated research in plant biology. The comprehensive analysis provides valuable insights into gene annotation, functional categories, chromosomal architecture, and transposable elements.

Researchers sequence first plant genome

The team sequenced the genome of Arabidopsis thaliana, a flowering mustard, enabling scientists to study genes controlling basic plant functions. The knowledge gained will aid in improving crops like wheat, corn, and soybeans, as well as identifying genes in the human sequence.

First-ever complete plant genome sequence is announced

The complete genome sequence of Arabidopsis thaliana reveals clues to genetic behavior in plants and animals, with potential applications for agriculture and medicine. The public domain genome catalog provides a resource for scientists worldwide.