The EU-funded BiCIKL project has developed a flagship outcome - the Biodiversity Knowledge Hub - a one-stop portal for understanding biodiversity research infrastructures. The consortium has also created 12 services dedicated to FAIR and linked ready-to-use biodiversity data.
Scientists explored desiccation tolerance in mosses, tracing 450 million years of plant evolution. They found closely related species use similar pathways to coordinate dehydration but differ in rehydration management.
SourceBoyce Thompson Institute·JournalNew Phytologist·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 28, 2024
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
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.
Researchers have discovered that plant immune receptors and growth-related proteins share a common evolutionary ancestry, allowing for the creation of hybrid receptors with enhanced functionality. This breakthrough could lead to the development of disease-resistant crops by isolating and engineering immune receptors from various plants.
SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 2024
Scientists have successfully replicated QS-21, a potent vaccine adjuvant, in an alternative plant host for the first time. This breakthrough enables the production of this highly valued compound in a more sustainable manner.
SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalNature Chemical Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 26, 2024
Research findings show seagrasses have evolved unique adaptations to thrive in marine environments, including genome duplication and fine-tuning of supportive pathways. The study's results provide clues for conserving and sustainably using these important ecosystems.
SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalNature Plants·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 26, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
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.
SourceBoyce Thompson Institute·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 25, 2024
A team of researchers has found that homosporous lycophytes have maintained a consistent genetic structure for over 350 million years. This unusual phenomenon reveals important aspects of plant evolution and genetics, providing a unique window into the past.
SourceBoyce Thompson Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 18, 2024
Researchers have developed a novel tool for the selective and efficient recovery of large DNA molecules using TAR cloning. This technique has been applied to isolate individual gene alleles, study genome architecture and evolution, and engineer synthetic viruses with novel properties, including vaccine development.
SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 8, 2024
Jujube witches' broom disease is a fruit tree disease caused by phytoplasma, leading to altered plant development and severe yield loss. The review highlights the importance of understanding the interaction between phytoplasma effectors and plant target proteins to develop effective prevention and cure strategies.
SourceMaximum Academic Press·JournalFruit Research·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 21, 2023
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.
Researchers at Oregon State University have sequenced the chia genome, identifying genes associated with improving nutrition and human health. The study found 29 genes involved in polyunsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis and 93 genes that aid gel-forming properties of chia seeds.
SourceOregon State University·JournalFrontiers in Plant Science·DateDec 14, 2023
A new bottom-up approach to genome synthesis in multicellular plants is proposed using the model moss Physcomitrium patens. The study discusses challenges such as genome assembly and plant transformation, highlighting recent breakthroughs and limitations that must be overcome for wider application.
SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalBioDesign Research·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 3, 2023
A new genomic study sheds light on the evolutionary innovation behind carnivorous Asian pitcher plants, suggesting that duplicated genomes may have enabled specialized carnivory and separate-sexed plants.
SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalNature Plants·DateNov 30, 2023
Researchers have identified a decaploid genome structure in the Nepenthes gracilis pitcher plant, revealing subgenome dominance that contributes to evolutionary innovation. Recessive subgenomes are enriched with novel genes, particularly those related to unique traits like dioecy and carnivory.
SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Plants·DateNov 23, 2023
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.
A pangenomic study of water caltrop has identified structural variations that contribute to its speciation and asymmetric subgenome evolution. The study found that gene clusters related to organ development, organic substance metabolism, and response to stimulus were differentially expressed between the two diploid species.
SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalHorticulture Research·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 22, 2023
Researchers at the University of Adelaide have developed a new software tool called CoreDetector to improve plant breeding through enhanced genome-sequencing powers. The tool can efficiently handle large and evolutionary diverse genomes, allowing for more resilient crops in a changing climate.
SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalBioinformatics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 20, 2023
Researchers identified genetic mutations in peas that enable high iron accumulation, opening doors for biofortification of staple crops like wheat and barley. This breakthrough has the potential to reduce iron deficiency anaemia globally.
SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalThe Plant Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 15, 2023
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.
Researchers from China and Spain assembled the first high-quality genome of a semi-wild melon, discovering genetic variants linked to resistance against diseases and unique fruit ripening mechanisms. The study provides valuable resources for future research on resistance breeding in melons.
SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalHorticulture Research·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 3, 2023
The high-quality Bougainvillea genome assembly provides new insights into the species' evolutionary history, genetic duplication events, and pigment biosynthetic pathways. The study's findings suggest that bract coloration requires high levels of expression for the betacyanin biosynthetic pathway.
SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalHorticulture Research·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 22, 2023
Researchers found that urbanized creeping woodsorrel plants exhibit red leaves, which thrive in urban areas due to high stress tolerance. Genome-wide genetic analyses revealed multiple evolutionary origins of the red-leaf variant from ancestral green-leaved plants.
SourceChiba University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 20, 2023
A genome study of over 600 carrot types finds that recessive genes controlling orange carotenoids are essential for the vegetable's orange color. The study also sheds light on carrot domestication in Western Asia and Europe during the Middle Ages and Renaissance periods, respectively.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature Plants·TypeObservational study·DateSep 28, 2023
A study published in PLOS Biology identifies key genetic loci that distinguish Penstemon species with flowers adapted to different pollinators. The research reveals surprisingly few genetic differences between species with different pollination syndromes, suggesting strong selection to maintain flower traits.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2023
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.
Balanophora and Sapria have lost 38% and 28% of their genomes respectively, evolving into holoparasites with record shrinkages. The parasites shed genes related to photosynthesis, root development, and stress responses, retaining only essential genes.
SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalNature Plants·TypeObservational study·DateSep 21, 2023
Scientists identified the candidate genes involved in cardenolide biosynthesis by comparative analysis of two plant species. They also discovered two enzymes that catalyze the conversion of cholesterol and phytosterols into pregnenolone, a crucial step in the production of these plant steroids.
SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·JournalNature Plants·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 18, 2023
The study found that despite invasive strains, all yeast lineages belonged to the ethanol fermentation environment, keeping the industrial process stable. The researchers plan to investigate yeast population dynamics in more detail, including the impact of external agents like bacteria.
SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalG3 Genes Genomes Genetics·DateAug 30, 2023
Researchers have discovered how plants pass along chemical markers that instruct cells on using DNA codes, a process known as epigenetic inheritance. The study reveals the role of protein DDM1 in making way for enzymes that add regulatory marks to new DNA strands, preserving genetic controls across generations.
SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalCell·DateAug 28, 2023
This study reveals that 5mC DNA methylation modification regulates tissue functional differentiation and important flavor substance synthesis in tea plants. The researchers found that hypomethylation of specific genes is responsible for the production of theanine in roots.
SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalHorticulture Research·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 28, 2023
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.
A new study suggests that one branch of plant immunity evolved early during terrestrial evolution, enabling plants to establish themselves on dry land. The research found that pattern-triggered immunity (PTI) is conserved in non-vascular plants, such as liverwort Marchantia polymorpha.
SourceMax Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2023
Researchers found that genetically modified tobacco mutants, impaired in their defenses, outperformed wild-type plants in years with low herbivore pressure. The mutants' prioritization of growth and reproduction over defense allowed them to thrive in environments with limited insect damage.
SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 21, 2023
The rare moss Takakia has developed unique adaptations to survive frost, high UV radiation, and extreme altitudes. Climate change is altering its natural habitat, posing a threat to this ancient species.
SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalCell·DateAug 9, 2023
The oldest and fastest evolving moss in the world, Takakia, may not survive climate change. Despite its rapid adaptation capabilities, the species is declining in population size due to warming temperatures and increasing UV radiation, threatening its very existence.
SourceCell Press·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 9, 2023
Researchers have discovered a gene, B5, in Egyptian cotton that confers powerful resistance to bacterial blight. The gene enables strong resistance to the disease under Oklahoma field conditions and accumulates high amounts of defense chemicals.
SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPhytopathology·DateAug 7, 2023
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.
Researchers sequenced einkorn wheat's genome, tracing its evolutionary history and identifying resilient properties that can be reintroduced into modern bread wheat. The study's findings provide insight into human migration and settlement, as well as potential solutions to protect the world's food supply.
SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 2, 2023
Researchers at Nagoya University identified a genetic sequence in thale cress crucial for plant reproduction and fertilization. The discovery of the Synergid-specific Activation Element of MYB98 (SaeM) is expected to improve seed production, increase plant yields, and enhance crossbreeding between plant species.
SourceNagoya University·JournalFrontiers in Plant Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 26, 2023
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.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 24, 2023
An international team reconstructed eelgrass colonisation history, tracing Pacific to Atlantic migrations around 243,000 years ago. Genetic diversity in Atlantic populations is lower due to past ice ages, raising concerns about adapting to a changing climate.
SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalNature Plants·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 20, 2023
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.
A study by North Carolina State University researchers identified genes involved in the development of stone cells, which can block weevil feeding on budding branches. The findings could help breed genetically improved Sitka spruce trees resistant to the spruce weevil, a significant pest affecting forest giants.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNew Phytologist·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 10, 2023
Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have developed a novel approach to synthetic biology that enables the simultaneous characterization of hundreds of transcription factors in a plant. This breakthrough has significant implications for agriculture and sustainability, as understanding how transcription factors regulate ...
SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalCell Systems·DateJun 21, 2023
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.
SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature Plants·TypeImaging analysis·DateJun 12, 2023
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.
Researchers have unlocked the large-scale genomic analysis of foxtail millet, an important cereal crop that has been grown for roughly 11,000 years. The study identified key genes and marker-panels for its evolution and improvement in different environments.
SourceNew York University·JournalNature Genetics·DateJun 8, 2023
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.
SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalNew Phytologist·DateJun 5, 2023
A new study reveals that crops such as corn, sorghum, and millet have evolved by swapping genetic modules between cells to adapt to environmental changes. Researchers identified trends of gene module trading among the species, which may help scientists pinpoint genes controlling drought tolerance.
A recent study published in PLOS Biology identifies a global strain of emerging wheat disease fungus, highlighting the importance of genomic surveillance in tracking pathogen evolution and crop resistance. The research found that breeds of wheat carrying the Rmg8 gene are resistant to this fungal strain.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 11, 2023
GoPro HERO13 Black
GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.
Researchers have developed an online tool, the 'Tree-Based Alignment Selector (T-BAS) toolkit', to identify and monitor plant pathogens, including Phytophthora species responsible for devastating plant diseases. The tool provides a living 'tree of life' with genetic sequence data, evolutionary history, and relationships within groups.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 3, 2023
Researchers discovered a plant biological clock-regulated mechanism that helps plants tolerate cold temperatures and damage from bright light. The mechanism, controlled by the SIG5 gene, signals proteins in chloroplasts to protect against environmental stress, potentially improving crop resilience for colder climates.
SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalNature Plants·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 30, 2023
The giant faba bean genome has been successfully sequenced, providing a wealth of information on its genetic makeup. This breakthrough will facilitate varietal selection for traits related to protein content and yield potential, addressing global demand for plant-based proteins.
SourceINRAE - National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment·JournalNature·DateMar 23, 2023
The giant faba bean genome has been successfully sequenced, offering insights into its traits such as drought tolerance and protein content. This breakthrough has the potential to improve crop yields and reduce reliance on artificial fertilizers, making faba bean a more attractive crop for sustainable agriculture.
SourceAarhus University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 9, 2023
Meta Quest 3 512GB
Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.
The faba bean genome has been fully sequenced for the first time, providing a genetic toolkit for breeding lines with beneficial traits. This achievement aims to improve nutritional content and sustainability of production, with a focus on increasing UK-grown pulses and promoting plant-based diets.
SourceUniversity of Reading·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 8, 2023
Researchers used AgRenSeq genomic discovery method to identify two genes protecting experimental wheat plants against wheat blast. The study highlights the power of heritage wheat varieties and wild grass relatives in providing disease-fighting diversity.
SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalNature Plants·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 16, 2023
Scientists at the University of Adelaide have constructed the first reference genome for psyllium husk, a versatile plant-derived product used to improve gut health and control blood cholesterol. The discovery will pave the way for improvements to the quality and quantity of psyllium crops.
SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 15, 2023
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.
Researchers have elucidated a mechanism that makes tiny plant stem cells destined to give rise to stomata, cellular valves of plants. The discovery reveals two DNA codes and regulator proteins working together to lock in the fate of a plant cell.
SourceInstitute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University·JournalNature Plants·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 8, 2023
A research group at Nagoya University has sequenced 95.6% of the Nicotiana benthamiana genome using next-generation sequencing technology. The findings provide insight into the plant's ability to perform grafting, a rare phenomenon in plants.
SourceNagoya University·JournalPlant and Cell Physiology·DateFeb 8, 2023
A new study uses CRISPR-Cas9 to modify a gene that makes plants susceptible to viruses, resulting in strong resistance to multiple potyvirus isolates. This approach broadens genetic diversity and generates resistance without altering protein function or expression.
SourceINRAE - National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment·JournalPlant Biotechnology Journal·DateJan 31, 2023
A transnational collaboration led to the characterization of Physostegia chlorotic mottle virus (PhCMoV), a plant disease first identified in Austria in 2018. The study revealed that PhCMoV can infect at least nine plant species, causing severe fruit symptoms on economically important crops.
SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPlant Disease·DateJan 26, 2023
Researchers have discovered a way to produce limonoids, a family of valuable chemicals with potential as bee-friendly insecticides and anti-cancer drugs. By identifying the enzymes required for production, they can now use host organisms to create these compounds in a more sustainable way.
SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 26, 2023
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.
Scientists at Max Planck Institute discovered that paternal chloroplasts can be transmitted to offspring under cold conditions, allowing for selective breeding of traits from genetic material. This finding may enable plant breeders to use chloroplast genes in new ways.
SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Plants·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 24, 2023
Researchers identified hundreds of microorganisms associated with plant roots and soil, showing potential for developing biological substitutes for phosphorus-based fertilizers. The discovery highlights the importance of microbial communities in supplying essential nutrients like nitrogen.
SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalThe ISME Journal·DateJan 23, 2023
The CABBI team successfully demonstrated precision gene editing in miscanthus, a promising perennial crop for sustainable bioenergy production. The results will accelerate efforts to tap the huge potential of this highly productive but genetically complex grass as a source for biofuels, renewable bioproducts, and carbon sequestration.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment·JournalBiotechnology for Biofuels and Bioproducts·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 19, 2023
Hiroshima University researchers have generated a high-quality genome assembly of red perilla, allowing scientists to harness its abundance of potentially useful bioactive chemicals. The study enables targeted gene editing for enhanced phytochemical production, paving the way for new medical applications.
SourceHiroshima University·JournalDNA Research·DateJan 11, 2023
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.
A study from Cornell University found that broccoli grows abnormally in warmer temperatures, resembling cauliflower. Researchers identified the genetic basis of this phenomenon, revealing that DNA methylation plays a key role in regulating floral development and causing abnormal growth.
SourceCornell University·JournalMolecular Horticulture·DateJan 9, 2023