A new method of DNA sequencing using PacBio HiFi sequencing has been successfully applied to assemble the genome of barley with high accuracy and speed. The approach yielded better quality genome sequences compared to other methods, including more complete genes and accurate reassembly of non-coding regions.
Researchers at the University of Queensland have created a highly detailed genome model for critically endangered Macadamia jansenii, a plant species that is rare in the wild. The model has been used to study the genetics and diversity of the species, providing valuable insights into how rare plant species survive population decline.
Researchers at the Salk Institute have made groundbreaking discoveries about the genome of Wolffia, a miniature aquatic plant that can grow twice as fast as other plants. The study reveals that Wolffia has shed most genes that don't contribute to growth, allowing it to focus on rapid development.
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
Researchers at University of Tsukuba have produced genome sequences of two wild tomato ancestors, Solanum pimpinellifolium and S. lycopersicum var. cerasiforme, which will aid in breeding improved crop varieties with enhanced disease resistance, climate tolerance, and taste.
Researchers have produced a high-quality reference sequence of the complex switchgrass genome using samples from 10 experimental gardens across eight states. This allows breeders to test what genes affect the plant's adaptability to various environmental conditions and associate climate adaptations with switchgrass biology.
A newly engineered CRISPR variant called SpRY enables targeted mutation of nearly any genomic sequence in plants, expanding genome editing capabilities and opening up new possibilities for crop improvement. This breakthrough discovery is a significant advancement in the field of plant genome editing.
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.
Researchers have produced the most comprehensive genome of Sapria himalayana, a major Rafflesiaceae lineage found in Southeast Asia. The analysis revealed an astonishing degree of gene loss and surprising amounts of gene theft from ancient and modern hosts, offering new insights into the evolution of flowering plants.
Researchers have discovered a new pathway for intercellular exchange of large cell structures, enabling genetic material to be transferred between plants. This process allows for the creation of new plant species and has implications for crops like bread and durum wheat.
The study's results provide key insights into the genetic factors behind wheat's adaptability and diversity. The researchers found that chromosome fragments from wild grasses were cross-hybridized with wheat, leading to differences in immune receptors and enabling the crop to adapt to regional climate conditions.
A USask-led international team has sequenced the genomes of 15 wheat varieties representing breeding programs worldwide, enabling scientists to quickly identify influential genes. The results provide a comprehensive atlas of wheat genome sequences, which will accelerate breeding efficiency and meet future food demands.
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.
An international team has made a significant step closer to understanding the genetic information of barley by sequencing and decoding its genome. The research identified twenty highly diverse genotypes with unique structural variations in their chromosomes.
Researchers at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center have identified a novel seed dispersal gene in wild green millet, which could lead to more efficient crop production. The discovery was made through the analysis of nearly 600 genome sequences and confirmed by gene editing studies.
A joint EU conference explores GMOs, emphasizing EU regulation prospects and optimal use of scientific findings for consumer protection. The event features a series of free online webinars with prior registration.
Researchers developed a new software tool called WhatsHap polyphase to phase plant genomes in high resolution and with low error margins. The tool solves the problem using a two-phase process and is now available for polyploid organisms, including plants.
Researchers at UC Santa Barbara have identified a gene critical to the development of columbines' iconic spurs, which has led to rapid expansion in the genus. The discovery provides new insights into how key innovations evolve and could shed light on the genetic changes underlying this trait.
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.
The Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lini genome has been fully assembled, providing insights into the parasite's adaptation to flax and its potential for breeding resistant crop varieties. The study aims to elucidate specific mechanisms of Fusarium adaptation to different hosts and find genes responsible for its preferences.
A new genome sequencing technology has been used to decode the full genome of black mustard, providing insights into its genetic variation and traits. The research advances breeding of oilseed mustard crops and provides a foundation for improved breeding of wheat, canola, and lentils.
Researchers are using art to fill gaps in the history of fruits, vegetables, and cereal crops by analyzing ancient depictions. By studying artworks, they can determine what these plants looked like and where they were found in the past.
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.
Researchers assembled 26 soybean genomes, identifying 14 million SNPs, to build a graph-based genome. This pan-genome reveals key genetic variations driving agronomic traits in soybeans.
A team of researchers discovered the genome sequence of catmint, revealing unique enzymes responsible for producing the cat attractant nepetalactone. The ability to produce iridoids had been lost in ancestors of catmint, but was later re-evolved in this species.
Researchers found that a transcription factor TGA1 accelerates plant growth in response to nitrogen, leading to increased biomass. The study's findings have implications for improving nitrogen use efficiency in crops, benefiting agriculture and sustainability.
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.
Researchers sequence and dissect the structure of the extrachromosomal DNA replicon underlying glyphosate resistance in Palmer amaranth. The eccDNA replicon contains 59 genes, including the EPSPS gene, which shows higher expression after glyphosate treatment.
The study reveals that despite its widespread distribution, the cotton genome is remarkably stable, with only minor differences between species. This knowledge can inform breeding practices and improve crop yields.
A newly developed wheat variety contains higher levels of fructans, a naturally occurring carbohydrate that can promote healthy gut bacteria. The breeders used genomic selection to reduce the development time and cost of creating such a high-fructan wheat variety.
Research on ancient hornwort genomes has identified genes that boost carbon dioxide concentration, increasing yield, and those promoting symbiosis with bacteria for nitrogen acquisition. This discovery may lead to more efficient crops requiring less fertilizer.
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.
Researchers sequenced three hornwort genomes, revealing genes that could boost crop efficiency and reduce nitrogen fertilizer use. The findings shed light on the evolution of early land plants and provide insights into the unique biology of hornworts.
A new CRISPR-Cas12b system enables efficient plant genome engineering with gene editing, activation and repression capabilities. The system outperforms existing CRISPR tools, offering improved efficiency and versatility for plant breeding and disease resistance.
Researchers developed a method to capture transient interactions of NLP7, a master transcription factor involved in nitrogen use in plants, showing that more than 50% of plant responses to nitrogen are controlled by these short-lived regulatory interactions.
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.
The white lupin genome has been fully sequenced, revealing its potential for high-protein seeds and efficient phosphate solubilization. The discovery could help increase lupin's role in future plant-based protein production and address phosphate depletion.
The new tool, 'Kmasker plants', enables researchers to identify repetitive sequences in plant genomes and assign them to positions. This allows for the rapid analysis of complex genomes and can help identify sequence candidate regions with agronomic importance.
Scientists discovered two bursts of new genes that drove the evolution of land plants, contradicting previous gradualistic views. These genetic innovations enabled plant multicellularity and adaptation to terrestrial environments.
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.
Researchers identified specific genomic regions that have changed in response to natural selection to allow plant species to adapt to new climatic conditions. These adaptations are linked to traits such as winter survival and flowering, enabling plants to thrive in diverse climates.
The water lily genome expands the picture of the early evolution of flowering plants, shedding light on key traits like flower development and attractive floral scent. Researchers used high-throughput sequencing technology to analyze the genome and transcriptome of Nymphaea colorata, identifying over 31 thousand protein-coding genes.
A new study published in Nature reports the genome sequence of the blue-petal water lily, finding evidence of genetic innovations that may have led to the evolution of floral scent and other traits in early-diverged flowering plants. The research sheds light on the early evolution of all angiosperms.
Researchers have discovered how the sorghum plant exercises exquisite control over its genome to survive harsh conditions. The study reveals that the plant modulates the expression of tens of thousands of genes in response to drought stress, with changes occurring within a week of water scarcity.
ORNL's Dan Jacobson and team designed algorithms to improve crop resilience to climate change. The AI technology enhances crop yields under variable weather conditions.
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.
An international team of researchers has created a comprehensive watermelon genome resource to help plant breeders increase the domestic fruit's quality and ability to thrive during an era of climate change. The resource includes genetic insights into wild watermelon species and their potential for disease resistance, paving the way fo...
A global collaboration of scientists has examined the diversification of plant species, genes and genomes across 1 billion years. The study, published in Nature, involved 200 researchers from over 30 countries, including University of Tennessee faculty members C. Neal Stewart Jr. and Ed Schilling.
The One Thousand Plant Transcriptomes Initiative reveals the timing of whole genome duplications and the origins of key gene families contributing to fundamental genetic innovations in green plants. The study provides a framework for understanding plant diversity and evolutionary innovations.
A recent study published in Nature reveals a new framework for understanding the evolution of green plants over 1 billion years. The research, led by an international consortium of scientists, generated gene sequences for over 1100 plant species and provides insight into how plants evolved to produce useful chemicals.
A team of scientists discovered that classic Belgian beers, including Gueuze and Trappist ales, are fermented with rare hybrid yeasts combining DNA from traditional ale yeast and stress-resistant feral yeasts. This unique adaptation allows for better fermentation capacity and special aromas.
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.
Researchers have sequenced and assembled the red pineapple genome, revealing how natural and artificial selection shaped key traits. The study supports the hypothesis that some plants can be domesticated in a single step through clonal propagation.
A WVU biologist is using a $2 million grant to study the genomic basis of invasive traits in Japanese stiltgrass. The project aims to understand how plants undergo rapid evolution to become invasive species, with potential implications for managing and preventing their spread.
Scientists uncover genetic variations in grapes, explaining differences in taste and color between wine varieties. The study's findings also have implications for plant breeding and understanding nutritional values of other fruits and vegetables.
Researchers discovered highly sensitive snails can digest cellulose, form hard eggshells and pack neurotoxins in eggs. Genome sequencing revealed key adaptations enabling the invasion of freshwater wetlands.
The avocado genome has been sequenced, shedding light on its ancient origins and providing a foundation for future improvements to farming. The study reveals that the popular Hass avocado inherited about 61% of its DNA from Mexican varieties and about 39% from Guatemalan ones.
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.
Dodder parasitic plants have stolen over 100 functional genes from their host plants, contributing to their ability to latch onto and steal nutrients. The transferred genes also produce small segments of RNA that may act as weapons to silence host defense genes.
Newly discovered microscopic protists Rhodelphis limneticus and Rhodelphis marinus have a complex genome and chloroplast, indicating their close ties with plants in the distant past. They are genetically linked to red algae, but show a surprising evolutionary twist, pointing to an ancient organism resembling a triffid.
The genome of black-eyed peas has been fully sequenced, providing valuable insights into the genes responsible for their drought and heat tolerance. This breakthrough could help develop new crop varieties more resilient to climate change, particularly in regions where water availability is limited.
A new study presents the completed almond reference genome, revealing the genetic differences between toxic and sweet kernel genotypes. A cluster of transcription factors associated with sweet kernel genotypes was discovered, including bHLH2, which regulates the biosynthetic pathway for amygdalin production
Researchers have identified specific genetic markers that contribute to larger switchgrass harvests while reducing potential crop weaknesses. This study provides new insights into how plants adapt to different environments and could lead to improved bioenergy crop performance.
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.
Researchers reconstructed wheat breeding history through genetic analysis, linking its evolution to human migration patterns, geopolitical events, and climate change. This knowledge will help optimize modern wheat varieties for improved yield and adaptability in a growing world population.
Researchers at Colorado State University investigate how genome doubling influences the biology of key crop plants, including wheat and kiwifruit. They aim to understand how energy production is altered following genome-doubling events in plant cells.
A new reference genome of Scutellaria baicalensis reveals the genes that produce valuable compounds, enabling the development of sustainable therapeutics. The discovery could lead to rapid access to a wide range of therapeutic drugs.
The genome assembly of durum wheat has provided new insights into its domestication history and genetic properties. The study revealed a mutation that leads to high cadmium content in grains, enabling plant breeders to selectively breed modern durum cultivars with reduced cadmium levels.
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.
A recent study has identified the Greek wild crocus species C. cartwrightianus as the sole progenitor of modern saffron, revealing its origins in Attica. This breakthrough could enable plant breeders to create new saffron genotypes with increased genetic diversity.
Scientists at UC Davis and USDA's ARS developed a new approach to sequence walnut genomes, using long-read DNA sequencing and optical genome mapping. The resulting high-quality genome sequences can help breeders develop disease-resistant varieties.
Researchers discovered drug-resistant E. faecium in untreated and treated wastewater from hospital sewage recipients, highlighting genetic relatedness to human disease-causing strains. Terminal ultraviolet light disinfection may reduce environmental contamination with these pathogens.
Researchers have found that different segments of a virus genome can exist in distinct cells but still cause an infection, contradicting a long-held model. The study, published in eLife, used fluorescent probes to detect viral segments in individual cells and found that distinct segments are often found in different cells.
Meta Quest 3 512GB
Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.
Scientists uncover that saffron crocus is a hybrid of wild Crocus cartwrightianus cytotypes, resolving centuries-long debate. Genome sequencing and comparative analysis reveal fusion of two individual genomes, confirming the plant's autotriploid nature.