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Scientists unearth mechanism that helps plants “feel full”

Scientists at NYU have identified a key regulator controlling nitrogen use in plants, which can be harnessed to develop 'gluttonous' plant varieties that absorb more nitrogen from the soil. This discovery could lead to reduced fertilizer application and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceNew York University·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateJul 30, 2026
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 stress and unique cAMP signaling

Researchers have discovered that plants utilize two forms of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) to regulate normal cellular functions and respond to stress, while maintaining cross-talk between the pathways. This redundancy enables plants to adapt more robustly to a wider range of environmental factors.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 8, 2026

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.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature Plants·DateMar 19, 2026

How plants control fleshy and woody tissue growth

Researchers discovered that thermospermine, a small positively charged polyamine molecule, regulates vascular development by promoting the translation of SAC51 transcription factors while inhibiting LHW. This study sheds light on how plants fine-tune their vascular systems to produce soft edible storage organs or rigid woody tissue.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 12, 2026
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.

APTES: A high-throughput deep learning–based Arabidopsis phenotypic trait estimation system for individual leaves and siliques

The APTES system uses deep learning models to automate the phenotypic analysis of individual leaves and siliques in Arabidopsis, achieving high precision and recall scores. The system's outputs enabled a genome-wide association study identifying significant associations with various traits.

SourceBeijing Zhongke Journal Publising Co. Ltd.·JournalaBIOTECH·DateNov 13, 2025

New biosensor tracks plants’ immune hormone in real time

Scientists at the University of Cambridge have developed a pioneering biosensor that can detect and track salicylic acid dynamics in living plants. The SalicS1 tool provides fresh insights into how plants coordinate local and systemic defenses against pathogens, with potential applications for improving crop resilience and understandin...

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 9, 2025

You’ve never seen corn like this before

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have mapped two known stem cell regulators across thousands of maize and Arabidopsis shoot cells. This discovery reveals new stem cell regulators in both species and links some to size variations in maize.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateSep 15, 2025

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.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 29, 2025
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature Plants·DateAug 19, 2025

Molecule linked to metabolism found to boost plant growth

Researchers at University of California San Diego discover itaconate stimulates seedling development, enhancing crop growth and potentially offering a sustainable solution for increasing food production. The study provides new insights into the molecule's role in plant physiology and its connections to animal biology.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 6, 2025

New plant leaf aging factor found

Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University found a mutant protein that helps plants fight mildew, but also accelerates leaf aging and yellowing. The discovery could contribute to crop yield improvement and sustainable agriculture.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalPlant and Cell Physiology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 30, 2025
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 root development gene that’s older than root development

A Kobe University study finds that a gene regulating root development in vascular plants is also essential for organ development in liverworts, demonstrating the evolutionary dynamic of co-opting. The RLF protein, involved in this process, interacts with others to clarify plant organ development evolution.

SourceKobe University·JournalNew Phytologist·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 25, 2025

How roots forage for water

A new study reveals that plants prioritize water over gravity during drought conditions, suppressing gravitropism to become more hydrotropic. MIZ1 protein helps attenuate root gravitropism, enabling plants to search for water effectively.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 12, 2025

The unexpected protein connection in maize growth and defense

A recent study discovered that COI1 proteins in maize balance growth and defense by degrading JAZ and DELLAs. This finding could lead to developing more resilient maize varieties. The research revealed an unexpected role of COI1 in regulating DELLA levels, enabling maize to thrive under hot and arid climates.

SourceBoyce Thompson Institute·JournalThe Plant Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 17, 2024
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Boosting plant health: the role of gene exchange with bacteria

Researchers have discovered a dynamic cross-kingdom horizontal gene transfer between plants and bacteria, transferring 75 genes that enhance carbohydrate metabolism and hormone synthesis. This finding opens up exciting possibilities for biotechnological applications in agriculture.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalISME Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 23, 2024

Key nutrients help plants beat the heat

Researchers at Salk Institute found that higher temperatures drain plants of important dietary nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, affecting their long-term sustainability. The study's findings will inform the engineering of climate-resilient crops to address global warming's impact on food production.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 3, 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.

Orchestrating plant organ symmetry in style

A recent study published in Nature Plants reveals that O-glycosylation of the transcription factor SPATULA promotes Arabidopsis style development. The experimental study sheds new light on the mechanisms underlying plant organ symmetry.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalNature Plants·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 26, 2024

Plant populations in Cologne are adapted to their urban environments

Plant populations in Cologne show great variation in life cycle characteristics, such as flowering and germination regulation, allowing them to adapt to local conditions. Environmental filtering plays a key role in selecting suitable genetic variants for survival.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalJournal of Ecology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 2, 2023

Desert microbes turn on drought tolerance when needed

Researchers at KAUST have isolated a desert microbial strain that enhances drought resilience in Arabidopsis and alfalfa, promoting water use efficiency without affecting crop yields. The microbes modify epigenetic status of drought stress genes and actively change plant root architecture.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalEMBO Reports·DateJul 20, 2023

Cellular process that fuels plant growth yields surprising insights

A new study by Rice University bioscientists reveals how plant cells collaborate to fuel growth, shedding light on corresponding mechanisms in human cells. The findings focus on the role of enzyme MIEL1 and its human counterpart PIRH2 in breaking down protein coatings on lipid droplets.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 12, 2023
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.

Increase in biomass due to changes in F1-hybrid metabolite

A study by the University of Tsukuba found that changes in F1-hybrid metabolites lead to increased biomass in Arabidopsis plants. The researchers analyzed 202 Arabidopsis lines and found altered production of intermediate metabolites of the TCA cycle in high-heterosis combinations.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 28, 2023

The clue is in the glue - Nature’s secret for holding it together

A study by John Innes Centre researchers has revealed how plants avoid cracking under stress by using a growth hormone called brassinosteroid to loosen the straitjacket effect on their skin. The findings, published in Science, have implications for our understanding of plant development and potentially improve crop yields.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalScience·DateJun 22, 2023

From cross to self-pollination

Researchers found evidence for a modifier gene in sand cress that can lead to loss of self-incompatibility and acquisition of self-pollination. The study challenges current understanding of this process and opens up new avenues for research on plant breeding systems.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 16, 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.

Rooting out how plants control nitrogen use

Scientists at Tohoku University identified regulatory mechanisms in plants that utilize nitrogenous fertilizers, suggesting potential ways to generate crops with reduced fertilizer needs. The study focused on thale cress and aims to apply its findings to major crop plants like rice and cereals.

SourceTohoku University·JournalFrontiers in Plant Science·DateApr 10, 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.

Without this, plants cannot respond to temperature

Scientists at UC Riverside identify microRNA as a key player in plant temperature responses and growth, revealing its essential role in sensing environmental changes. The discovery has significant implications for increasing crop yields in diverse environments and adapting to climate change.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 23, 2023

Development of technologies for automatic measurement and non-destructive observation of stomata in Arabidopsis thaliana

Researchers developed an image analysis algorithm that can automatically measure Arabidopsis thaliana stomatal aperture with high accuracy and speed. The technology also includes a portable imaging device for non-destructive observation using intact plants, allowing for rapid measurement of subtle changes in stomatal aperture.

SourceInstitute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University·JournalPlant and Cell Physiology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 20, 2023

Dying plant cells alert healthy cells to save themselves from disease

New study reveals that diseased plant cells produce more proteins before dying, alerting healthy cells to boost immunity and prevent disease spread. This 'deathbed rally' helps the rest of the plant stay healthy, paving the way for potential disease resistance strategies.

SourceDuke University·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 20, 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.

3D printing plant cells shows promise for studying cell function

Researchers at NC State University have developed a reproducible method for studying cellular communication in plant cells using 3D bioprinting. The study found that more than half of the bioprinted cells were viable and divided over time, with soybean embryonic cells remaining viable for two weeks after bioprinting.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 14, 2022

Discovery of family of hormones may be key to increased crop yields

A group of researchers from Nagoya University has discovered a previously unknown pathway that regulates whether a plant uses its resources for growth or stress tolerance. The discovery involves the PSY family of hormones, which bind to receptors and mediate the switch between the stress response and growth.

SourceNagoya University·JournalScience·DateOct 14, 2022

What keeps plant roots growing toward gravity? Study identifies four genes

Researchers have identified four genes in corn and Arabidopsis that regulate root growth in response to gravity, a trait essential for drought tolerance and efficient water use. The study's approach, leveraging genomic comparisons between distantly related species, has the potential to be applied to other traits.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 26, 2022
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.

How stressed-out plants produce their own aspirin

Researchers discovered that stressed plants produce salicylic acid, a protective hormone, to counteract stress caused by climate change. This discovery could help plants survive increasing stress and ultimately protect the food supply.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 12, 2022

A first: Scientists grow plants in soil from the Moon

Researchers at the University of Florida have grown plants in soil from the Moon, a major milestone in lunar exploration. The study found that plants can sprout and grow in lunar regolith, but also experience stress due to its unique chemical composition.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 12, 2022

Staying alive: How ‘self-pollen’ can cheat death

Researchers at the University of Birmingham identified a new gene, Highlander, that regulates self-incompatibility in plants. The discovery opens up new avenues for improving crop yields and resistance to disease.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 21, 2022
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.

For a fungus, the right “accessories” can make or break a relationship with a plant

A new study explores how plants respond differently to useful and harmful microbes, revealing that accessory chromosomes from fungal strains dictate these responses. Most plant genes are expressed similarly in response to both beneficial and pathogenic fungi, but with key differences occurring just 12 hours after interaction.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalMolecular Plant-Microbe Interactions·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 23, 2021

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.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalScience·DateNov 11, 2021

Scientists ID sterol essential for oil accumulation in plants

A team of scientists at Brookhaven National Laboratory has identified a key component of the assembly line responsible for oil droplet formation. The study suggests new ways to engineer plant tissues for increased oil accumulation, which could lead to sustainable oils for biofuels and other commodity products.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 22, 2021

Genome studies: More is not always better

A recent study found that genome-wide association studies (GWAS) often miss important associations between genotype and phenotype due to high genetic heterogeneity, but examining smaller, genetically homogeneous samples yields valuable new insights

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateJul 14, 2021
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.

Profiling gene expression in plant embryos one nucleus at a time

Researchers developed a method to profile gene expression in Arabidopsis embryos at the single cell level, overcoming obstacles that hindered previous attempts. This approach provides insights into transcription profiles within each cell, enabling the discovery of gene expression patterns that distinguish early embryonic cell types.

SourceGregor Mendel Institute of Molecular Plant Biology·JournalDevelopment·DateJun 21, 2021

Scientists discover unreported plant body part

Researchers from The Pennsylvania State University have discovered a previously unreported structure called the 'cantil' in wild-type Arabidopsis thaliana. Cantils are rare structures that develop under specific conditions and provide important clues for understanding plant growth and development.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalDevelopment·DateJun 15, 2021

Plant flowering in low-nitrogen soils: A mechanism revealed

Researchers from Hokkaido University revealed a molecular mechanism for plant flowering under low-nitrogen conditions. The FBH4 protein, regulated by SnRK1 activity, controls gene expression essential for flowering and nitrogen recycling.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 28, 2021

Made in the shade or fun in the sun

Phytochromes help plants detect light direction, intensity, and duration, as well as temperature, allowing them to adapt to various environments. The study fully characterized the phytochrome family in Arabidopsis thaliana and found surprising differences between isoforms.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 25, 2021

Turn problems into opportunities: Photorespiration for improved plant metabolism

Scientists have developed a solution that synergistically couples photorespiration and C4 metabolism in plants, conserving nitrogen and accumulating C4 metabolites. This breakthrough connects two main targets in plant metabolism and has the potential to improve agricultural productivity and climate resilience.

SourceINsociety·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 18, 2021
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

The first frost is the deepest

Researchers discovered that the first frost triggers a molecular response in plants, called COOLAIR, which helps regulate flowering. This finding has implications for understanding how plants adapt to fluctuating temperatures and could lead to improved crop yields.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalGenes & Development·DateMay 13, 2021

Flowering rooted in embryonic gene-regulation

Researchers found that gene regulatory mechanisms at an early embryonic stage govern the flowering behavior of Arabidopsis later in development. The FLC transcript is antagonistically regulated by FCA and FRI, with FRI promoting longer and functional FLC protein levels.

SourceGregor Mendel Institute of Molecular Plant Biology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 21, 2021
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.

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.

SourceGregor Mendel Institute of Molecular Plant Biology·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateApr 8, 2021

Plants can be larks or night owls just like us

A study found that a single DNA base-pair change in a specific gene can influence whether a plant is a lark or night owl, affecting its flowering time and ability to withstand climate change. The research could help farmers select plants with clocks best suited to their location.

SourceEarlham Institute·DateDec 18, 2020