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Scientists take a giant step for people -- with plants!

Researchers from Salk Institute and Dana Farber Cancer Institute mapped thousands of protein-to-protein interactions in Arabidopsis thaliana, revealing networks and functional groups. The dataset provides new insights into plant evolution and potential for breeding more resilient agricultural plants.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalScience·DateJul 28, 2011

Enzymes for cell wall synthesis conserved across species barriers

Researchers have discovered conserved enzymes for cell wall synthesis across various plant species, including barley, rice, and wheat. This finding has significant implications for improving crop yields and unlocking the full potential of industrial applications.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalFrontiers in Plant Science·DateJul 14, 2011

1 more way plants help human health

Researchers have identified a key regulator of the plant's daily growth cycle, which shares similarities with human circadian rhythm genes. This discovery may lead to a better understanding of how clock genes regulate cell division in humans and provide new avenues for developing disease therapies.

SourceNIH/National Institute of General Medical Sciences·JournalNature·DateJul 13, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceSalk Institute·DateJun 16, 2011

ASPB awards 15 summer undergraduate research fellowships

The American Society of Plant Biologists has awarded 15 summer undergraduate research fellowships to outstanding students for meaningful plant biology research early in their college careers. The fellowships support each student's presentation of a poster at the annual meeting, promoting undergraduate research in plant science.

SourceAmerican Society of Plant Biologists·DateMay 31, 2011
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.

MU researchers find missing link in plant defense against fungal disease

Researchers at the University of Missouri have identified a crucial component in the signaling pathway that regulates phytoalexin production, allowing plants to defend against fungal diseases. The discovery highlights the importance of phytoalexins as natural defense mechanisms for plants.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateApr 19, 2011

Study shows how plants sort and eliminate genes over millennia

Researchers studied the genome of Arabidopsis suecica, a hybrid species formed tens of thousands of years ago, to understand how genes are sorted and eliminated. The findings suggest that genes from one parent are preferentially expressed over the other, leading to the deletion of unfavored genes.

SourcePurdue University·JournalGenome Biology·DateMar 9, 2011

Plant's immune defense revs up for the morning attack

Researchers discovered that Arabidopsis plants boost their immune system in the morning to prepare for the greatest fungal spore release. The daily cycle of defense compounds is safer and more efficient than constant production, allowing plants to adapt to pathogens' schedules.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature·DateFeb 3, 2011

Mildew-resistant and infertile

Researchers have discovered two proteins, Feronia and Nortia, crucial for both fertilization and resistance to powdery mildew infections in plants. These proteins, essential for seed formation, also facilitate fungal invasion, making it challenging to breed resistant yet fertile plants.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateNov 24, 2010
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.

Walk in the park yields biological treasure

Researchers have identified a miniature ecosystem consisting of a plant and a tiny fly that spends its entire life cycle on the plant. The discovery provides a model system for studying plant-insect interactions on a genetic and molecular level.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateNov 18, 2010

UK geneticists shed light on flowering plants

Researchers from Warwick University isolated a gene responsible for regulating CONSTANS expression, a key inducer of flowering in Arabidopsis. The discovery could enable more predictable flowering and better scheduling of crops.

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology·DateJun 29, 2010

Genetics in bloom

A team of researchers discovered the molecular mechanisms governing Gerbera's unique inflorescence structure, characterized by three different flower types. The study highlights an expanded gene family that likely plays a new role in the formation of this complex structure, differing from Arabidopsis species.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Plant Biology·DateJun 24, 2010
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.

Gene discovery may lead to new varieties of soybean plants

A Purdue University scientist has discovered a long-sought gene that controls soybean stem growth, allowing for the creation of new plant varieties with desirable characteristics. The gene, Dt1, was found to be responsible for determining whether a soybean's stem continues to grow after flowering.

SourcePurdue University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 27, 2010

Asexual plant reproduction may seed new approach for agriculture

Researchers may be able to induce apomixis in sexually reproducing plants, a process that produces genetically identical seeds without meiosis. This breakthrough has significant implications for crop improvement and could reduce the need for expensive seed purchases.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalNature·DateMar 8, 2010

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.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateDec 31, 2009
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.

It's a gas: New discovery may lead to heartier, high-yielding plants

Researchers have discovered how a 'genetic symphony' of genes affects plant development, enabling potential disease resistance and increased yields. The study found that combining different ACS genes regulates ethylene production, which impacts various aspects of plant growth.

SourceGenetics Society of America·JournalGenetics·DateNov 20, 2009

Midget plant gets makeover

The updated TAIR9 genome release includes detailed information on all 33,518 genes of Arabidopsis thaliana, including 114 newly discovered genes and 168 new pseudogenes. The new features promise to accelerate research on designing new crops for food, biofuels, industrial materials, and medicines.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·DateJun 22, 2009

2009 ASPB Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship award announcement

The American Society of Plant Biologists (ASPB) awarded 15 students with the 2009 Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship to conduct meaningful research in plant biology. The fellowship recipients included Kevin Cooper, Ying Goh, Sharon Holifield, Emily Lin, Dianne Pater, Evan Pratt, and Shelley Sianta, among others.

SourceAmerican Society of Plant Biologists·DateApr 15, 2009
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 unravel role of priming in plant immunity

Researchers found a naturally occurring compound, azelaic acid, that primes plants' immune systems, allowing them to mount faster and stronger defense responses. The compound, already tested in humans for skin conditions, could lead to an inexpensive and environmentally safe way to improve crop resistance.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalScience·DateApr 2, 2009

Understanding natural crop defenses

Researchers found that reduced light quality leads to decreased sensitivity to jasmonic acid, a hormone involved in plant defense. This allows plants to redirect resources away from defense and towards growth, but may increase vulnerability to herbivores in densely planted crops.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 27, 2009

Corn researchers discover novel gene shut-off mechanisms

A team of scientists has discovered unusual differences in the natural mechanisms that turn off genes in corn, providing new insight into how the crop protects itself from damage. The research found an extra layer of protective small RNAs in corn, which play a key role in repressing repetitive sequences, including mobile DNA elements.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 31, 2008
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 find an essential gene for forming ears of corn

A team of plant geneticists has identified a gene called sparse inflorescence1 (spi1) essential in controlling the development of the maize plant's growth hormone auxin synthesis. This discovery sheds light on the complex process of organ formation and development in maize.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 24, 2008

When leaves fall, more is occurring than a change of weather

Researchers at the University of Missouri have uncovered the genetic pathway that controls abscission in plants, shedding light on this fundamental physiological process. The discovery has significant implications for regulating fruit quality and pre-harvest fruit drop in commercial industries.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 22, 2008

Salt-tolerant gene found in simple plant nothing to sneeze at

Researchers discovered a previously thought non-essential gene linked to salt tolerance in arabidopsis, which may aid in developing plants resistant to high salt levels. The finding clarifies the role of complex-N-glycan and could lead to improved crop yields in salt-affected areas.

SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 7, 2008
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 place in the sun

Researchers at the Salk Institute discovered a key enzyme involved in auxin synthesis, which allows plants to stretch towards sunlight. This breakthrough could lead to increased crop yields by manipulating the plant's response to shade avoidance syndrome.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell·DateApr 3, 2008

Controlling a sea of information

The partnership aims to reduce the 'flood of information' in TAIR by allowing researchers to directly enter their own data through a web interface. This will increase data input from Plant Physiology articles, enhancing the overall dataset in TAIR.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·DateMar 17, 2008

Identification of a novel class of (not-so) small RNAs

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have identified a new class of long short interfering RNAs (lsiRNAs) in Arabidopsis that are induced by bacterial infection or specific growth conditions. These lsiRNAs have unique biogenesis and target degradation pathways, suggesting they may play important roles in host immunity.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateNov 14, 2007
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.

HARDY rice: less water, more food

Scientists have developed a new type of rice that grows better and uses water more efficiently than other rice crops. The HARDY gene improves key features of the grain crop, leading to increased biomass under both drought and non-drought conditions.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 10, 2007

Dangerous liaisons

Researchers find that mis-regulated immune systems can establish reproductive barriers in plants, leading to hybrid necrosis. This phenomenon challenges the classical definition of a species and suggests that speciation may be a gradual process.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalPLOS Biology·DateSep 5, 2007

Auto immune response creates barrier to fertility; could be a step in speciation

Researchers at the University of North Carolina and Max Planck Institute discovered that an autoimmune response can create a barrier to producing viable offspring in plants. This phenomenon, known as hybrid necrosis, can be triggered by specific gene combinations, suggesting a potential early step in the development of new species.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalPLOS Biology·DateSep 3, 2007

Weed gave up sex long ago

A widely studied plant species has revised its understanding of sex evolution and genetic heritage, with self-pollination emerging at least a million years ago. This finding contradicts previous estimates and suggests that sex may be more trouble than it's worth in plant evolution.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature Genetics·DateAug 7, 2007
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.

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.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateJul 20, 2007

On the defense: Conserved features of plant innate immunity

Researchers have identified three key proteins that work together to execute plant innate immunity in the mustard weed Arabidopsis. These proteins are homologous to human spliceosome-associated components, suggesting potential parallels between animal and plant immune systems.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateJun 14, 2007

Lessons in wood formation from Arabidopsis

Two studies published in The Plant Cell reveal the role of NAC transcription factors NST1 and NST3 in regulating secondary wall thickening in woody tissues of Arabidopsis. These genes are found to be redundantly involved in promoting secondary wall formation, with one gene compensating for the loss of function of the other.

SourceAmerican Society of Plant Biologists·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateMar 1, 2007

Plants point the way to coping with climate change

Researchers found that different regions require varying amounts of cold to delay flowering, with some requiring as little as four weeks of cold. This discovery could help breed crops that can thrive in changing climates.

SourceBiotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council·DateJan 9, 2007
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.

Scientists develop method to find genetic basis for plant variation

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new approach to rapidly identify the gene responsible for high sodium levels in plants, shedding light on the likely origin of such differences. The method combines DNA microarrays with genetic databases to pinpoint genetic variations, offering a tool to study diverse plant properties.

SourcePurdue University·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateDec 21, 2006

Plants, plasmids and possibilities -- Methods permit functional gene studies in plants

Researchers create transgenic Arabidopsis plants by introducing genes into bacteria Agrobacterium, which then infect the plant cells. This method allows scientists to identify and characterize specific gene functions in plants. The technique enables the development of pest-resistant crops, vitamin-enriched foods, and more.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalCold Spring Harbor Protocols·DateDec 1, 2006

Poplar DNA code cracked -- new possibilities for sustainable energy

Researchers have successfully unraveled the first tree genome, that of the poplar, revealing approximately 45,000 genes. This knowledge can help accelerate bio-ethanol production and improve trees' efficiency in processing biomass for paper and energy.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalScience·DateSep 14, 2006

European commission earmarks €12 million for plant growth research

The European Commission has allocated €12 million to the AGRON-OMICS project, a collaborative research effort aiming to enhance understanding of plant growth and development. The project will focus on the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, exploring molecular components controlling growth and their interactions.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·DateJun 21, 2006
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Genetic defenders protect crops from fungal disease

Researchers have discovered how plants use genes to fight off powdery mildew disease, a common fungal infection that affects over 9,000 species of plants. By disabling protective genes in Arabidopsis thaliana, the researchers found that a complex gene system can signal cell death and spare healthy cells from infection.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalScience·DateNov 17, 2005

MSU researchers receive $4 million grant to uncover gene functions

Researchers will determine the functions of approximately 4,400 nuclear genes in Arabidopsis, focusing on chloroplast-targeted proteins that trigger photosynthesis. This project could lead to significant advances in human health and agriculture by optimizing plant productivity and nutrient production.

SourceMichigan State University·DateSep 27, 2005

Delaware scientists make significant advance in study of small RNAs

Researchers from the University of Delaware made a breakthrough in studying small RNAs by applying Massively Parallel Signature Sequencing (MPSS) to Arabidopsis. The study identified over 75,000 different small RNA sequences and provided quantitative information on their abundance and regulation.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalScience·DateSep 1, 2005
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.

Trapped genes show how flower development is controlled

Researchers at Yale and Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have identified 80 genes active in petal and stamen development using gene trapping. These findings provide insights into how gene activity is allocated during flower development, shedding light on critical roles in plant reproduction like cross-pollination and seed production.

SourceYale University·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateAug 3, 2005

Tiny plant a model for commercially important trees

Researchers at Virginia Tech have identified key genes that regulate wood development using the small plant Arabidopsis. By analyzing the expression of over 25,000 genes, they were able to narrow down the number of potential wood formation genes to less than 500, with a focus on transcription factors.

SourceVirginia Tech·DateNov 18, 2004
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.

Conversion of flower organs into leaves

A recent study by Gary Ditta and coworkers has identified a gene, SEP4, that plays a crucial role in converting leaf-like organs into flowers. The researchers found that the loss of activity of all four closely related genes results in the conversion of flower organs toward leaves.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 8, 2004

Research gaining momentum by silencing genes

Scientists from VIB are using RNAi technology to study the function of genes in Arabidopsis thaliana, a model plant with 29,000 genes. The goal is to identify the function of all genes, which will shed light on biological processes in plants and humans.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalGenome Research·DateOct 15, 2004
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.

Genetic map of important tree genes outlined

A groundbreaking study reveals a comprehensive genetic map of important tree genes, enabling scientists to unlock the secrets of tree biology. The database contains over 102,000 gene sequences from the Populus genus, allowing researchers to explore the genetic functions of trees and their responses to environmental stresses.

SourceOregon State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 6, 2004
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.

Map of genes in plant root yields new tool for exploring tissue development

Researchers at Duke University have developed a new technique to map the activity of thousands of genes in the roots of Arabidopsis plants, offering insights into how complex tissues develop from a single cell. The study reveals that nearly half of all expressed genes in the root show tissue-specific expression.

SourceDuke University·JournalScience·DateDec 11, 2003

Plants' circadian clocks tune into latitude to enhance fitness

Researchers found that Arabidopsis plants from different latitudes exhibit significant variations in their circadian clocks, suggesting an adaptation to optimize fitness. The study identified five chromosomal regions contributing to the clock mechanism, including multiple genes that work together to control different parts of the process.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalScience·DateNov 6, 2003

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.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalScience·DateOct 31, 2003