Scientists have developed a new live analysis system for plant stomata, allowing for rapid and affordable identification of desirable traits. This innovation has the potential to accelerate crop development for climate-resistance, addressing future food shortages.
The new patch uses leaves with fractal patterns to create a flexible, heat-transferable surface. This design enables rapid response times and prevents overheating, making it suitable for use in orthopedic treatments.
Researchers at the University of Sheffield have discovered how plants create networks of air channels to transport carbon dioxide, revealing a major step forward in understanding leaf structure and function. The study also shows that humans have bred wheat plants with fewer pores on their leaves, making them more water-efficient.
Researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research have identified two regulatory genes that control the development of leaf shapes in thale cress. By switching these genes on at specific times and locations, scientists were able to create complex leaves in a related plant species.
Researchers have developed a new method to speed up stomatal response in plants, improving photosynthetic efficiency and water use. The optogenetically enhanced plants produce more biomass than expected under fluctuating light conditions.
Researchers found that even a tiny dose of pesticide can impair leaf beetles' ability to reproduce, with females developing malformations and offspring laying fewer eggs. The study's results may also be transferred to other insects, highlighting the need for long-term consideration in herbicide authorization.
A team of researchers at UMass Amherst has developed a way to use curved creases to give thin curved shells a fast, programmable snapping motion. This technique avoids the need for complicated materials and fabrication methods, enabling rapid shape changes in structures.
Researchers from UC Davis examine how plants adapt to diverse environments, shedding light on the tomato genome's response to stress and its potential applications in crop improvement. They also uncover previously unknown information about the wild and cultivated tomato genomes.
Researchers at Royal Holloway are working on a novel treatment for spinal cord injury, using an engineered form of chondroitinase to break down scar tissue and promote regeneration. The project aims to overcome the technical hurdle of delivering the protein to the injury site, a crucial step towards translating it into a clinical therapy.
Researchers developed Easy Leaf Area to accurately measure leaf area from digital images in seconds, essential for estimating crop yields and plant growth. The software can process hundreds of images and save results to a spreadsheet-ready CSV file.
A new study at LMU Munich finds that day-length, rather than temperature, determines the timing of leaf emergence in many plant species. This adaptation helps plants avoid late frosts and allows them to thrive in warmer climates.
A new species of leaf miner from the Gracillariidae family has been discovered in Brazil, exhibiting a unique life cycle. The species, Spinivalva gaucha, does not have a sap-feeding instar and instead feeds on upper leaf tissue from hatching.
Researchers discovered predictable relationships in leaf vein systems that can predict past climates using the fossil record. The study found larger leaves have major veins spaced further apart, regardless of other variations.
Scientists developed a computer model to accurately emulate leaf growth from a bud, discovering simple rules controlling leaf shape. The model, created using molecular signals and an inbuilt orientation system, can now help identify genes controlling leaf shape and understanding plant development.
Researchers discovered that submerging azalea cuttings in 50°C water eliminates the deadly fungal disease. The study found that all 12 cultivars were tolerant of short submersion durations, making hot water treatment a viable alternative for disease control.
Scientists have developed the first practical artificial leaf that can mimic photosynthesis, converting sunlight and water into electricity. The device is made of inexpensive materials and works stably, with the potential to provide affordable power for homes in developing countries.
The American Society of Plant Biologists has launched 'Teaching Tools in Plant Biology' in The Plant Cell, a monthly online feature with regularly updated sets of teaching materials on important themes in plant biology. Peer-reviewed tools are designed for upper-level undergraduates but can also be adapted for introductory courses.
Researchers at CSHL identify a family of mobile small RNAs, called ta-siRNAs, that act like morphogens to establish the top/bottom axis in leaves. These RNA molecules generate a concentration gradient across each leaf, dividing cells into distinct sections with sharply drawn boundaries.
A team of researchers at the University of California, Riverside, has discovered a molecular mechanism that allows plant cells in thin structures like leaves to develop in a jigsaw-like pattern. This unique pattern provides the leaf with an extraordinary degree of strength, enabling it to grow and thrive.
A team of scientists at the University of Rhode Island tested shallow marine systems' response to increased nutrients, focusing on eelgrass survival. They found that rapid leaf elongation and low root growth can indicate a poor prognosis for bed survival in these ecosystems.
A UMass anthropologist has investigated the dental development of an extinct primate species, revealing that these early primates developed teeth rapidly to adapt to their environment. The study found that these ancient lemurs had highly developed teeth by birth, allowing them to survive on solid food shortly after birth.
Biochemist Joe Ogas' research on the PICKLE gene reveals a biochemical switch that could help understand cancer and develop new oil crops. Plants with mutated genes produce roots storing oils like seeds do, but also exhibit pickle-like swellings.
A recent study suggests that aspirin-like drugs could be useful in treating cancer by reducing tumor growth and angiogenesis. The researchers found that eliminating the gene for cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) or using COX-2 inhibitors significantly slowed down lung tumor growth in animal models.
A Yale study reveals that plants adjust their growth patterns to optimize photosynthesis based on light intensity, direction, and wavelength. This breakthrough could lead to more resilient crops in less favorable light conditions.
A longitudinal study found that impulsive children are more prone to injuries, with those who overestimate their physical abilities experiencing more medical attention. The research suggests targeting vulnerable temperaments in injury prevention programs.
The Center for Ion Mobility Spectrometry (IMS Center) brings together top researchers to develop new applications and advance fundamental research in ion mobility spectrometry. The center aims to expand the technology's utility into new areas, improving detection of hard-to-detect molecules like pesticides and environmental contaminants.
Rapid population growth is projected for Africa, Asia, and Latin America due to high fertility rates and declining mortality rates. In contrast, developed countries like Europe, North America, and Japan face below-replacement levels of fertility, but may experience modest increases in population.
A new tool, the Implicit Association Test, measures unconscious components of prejudice, revealing automatic preferences and biases. The test has been used to demonstrate prejudice towards various racial, ethnic, and gender groups, highlighting the need for self-awareness and understanding.
A new liquid-manure applicator developed at Purdue University can be integrated into precision farming setups, improving nutrient management and reducing environmental impact. The equipment uses GPS technology and flow measurement systems to accurately apply manure, increasing its value as a sustainable fertilizer source.
Developed by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, adaptive current tomography (ACT) aims to improve breast cancer screening without radiation exposure. The system uses electrical conductivity and permitivity measurements to detect tumors, offering advantages over X-ray mammography.