Articles tagged with Mosses
Climate warming significantly increases plant growth in permafrost regions by altering growing seasons and root penetration, but its impact depends on nitrogen supply. A new study reveals that moss-associated biological nitrogen fixation is a critical factor in sustaining plant growth under warming conditions.
A tiny clump of moss played a crucial role in proving a crime had taken place at Burr Oak Cemetery in Illinois. The moss's age was determined to be only a year or two old, bolstering the case against the cemetery employees, who were ultimately convicted in 2015.
Researchers found 13 bird species, 11 mammal species, and 2 amphibian species in Danish moss samples, demonstrating its potential for monitoring global biodiversity. The study suggests that moss-based DNA sampling could work globally due to its simplicity, effectiveness, and gentle nature.
Researchers sent moss spores to space and found that over 80% survived for 9 months, reproducing upon return. The structure surrounding the spore protected it from UV radiation, allowing it to thrive in extreme conditions.
A team of researchers compiled cases where mosses and their relatives helped solve crimes, showcasing the importance of botanical evidence. The study found that mosses can be used to confirm details of crime locations, with examples dating back to 1929.
A recent study published in New Phytologist reveals a crucial gene necessary for plant reproductive structures. The gene, named SHOT GLASS, is found to regulate the development of air chambers and sexual organs in liverworts, a model organism for studying plant reproduction.
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.
Researchers from the University of Waterloo have developed a method to restore tens of thousands of oil and gas exploration sites in western Canada using native moss. The technique involves transplanting moss onto decommissioned well pads, effectively recreating peatlands and supporting ecosystem development.
Researchers found that restored peatlands with thick Sphagnum moss layers can sequester up to 48 tons of carbon dioxide per hectare, exceeding expectations. This growth is particularly observed in nutrient-poor sites, which could also mitigate methane emissions.
A research team from Göttingen University has compared algae and plants that span 600 million years of independent evolution, identifying a shared stress response network. This comprehensive dataset can be further explored for its physiological impact across plant diversity.
The Antarctic Peninsula has experienced a dramatic increase in vegetation cover over the last four decades, with satellite data showing an acceleration of 30% in recent years. This 'greening' trend is attributed to climate change and has significant implications for the region's ecosystem and environmental future.
A new study found that urban moss in older Portland neighborhoods has up to 600 times higher lead levels than rural areas, with concentrations linked to old telecommunications cables. The findings raise concerns about lead exposure and recommend avoiding soil disturbance in affected areas.
Researchers found that fish species on Trinidad Island adapt their egg-laying habits in response to predators, showing evolutionary plasticity. The study provides new insights into how aquatic organisms adapt to environmental changes, including those caused by climate change.
Non-flowering bryophytes, including mosses, have sophisticated immune receptor repertoires that can be transferred between flowering and non-flowering plants. This discovery offers a new source of resistance genes against pathogens for major crops facing climate change threats.
A new study reveals that a type of desert moss called Syntrichia caninervis has the potential to grow on Mars due to its ability to tolerate extreme temperatures, radiation, and dehydration. The researchers tested the moss's resilience in various conditions and found it to be one of the most radiation-tolerant organisms known.
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.
Researchers studied how mosses and plants conquered land, discovering that fungi played a crucial role in nutrient absorption and plant resilience. The study also highlights the potential of mosses as natural fabricators for building materials or medicines in space exploration.
Researchers found that mosses can gain significant biomass in elevated CO2 conditions due to improved photosynthesis and a delicate balancing of life cycle transition. This study provides crucial insights into moss growth under elevated CO2 levels, which may benefit climate change models.
A new study by University of Utah biologist Nalini Nadkarni found that epiphytes are vulnerable to disturbances such as climate change, deforestation, and hurricanes. Her research highlights the importance of preserving these plants, which play a key role in maintaining forest biodiversity.
Researchers at Kyoto University discovered that liverwort Marchantia polymorpha uses gibberellin precursors to produce a signaling molecule aiding survival under shaded conditions. This metabolic pathway inheritance provides insight into the evolution of plant hormone responses.
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.
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.
A global study found that mosses cover over 9.4 million km² globally, providing essential services to the environment. Mosses support plant ecosystems by laying the foundations for plants to flourish and may play an important role in mitigating against climate change by capturing vast amounts of carbon.
Climate change is expected to impact northern peatlands, a key carbon storage ecosystem. A recent study found that rising temperatures and increased carbon dioxide levels can disrupt the delicate balance between nitrogen fixation and methane oxidation, leading to unpredictable outcomes.
Researchers used drones to map large areas of Antarctica, capturing unprecedented high-resolution imagery of vegetation and biodiversity in protected areas. The vision identified areas with moss and lichen not previously picked up by satellite, providing valuable insights into the fragile ecosystem.
Researchers have found that glaciers advanced three times over the past 1,500 years in the Northern Antarctic Peninsula, coinciding with evidence from other studies. The study uses radiocarbon dates from black mosses to constrain past glacier behavior and provides insights into climate history.
A study by the University of Freiburg has found that auxin influences the fertility of spreading earthmoss, with PINC protein playing a crucial role. The research reveals that sperm swim better without PINC and that its absence leads to increased abortions in Physcomitrella moss.
Researchers used radiocarbon ages of re-exposed black mosses to determine glacier advance phases in the northern Antarctic Peninsula. The study found three distinct advances, indicating cooler and potentially wetter conditions than today.
Researchers identified a shared conserved module in the formation of moss midribs and seed plant axillary meristems, highlighting a universal mechanism associated with evolutionary innovation. The GRAS family genes promote cell division in both structures, leading to defects when this process is compromised.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed low-temperature methods to purify molten chloride salts for energy storage, potentially making them suitable for storing solar thermal energy. They also created an online tool called VERIFI to track industrial carbon emissions and improve energy efficiency.
A team of researchers has successfully transplanted the RNA editing machinery from a moss into human cells, including kidney and cancer cells. The corrected mechanism was found to work on over 900 targets in nuclear transcripts, offering a potential basis for inducing specific changes in human cells and treating hereditary diseases.
Researchers found that Marchantia liverworts completely inactivate paternal genes in embryos, ensuring proper development. The mechanism involves Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 and maintains haploid dosage despite the short diploid phase.
Researchers found that a species of red seaweed uses an isopod crustacean to transfer its male gametes for fertilization, presenting a new class of animal-mediated male gamete movement. This discovery expands the concept of 'pollination' beyond seed plants.
A new special issue of Applications in Plant Sciences explores techniques for studying gametophytes, essential for understanding biodiversity and conservation. The study reveals the complexity of gametophyte biology, including their limited size and invisibility in some plants.
Researchers discovered that moss cells can form mobile spindles during mitosis, moving like animal cells. This unusual process suggests a tug-of-war between microtubules and actin filaments to position the spindle, similar to animal cells.
A new study reveals that innovative restoration practices can replicate natural landscape-building processes in wetlands, enhancing their carbon-storing potential. Successful restorations require dense plant clumps or large areas restored in one go to mimic the plants' landscape-forming properties.
A study found that increasing CO2 levels boost carbon storage in peatlands by reducing photorespiration. However, this effect depends on the intermediate water table level, not when conditions are too wet or dry.
Changes in Finnish aapa mires, characterized by wet fens and peat mosses, can be detected from Landsat satellite data. The study found a significant increase in Sphagnum mosses over the past few decades, accelerated by land use and climate change.
Researchers discovered that PIEZO channels in plant cells are located deeper within the cell, in vacuole membranes, not along the plasma membrane as in animal cells. This finding sheds light on how plant cells perceive and respond to mechanical forces.
Experts say current approaches to relocating climate-displaced people are woefully inadequate, leading to worsening societal inequities. A new approach is needed, integrating diverse perspectives, knowledge sources, and strategies to ensure successful relocation and community thriving.
Larvae of long-bodied crane flies have cryptic coloration and patterning, as well as fleshy lobes that serve multiple purposes. The study reveals that these lobes aid locomotion by assisting larvae in crawling on moss carpets, contradicting previous hypotheses about their function.
Researchers have identified a new protein that regulates fluidity in moss cell membranes, allowing them to withstand cold temperatures. This discovery shows convergence in plant evolution, with mosses and flowering plants using similar mechanisms to protect themselves from cold and pathogens.
The study reveals that mosses like Ceratodon purpureus have spread across the globe by hitching rides on prevailing winds. This discovery highlights their ability to thrive in various environments and challenges our understanding of how airborne organisms disperse.
Researchers found that some desert mosses in the Mojave Desert grow under translucent quartz pebbles, using them as natural sunshades to retain moisture and reduce heat. This unique adaptation allows these mosses to thrive in extremely dry conditions.
Researchers from the University of Bonn successfully transferred a moss protein into a flowering plant, demonstrating its ability to correct genetic errors. This breakthrough could contribute to the development of more efficient crops and provide insights into plant energy metabolism.
A study by University of Queensland researchers found that maternal depression is linked to higher risks of behavioral problems and poor development in children. The study suggests that reducing depressive symptoms at any stage can improve outcomes for both mothers and children.
One in five Australian mothers is not receiving critical perinatal mental health checks, according to a University of Queensland study. The study found that older mothers and those with emotional distress are less likely to be screened for mental health issues.
Researchers found only 34% of mothers exclusively breastfed to six months due to milk shortages or breastfeeding difficulties. Mothers may need to supplement or stop if they experience problems.
Researchers at Rice University have created a 2D Janus compound that enhances the detection of biomolecules via surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy. The nonmetallic material boosts signal strength, reducing background noise and improving detection limits.
Researchers review bryophyte phytochemistry, highlighting neuroprotective and muscle-relaxant properties of various compounds. These compounds exhibit acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity, making them potential therapeutic agents.
A comprehensive analysis of UK biodiversity over 45 years reveals concerning declines in terrestrial non-insect invertebrates, but strong recoveries in freshwater insects. Overall occupancy of invertebrates increased by 11%, with freshwater insects surpassing 1970 levels after a 47% decline.
Researchers used moss (Haplocladium microphyllum) to monitor N deposition rates and sources in the Yangtze River Delta. They found a significant linear relationship between moss N content and wet N deposition rate, with decreasing trends from urban to rural areas.
A study released in PLOS ONE identified 75 species of mosses and liverworts preserved alongside Ötzi, providing insights into the ancient Alps ecosystem. The bryophyte community around 5,000 years ago was similar to today's, while non-local species confirm Ötzi's route through the Schnalstal valley.
Researchers found DNA from pyrophilous fungi inside the surface-sterilized mosses and lichens from burned and unburned areas. The team also discovered fungal DNA in soils from both within and outside burn zones.
Research by University of Queensland found children with access to fixed play equipment like swings and slides are more likely to meet national physical activity guidelines. The type of play equipment at home is directly related to the amount of physical activity a child does.
Researchers suggest that AI engineers should adopt a broader approach, including qualitative methods, to better understand how AI harms emerge and to avoid documented pitfalls. By integrating social sciences in AI development, they aim to create more democratic and socially just technologies.
Researchers at the University of Bristol discovered the secrets of shoot evolution, revealing a switch that enabled plants to delay reproduction and grow shoots, leaves, and buds around 450 million years ago. This finding has significant implications for understanding plant shape regulation and could inform efforts to engineer crops.
A study published in Environment International found that exposure to airborne metal pollution is associated with an increased risk of mortality. The research used moss samples to estimate human exposure to metal particles and found that participants exposed to higher concentrations of anthropogenic metals had a higher risk of death.
Researchers identified a gene, SPI-1, that restricts the replication of modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) in human cells. Reintroducing SPI-1 into MVA or host cells increased virus spread by over 100-fold, providing insight into host-range restriction mechanisms.
A groundbreaking study using DNA sequencing technology reconstructs the moss family tree, revealing a highly dynamic evolutionary history and significant morphological innovations. The research also sheds light on the rate of evolutionary changes and the diversification of moss structures.