Photosynthesis
Articles tagged with Photosynthesis
Metabolism-inspired hydrogels replicate heartbeat-like motion and photosynthesis
Researchers design polymer networks to replicate dynamic behaviors inspired by biological systems. Self-oscillating gels exhibit rhythmic motion similar to a beating heart, while artificial photosynthetic gels convert light into chemical energy.
Better prepared for fluctuating light stress
New microscope reveals previously hidden differences in photosynthetic light-harvesting antennae
Researchers developed an ultrafast transient absorption microscope to analyze fluctuations and heterogeneities in light-harvesting antennae. The study revealed two kinetic components with nearly identical time constants and quantified photophysical properties associated with these components.
Resource allocation trade-offs and rewired mycorrhizal networks uncover ex situ adaptation mechanism of Paphiopedilum purpuratum
A novel study in Biological Diversity reveals the integrated physiological and symbiotic adaptation mechanism underlying P. purpuratum's ex situ conservation. The research demonstrates that ex situ conservation elevates seed-set rates but incurs trade-offs in photosynthetic capacity and oxidative stress.
New study explores patterns in Rubisco dark inhibition
Researchers identified a potential connection between photosynthetic strategy and dark inhibition levels, with C3 and CAM plants showing variable and elevated levels, respectively. The study aims to inform future efforts to engineer more efficient photosynthesis in crops.
High-resolution cryo-EM structure reveals the mechanisms underlying oxygen-tolerant energy conversion in a marine photosynthetic bacterium
Researchers determined the LH1-RC complex structure at high resolution, identifying a new membrane protein and non-heme Fe ion that may facilitate electron transfer. The findings provide insight into the photosynthetic complex and could contribute to genetically engineered phototrophic systems and bioremediation technologies.
Stabilized hybrid photocatalyst boosts artificial photosynthesis efficiency
Researchers develop hybrid photocatalyst system to overcome light-induced damage in molecular catalysts, significantly improving CO2-to-formate quantum yield from 6% to over 27%. The new design ensures selective excitation of semiconductors and prevents unwanted photochemical reactions.
Turning crops into carbon sinks: Biochar offers a low-cost path to carbon removal in China
A new study reveals that transforming biomass from dedicated energy crops into biochar could provide a cost-effective and scalable solution for removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, helping China move closer to its carbon neutrality goals. Biochar can lock carbon in soils for decades or even centuries while improving soil health.
Photorespiration contributes to epigenetic regulation in plants
Photorespiration provides carbon atoms required for environmentally induced DNA modification, influencing plant adaptation to environmental influences. The study found a metabolic connection between photorespiration and epigenetic regulation, suggesting a new approach to optimize crop strategies.
This odd little plant could help turbocharge crop yields
Researchers discover a unique protein component, RbcS-STAR, that helps concentrate carbon dioxide around Rubisco, boosting photosynthetic efficiency. This breakthrough could lead to more sustainable food production by improving crop yields while reducing environmental impact.
Introducing the “bloom” cycle, or why plants are not stupid
Researchers propose a new biochemical pathway, the 'Bloom cycle,' which converts nitrogen into essential compounds, boosting crop production and nutritional quality. This discovery suggests that photorespiration is not a waste of energy, but rather a vital process for plant survival.
Shrubs curb carbon emissions in China’s largest desert
A 40-year greening project in China's Taklamakan Desert has successfully reduced atmospheric carbon dioxide levels and increased solar-induced fluorescence, indicating a measurable carbon sink. The project demonstrates the potential of afforestation to mitigate climate change, despite being only a small dent in global emissions.
Quantum simulator sheds light on how nature moves energy in systems like photosynthesis and solar conversion
Researchers used a quantum device to simulate a vibrating molecule, tracking how energy moves within it. They found that vibrations can actively steer energy flow in unexpected ways, speeding up transfer and opening new pathways.
Not only toxic but also a nutrient: guanidine as a nitrogen source
Cyanobacteria can absorb and break down guanidine, using it as their sole nitrogen source, according to a new study. The ability to utilize guanidine is an advantage for colonization, despite its previous classification as a toxic substance.
Roots reveal a hidden carbon pathway in maize plants
A new study reveals that maize roots can absorb CO2 from the soil atmosphere, contributing to plant biomass and challenging traditional views on carbon balances in croplands. The root system plays an active role in regulating carbon flows between soil, plants, and the atmosphere.
Tracing a path through photosynthesis to food security
A new review evaluates biological strategies to improve the efficiency of photosynthesis, highlighting promising solutions such as engineering Rubisco enzyme and developing cooperative crops. The research aims to address global challenges in agriculture and ensure food security for the world's population.
The evolutionary mysteries of a rare parasitic plant
A recent study mapped the evolutionary history of Asia-Pacific Balanophora species, revealing its retained plastids despite losing photosynthetic genes. This allows it to survive entirely as a parasite on specific tree roots, with some species producing seeds without fertilization.
Chemical evidence of ancient life detected in 3.3 billion-year-old rocks: Carnegie Science / PNAS
A team of scientists has discovered chemical evidence of ancient life in 3.3 billion-year-old rocks, doubling the window of time for detecting organic molecules that reveal information about original organisms. The study also found molecular signs of photosynthesis dating back over 800 million years earlier than previously documented.
As in cacti: CAM photosynthesis discovered in carnivorous plants
Butterworts have evolved CAM photosynthesis, a pathway similar to that of cacti and succulents, allowing them to thrive in dry habitats. This adaptation enables the plants to conserve water and produce sticky mucilage for trapping prey.
Turbo Platform for Plant Research
Scientists have created a micro-algal platform that allows for automated and fast testing of chloroplast genetic modifications, opening up plant chloroplasts to high-throughput applications. This platform enables researchers to fine-tune genetic circuits and identify which modifications have real potential.
Synthetic biology to supercharge photosynthesis in crops
Australian researchers have developed tiny compartments to help supercharge photosynthesis, enabling plants to fix carbon more efficiently. The team engineered encapsulins that can house the enzyme Rubisco in a confined space, allowing for fine-tuning of compatibility for future use in crops.
Africa acacias ‘go for broke’ to grow, use up water to survive drought
Researchers studied the genetic response of umbrella acacia and splendid thorn acacia to drought stress. The study found that umbrella acacias prioritize continued growth over water conservation when water is scarce, using up all accessible water to survive severe droughts. In contrast, splendid thorn acacias invest in water conservati...
3D DNA looping discovery in rice paves the way for higher yields with less fertilizer
Researchers at Chinese Academy of Sciences identify a key gene and protein involved in controlling DNA looping, leading to increased grain yield and nitrogen efficiency. The discovery paves the way for future crop breeding strategies to improve sustainability.
Roots in the dark: Russian scientists uncover hidden carbon dioxide uptake in plant roots
Researchers found that plant roots can actively absorb CO₂ from the soil, with this process influenced by light, fertilizer, and atmospheric conditions. Root-based CO₂ absorption may be an alternative carbon nutrition pathway.
MSU scientists discover regulatory pathway behind cyanobacteria’s carbon-fixing factories
Researchers at Michigan State University have discovered a crucial regulatory pathway in cyanobacteria that enables them to balance their energy demands and improve photosynthesis efficiency. The study reveals that the protein RpaA plays a key role in controlling carboxysome growth and integrity, allowing for better understanding of ca...
Quantum leap: Entangled states enhance energy transfer in models of molecular systems
Researchers at Rice University discovered that energy transfers faster between molecular sites when starting in an entangled state. This finding has implications for creating more efficient light-harvesting materials and understanding biochemical processes like photosynthesis.
Beneath the ice: spring sunlight triggers photoinhibition and recovery in lake Akan Marimo
The study reveals that marimo experience significant decline in photoinhibition just after ice melts but recover their function within 20-30 days in spring. This critical period highlights the importance of conservation efforts for marimo preservation.
Researchers reveal molecular assembly and efficient light harvesting of largest eukaryotic photosystem complex
Researchers discovered the largest eukaryotic photosystem I-fucoxanthin-chlorophyll supercomplex in coccolithophores, which can expand its light-harvesting cross-section by three to four times while maintaining over 95% energy conversion efficiency.
Unraveling the proton translocation dynamics behind photoprotective mechanisms in plants
The study found that DLDG1 regulates NPQ by controlling proton conductivity within the thylakoid membrane through CFo-CF1 ATP synthase activity. The dldg1hope2 double mutant showed faster NPQ induction than the hope2 mutant, indicating a complex relationship between DLDG1 and NPQ regulation.
Researchers track how iron deficiency disrupts photosynthesis in crucial ocean algae
A Rutgers University study reveals that iron stress slows photosynthesis in phytoplankton, reducing oxygen production and impacting the food chain. The research found that up to 25% of light-harvesting proteins are uncoupled from energy-producing centers, wasting energy.
Researchers identify protein that evolved to enable photosynthesis in land plants
A team of researchers at the University of Toronto has identified a protein, Shikimate kinase-like 1 (SKL1), that enables land plants to convert light into energy through photosynthesis. This discovery holds promise for improved herbicides and increased efficiency of photosynthesis in food crops.
NASA's PACE enables new method for monitoring global plant health
A new study using NASA's PACE satellite data established a novel method to determine global plant productivity. The technique relies on the light plants reflect, allowing for accurate capture of short-term changes. This approach has significant implications for understanding carbon sequestration, climate change, and ecosystem monitoring.
A new pathway helps clean up toxic chemicals from plant cells
A newly discovered pathway in plants complements the main workflow of photorespiration, aiding in processing cytotoxic chemicals and improving energy efficiency. This parallel pathway has potential for increasing crop yield without compromising plant resilience to stress conditions.
Unlocking branch selectivity mystery in photosynthesis
Researchers at IISc and Caltech use simulations to map energy landscape for electron movement in PSII, finding D2 branch has higher energy barrier preventing electron transport. The team suggests tweaking components can boost or rewire electron flow across PSII.
Novel biosensor allows real-time monitoring of sucrose uptake in plants
A novel, needle-type biosensor allows for real-time monitoring of sucrose uptake in plants, revealing light-dependent stomatal uptake and daily rhythms. The sensor's high sensitivity and stability enable the detection of subtle physiological events, shedding new light on plant biology.
Sugar, the hidden thermostat in plants
New research reveals that plants rely on multiple heat-sensing systems and a sugar-based mechanism to detect temperature changes. Sugar produced in sunlight helps plants grow taller even when thermosensors like phytochrome B are less effective. This discovery could lead to breeding crops more resiliently under stress.
Paper outlines more efficient organic photoredox catalysis system inspired by photosynthesis
Researchers at Colorado State University have developed a more efficient light-based process for transforming fossil fuels into useful modern chemicals, effective even at room temperatures. The organic photoredox catalysis system uses visible light to alter chemical compounds, reducing energy demands and pollution in various industries.
How ubiquitous small particles turn harmful inside plants
A new study reveals how nanoparticles can interfere with photosynthesis in plants, reducing their ability to convert sunlight into food. The research team found that nanoparticles undergo changes in pH and pick up lipid coatings from plant membranes, boosting their binding to RuBisCO and impairing its function.
Uncovering a unique light-harvesting structure in marine algae
A team of researchers analyzed a photosynthetic complex found in a marine alga and discovered a unique arrangement of antenna proteins around the photosystem core. This structure indicates an adaptation to its living environment and provides insights into the efficiency of light-harvesting under certain conditions.
Synthetic molecular rings re-create energy flow found in plants
Scientists have designed human-made molecules that self-assemble into stacked rings, allowing charge and energy to circulate freely, echoing photosynthesis. This breakthrough could lead to improved energy generation and advanced electronics.
Light-to-electricity nanodevice reveals how Earth’s oldest surviving cyanobacteria worked
A team of scientists has decoded the structure of a light-harvesting nanodevice in a 3-billion-year-old lineage of cyanobacteria, providing an unprecedented glimpse into early life's photosynthetic assembly. The discovery reveals that even three billion years ago, photosynthesis had reached a remarkable degree of sophistication.
Could the goo and gunk in your home be solutions to climate change?
Researchers have found new organisms that can capture carbon dioxide and clean pollutants from the environment. By exploring extremophiles in homes, scientists can gain insights into their unique characteristics and develop sustainable solutions.
Growth before photosynthesis: how trees regulate their water balance
Researchers discovered that trees close their stomata earlier than previously thought, prioritizing growth over photosynthesis during drought. This finding has implications for carbon sequestration and climate models, suggesting that trees may absorb less CO2 from the atmosphere during droughts.
Controlling starch levels in algae could have biotechnology and sustainability benefits
Researchers have discovered a way to regulate starch storage in algae using blue light-activated signalling pathways. This method has the potential to increase starch production in biofuels, improve nutritional value of agricultural feed supplements, and capture more carbon dioxide, reducing greenhouse gases.
EU awards €8 million to advance solar fuel technologies through SUN-PERFORM and Solar to Butanol – S2B Projects
The European Commission has awarded €8 million to two projects, SUN-PERFORM and Solar to Butanol – S2B, to develop highly efficient bio-inspired technologies for renewable fuel production. These innovations target hard-to-electrify sectors like aviation and shipping, aiming to significantly reduce Europe's carbon emissions.
Forward genetics approach reveals the factor responsible for carbon trade-off in leaves
Researchers from Chiba University identified a previously unreported gene, LIRI1, which plays a crucial role in regulating the balance between starch and lipid storage in plant leaves. The study suggests that LIRI1 promotes carbon allocation by activating starch production and inhibiting starch degradation.
Beyond photorespiration: A systematic approach to unlocking enhanced plant productivity
A study published in Science Advances has revealed promising alternative pathways to overcome photorespiration, which can reduce crop productivity by up to 36%. The researchers identified mechanisms that could improve plant productivity while adapting to climate change and growing global food demands.
Machine learning helps construct an evolutionary timeline of bacteria
University of Queensland scientists used machine learning to predict when bacteria evolved oxygen use, finding some bacteria used it before photosynthesis. The study suggests aerobic metabolism occurred before oxygenic photosynthesis, dating back around 3.2 billion years.
Molecular clock analysis shows bacteria used oxygen long before widespread photosynthesis
Researchers created a timeline for bacterial evolution and oxygen adaptation using genomic data, fossils, and Earth's geochemical history. Their findings suggest that some bacteria could use trace oxygen long before evolving photosynthesis.
Traditional breeding falls short in boosting soybean photosynthesis
A team from the University of Illinois found that traditional breeding methods are unlikely to improve soybean light-harvesting efficiency. Gene editing is likely needed to unlock soybean potential. The researchers gathered detailed measurements throughout an entire growing season to understand photoprotection relaxation in soybeans.
Peatlands' potential to capture carbon upgraded as temperatures rise
Researchers developed a predictive model showing peat bogs can offset 14% of future CO2 emissions through microalgae's photosynthesis. Peatlands store over 30% of the Earth's soil carbon, estimated to be between 500-1000 gigatons.
Growing solar: Optimizing agrivoltaic systems for crops and clean energy
Research proposes a new methodology for dynamically optimizing solar panel positioning based on the light needs of crops. Advanced ray tracing techniques are used to evaluate the distribution of solar radiation, enabling the automation of design optimization of agrivoltaic systems.
Artificial photosynthesis: Researchers mimic plants
Researchers have successfully imitated one of the first steps of natural photosynthesis by creating a stack of dyes that absorbs light energy and transfers charge carriers. This breakthrough has significant implications for artificial photosynthesis, which could potentially produce hydrogen and remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
MSU researchers use unique approaches to study plants in future conditions
Researchers at MSU's Plant Research Laboratory found that plants photosynthesize more under high light, high CO2 conditions, leading to larger plants and potentially higher crop yields. However, they also lose carbon during this process, which can impact their ability to make food.
Turning waste organic compound into useful pharmaceuticals and energy using a technique inspired by photosynthesis
Researchers at Nagoya University have developed a method of artificial photosynthesis that uses sunlight and water to produce energy and valuable organic compounds from waste organic compounds. The technique, called APOS, represents a significant step toward sustainable energy and chemical production.
New SIF model tracks drought effects in real-time
A new study unveiled a high-resolution SIF dataset to monitor vegetation photosynthesis during droughts, offering unprecedented insights into how plants respond to drought stress. The dataset provides continuous, high-resolution data, enhancing real-time monitoring of photosynthesis and vegetation health.
Elucidating the photosynthetic mechanism of purple sulfur bacteria living in high-salt, high-alkaline environments
Scientists employ cryo-electron microscopy to study the light-harvesting protein complexes of purple sulfur bacteria, revealing a crucial role for the LH1-LH2 complex in energy transfer. The findings provide new insights into highly efficient photosynthesis under extreme conditions.
Advancing SIF algorithms: Unlocking the dynamics of photosynthesis
Researchers evaluated three SIF retrieval algorithms to improve diurnal patterns of vegetation photosynthesis. The Band Shape Fitting (BSF) algorithm demonstrated superior performance in capturing diurnal variations, correlating with R² 0.85 and accurately monitoring vegetation ecosystems.
BESSY II: Building block of the catalyst for oxygen formation in photosynthesis reproduced
Researchers at HZB and HU Berlin have discovered a high-spin manganese centre, crucial for molecular oxygen formation in natural photosynthesis. The discovery, made possible by BESSY II's unique experimental capabilities, sheds light on the complex process of photosynthesis.