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AI increases precision in plant observation

Researchers at the University of Zurich developed PlantServation, a method that enables scientists to observe plants with great precision using AI and machine learning. The technique allows for the analysis of millions of images taken from various weather conditions, providing insights into how plants respond to environmental factors.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Communications·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 22, 2023

Study improves understanding of how bacteria benefit plant growth

Researchers found that competition between beneficial bacterial strains degrades the service they provide to plants, resulting in smaller benefits. The study used native California plant and eight compatible nitrogen-fixing bacterial strains to directly measure their ability to infect plants and provide benefits.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 24, 2023

Roots are capable of measuring heat on their own, new study shows

Plant roots detect temperature changes and adjust their growth accordingly. Researchers found that root cells produce more auxin in response to elevated temperatures, stimulating cell division and allowing roots to grow deeper into the soil. This discovery could help develop new approaches for plant breeding against climate change.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalThe EMBO Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 10, 2023
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.

Uncovering secrets of plant regeneration

Researchers at Nara Institute of Science and Technology identified the WOX13 gene as a key negative regulator of shoot regeneration in plants. The study found that WOX13 inhibits a subset of shoot meristem regulators while directly activating cell wall modifier genes involved in cell expansion and differentiation.

SourceNara Institute of Science and Technology·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 7, 2023

New insight into how plant cells divide

Researchers at Stanford University found that plant cells also use the cytoskeleton, but push it away from specific regions. This finding could help engineer plants more adaptable to changing environments.

SourceStanford University·JournalScience·DateJul 6, 2023

A newly identified protein confers drought tolerance to plants

Researchers at CRAG have discovered a key role for AtMC3, a metacaspase protein located exclusively in phloem tissue, in drought stress response. Increasing AtMC3 levels improves plant survival and photosynthetic capacity under water scarcity conditions, offering a potential tool to fine-tune early drought responses.

SourceCenter for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG)·JournalNew Phytologist·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 15, 2023
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.

Deceptive daisy’s ability to create fake flies explained

Researchers have identified three sets of genes involved in building the fake fly structure on the daisy's petals, which are brought together in a new way to deceive male flies. The plant's use of existing genes for iron movement, root hair growth, and flower control gives it an evolutionary advantage.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 23, 2023

Scientists hoodwinked by touch-me-not plants for decades

Researchers from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University identify vital differences between the plants, including pollinators and lifespan, confirming their classification. The study highlights the importance of recognizing every species for conservation programs.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalNordic Journal of Botany·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 13, 2023
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.

New treatment for COVID-19 is made from plants

Researchers at Arizona State University describe an innovative therapy using transient expression in tobacco plants to produce a monoclonal antibody against SARS-CoV-2. This class 4 mAb provides key advantages over existing treatments, including mutation resistance and universal protection against emerging variants.

SourceArizona State University·JournalPlant Biotechnology Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 25, 2023

CABBI team adds powerful new dimension to phenotyping next-gen bioenergy crop

Researchers at CABBI used unmanned aerial vehicles with machine learning methods to select the best candidate genotypes in miscanthus breeding programs. The new method leverages high-resolution aerial imagery and three-dimensional neural networks to estimate crop traits such as flowering time, height, and biomass production.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment·JournalRemote Sensing·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 4, 2022

Study sheds light on leaf traits, productivity of C4 bioenergy crops

A new study sheds light on the leaf traits and productivity of C4 bioenergy crops, revealing distinct niches in the leaf economics spectrum. The research found that miscanthus and sorghum, two C4 plant species, have higher photosynthetic rates and nitrogen use efficiency than common C3 plants.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment·JournalPlant Cell & Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 14, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Arctic shrub expansion limited by seed dispersal and wildfire

Researchers found that arctic shrub growth is limited by seed dispersal and fire, not just environmental suitability. The study used high-resolution satellite imagery to estimate shrub expansion in the Arctic region, revealing a discrepancy with previous models.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateJul 19, 2022
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.

Gametophytes are ready for their close up: Methods used to study obscure sexual portion of plant life cycle focus of Applications in Plant Sciences special issue

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.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalApplications in Plant Sciences·DateMay 10, 2022

Modulation of calcium signaling to enhance root nodule symbiosis

The John Innes Centre researchers identified the role of the signaling protein CaM2, which regulates calcium channels and shapes calcium signals. This led to accelerated calcium frequency, earlier signaling with bacteria, and enhanced root nodule symbiosis in engineered legume roots.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 21, 2022

Fix, not fight: Scientists help plants regenerate after injury

A study by New York University researchers found that plants make a trade-off between regeneration and defense responses after injury. The researchers used drugs typically used in neurobiology research to study the plant's responses to injury and found that targeting glutamate receptors can boost regeneration.

SourceNew York University·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateFeb 10, 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.

Celebrated barley came from a single plant

Researchers confirm that Chevalier barley came from a single plant, analyzing seed samples older than 150 years. The study reveals how the single plant's genetic signature was preserved and used to create modern malting barley varieties.

SourceLinköping University·JournalCrop Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 18, 2022

Danforth Center scientists develop an unprecedented three-dimensional X-ray microscope methodology to image plants at cellular resolution

Plant scientists can now image above and below-ground structures with unprecedented clarity, revealing new insights into biological processes. The development of three-dimensional X-ray microscopy enables the observation of microscopic molecular and cellular processes driving plant phenotypes.

SourceDonald Danforth Plant Science Center·JournalPLANT PHYSIOLOGY·DateDec 7, 2021

Scientists solve 50-year-old mystery behind plant growth

A team of researchers from UC Riverside has discovered how a small molecule called auxin triggers the growth process in plants. By analyzing cell walls, they found that auxin lowers pH levels, causing cells to become acidic and soften, allowing them to expand and grow.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature·DateNov 18, 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.

Scientists can switch on plants’ response to light

Researchers have identified a key component of plants' light response, allowing them to regulate gene expression and control stem growth. By reducing PIF protein activity, they can slow down stem growth and promote leaf and seed production, leading to increased crop yields and improved food supply.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 6, 2021

Clover growth in Mars-like soils boosted by bacterial symbiosis

Researchers found that clover grown with symbiotic nitrogen-fixing bacteria in Martian regolith experienced significant 75% more root and shoot growth compared to uninoculated plants. However, the regolith showed no excess production of nitrogen compounds, suggesting a potential role for these microbes in terraforming Mars soils.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 29, 2021

NSF taps Danforth Center to lead new institute

The New Roots for Restoration Biology Integration Institute aims to integrate plant traits, communities, and the soil ecosphere to advance restoration of natural and agricultural ecosystems. The project seeks to understand how root traits influence plant interactions with each other and with the soil.

SourceDonald Danforth Plant Science Center·DateAug 24, 2021

Pusan National University researchers shed light on the early development of rice seeds

A team of scientists led by Assistant Professor Lae-Hyeon Cho identified a single mutation in the gene that codes for cytidine triphosphate synthase (CTPS), an enzyme crucial for early endosperm development. The study showed that overexpressing CTPS in genetically modified rice plants results in a larger endosperm, opening up opportuni...

SourcePusan National University·JournalPlant Biotechnology Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2021

Dynamic photosynthesis model simulates 10-20 percent yield increase

Researchers developed a dynamic photosynthesis model that simulated a 10-20% yield increase by improving crop leaves' ability to adjust to fluctuating light. The model identified two proteins essential for the adjustment, which could lead to significant productivity gains.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalThe Plant Journal·DateAug 19, 2021
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.

Breakthrough study reveals new insight into 'immortal' plant cells

A recent study by the John Innes Centre team has discovered an undiscovered reprogramming mechanism in plant germ cells, allowing them to maintain fitness over multiple generations. This finding sheds light on the importance of DNA methylation reprogramming in plants and its potential applications for crop improvement.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalNature Genetics·DateDec 18, 2017

Flexible production of electric motors for vehicles

Researchers at KIT will develop process knowledge and innovative systems for series- and type-flexible production of electric motors. The 'AnStaHa' project aims to support medium-sized component suppliers and plant equipment providers in the automotive industry.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·DateNov 22, 2017

Open-source tools accelerate plant breeding in developing countries

Researchers have developed free online tools to improve crop breeding, including molecular breeding tools that enable breeders to select the best parental lines and perform marker-assisted backcrossing. These tools are being used in Africa to develop corn varieties with greater resistance to viruses.

SourceBoyce Thompson Institute·DateDec 2, 2016
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.

Scientists reveal underpinnings of drought tolerance in plants

A recent study reveals that a regulatory gene called NAC016 plays a crucial role in turning off drought-response pathways in plants. This discovery offers new insights into how to develop drought-tolerant crop plants through conventional breeding or biotechnological approaches.

SourceAmerican Society of Plant Biologists·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateJun 11, 2015

Oil composition boost makes hemp a cooking contender

Scientists at the University of York have developed hemp plants with dramatically increased oleic acid content, making them attractive for cooking oil production. The new oil profile has a longer shelf life and greater heat tolerance, opening up industrial applications.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalPlant Biotechnology Journal·DateFeb 10, 2014

Building better barley

Researchers at the University of Alberta have developed tools to help barley crops use less water while maintaining productivity. The study, published in Theoretical and Applied Genetics, utilizes carbon isotope compositions to improve selection efficiency for water-efficient varieties.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalTheoretical and Applied Genetics·DateDec 12, 2012

Ranches key to conservation in rocky mountains

Research supports ranches as effective biodiversity protectors, surpassing nature reserves. Ranches showed higher ground- and shrub-nesting bird densities compared to rural developments and nature reserves.

SourceSociety for Conservation Biology·JournalConservation Biology·DateSep 23, 2003
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.