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Artificial intelligence could help farmers diagnose crop diseases

Researchers at Penn State and EPFL developed an AI model to recognize specific plant diseases from images, achieving an accuracy rate of 99.35% in a public dataset. The technology has great potential for supplementing existing disease diagnosis methods and could be implemented on smartphones, especially in developing countries.

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.

Defend or grow? These plants do both

Researchers at Michigan State University have developed a genetic combination that allows plants to both grow and defend themselves from insects and disease. This breakthrough has significant implications for farmers trying to increase crop yields and feed the world's growing population.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Protecting plants from stealthy diseases

Researchers have engineered a new receptor that can counter stealthy diseases by boosting plant defense systems. The modified Arabidopsis plants show resistance to both insects and pathogens.

Trigger found for defense to rice disease

Biologists at Australian National University discovered a molecule called RaxX that triggers the rice plant's immune response, allowing for containment strategies against bacterial leaf blight. The research may also provide insights into human health, as the chemistry is similar to HIV entering human cells.

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.

Earth Day: Disease spread among species is predictable

A study in a California grassland reveals fundamental principles underlying disease dynamics, predicting pathogen spillover based on species relatedness. The results show that closely related species are more vulnerable to disease, while introducing rare species can create openings for less common species.

Spread of pathogens between species is predictable, study finds

A study of disease dynamics in a California grassland reveals fundamental principles underlying the spread of pathogens among species. The researchers found that the amount of disease on each species depended on how common it was, as well as on the abundance of its close relatives.

Bacterial raincoat discovery paves way to better crop protection

Researchers have uncovered how beneficial bacteria form a waterproof coating on plant roots to shield them from microbes that cause disease. This protective film incorporates proteins with shape-changing properties, enabling it to repel water and potentially harmful molecules.

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.

Can returning crops to their wild states help feed the world?

Scientists suggest rewilding crops by reintroducing lost genes to regain beneficial properties like disease resistance and higher nutritional value. However, these genetically modified organisms may face challenges for market penetration due to consumer concerns.

WSU researchers explain mystery of cereal grain defense

Researchers at Washington State University have identified specific genes in barley that enable the plant to live longer and become more tolerant of stress, including disease. These findings could lead to the development of crop breeding programs that slow aging and increase yields without genetic engineering.

Habitat fragmentation increases vulnerability to disease in wild plants

A study led by Anna-Liisa Laine found that proximity to other meadows increases disease resistance in wild meadow plants. The research surveyed over 4,000 Plantago lanceolata meadows and their infection status with a fungal pathogen, revealing less disease in areas with dense meadow networks.

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.

Missing link in plant immunity identified

Researchers have identified a critical enzyme in plants' rapid immune response against microbes, revealing its activation mechanism through the BIK1 protein. This discovery lays the groundwork for future research on plant immunity and disease resistance.

Researchers discover beneficial jumping gene

Researchers at UC Riverside have discovered a transposon that benefits its host organisms by enhancing the immunity of plants against a pathogenic microorganism. The COPIA-R7 transposon interferes with the epigenetic code of the RPP7 gene, promoting activity and adjusting the plant's immune response.

USDA grant advancing deadly plant disease, insect research

A Kansas State University doctoral student has received a USDA grant to research the relationship between the tomato spotted wilt virus and its vector, the western flower thrip. The goal is to develop a genetic tool to silence the thrip's protective genes, potentially stopping the disease's transmission.

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.

Action needed to prevent more devastating tree diseases entering the UK

The UK Government has imposed a ban on importing foreign ash trees due to the risk of fungal disease Chalara. Researchers argue that the nursery trade and plant buying public need to be more aware of biosecurity risks, and that public debate is needed to establish tougher international regulation.

Buttercups alert farmers to first signs of subarctic fungus in the UK

A plant disease normally found in subarctic climates has been identified for the first time in the UK in buttercups as far south as Herefordshire. The fungus, Sclerotinia subarctica, affects both crops and wild plants, with severe effects on carrots but minimal impact on meadow buttercups.

Plant neighbors 's(c)ent' to protect

Plants can detect unhealthy neighbors through odor perception, inducing resistance to disease and pests. A new study found that exposure duration and concentration of odor compounds significantly impact this process.

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

A quarter of a century of sweet corn observations

A quarter century of sweet corn observations revealed shifts in endosperm types and reactions to post-emergence herbicides. Disease-resistant hybrids have increased in availability, allowing breeders to focus on improving resistance without sacrificing seed sales.

MU researchers identify key plant immune response in fight against bacteria

Researchers at the University of Missouri have discovered a protein called Enhanced Disease Susceptibility 1 (EDS1) that plays a crucial role in a plant's defense against bacterial pathogens. This finding could lead to improved disease resistance in food crops such as soybeans, ultimately enhancing global food security.

New insight into plant immune defenses

Researchers have uncovered a key enzyme in plant immunity, NADPH oxidase, which regulates the production of toxic molecules that encourage cell death. This discovery could lead to disease-resistant crop varieties and new treatments for human immune disorders such as chronic granulomatous disease.

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.

Study shows corn gene provides resistance to multiple diseases

Researchers at North Carolina State University have found a specific gene in corn associated with resistance to three important plant leaf diseases. The glutathione S-transferase gene is linked to modest levels of resistance to Southern leaf blight, gray leaf spot, and Northern leaf blight.

New technique improves sensitivity of PCR pathogen detection

A new procedure devised by USDA scientists increases PCR-based method sensitivity for detecting plant disease organisms, improving diagnostic accuracy and reducing economic harm from asymptomatic seed contamination. The technique, called Bio-PCR, enhances detection rates by 100- to 1,000-fold over conventional methods.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Roses get celery gene to help fight disease

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed roses that incorporate a gene from celery to fight botrytis, a major post-harvest disease. The genetically modified roses aim to extend vase life and reduce shipping times, making them more viable for the cut flower industry.

Climate change complicates plant diseases of the future

Researchers predict carbon dioxide levels will double by 2050, altering plant diseases and affecting crop yields. Elevated carbon dioxide and ozone can make plants more susceptible to some diseases, but less susceptible to others.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Experts: Disease-resistant plants enhance profits, client satisfaction

Experts surveyed lawn care and landscape professionals about disease- and insect-resistant plants, finding that respondents believe these plants will increase business benefits and client satisfaction. The survey results show that fewer than 4% of respondents are concerned about the impact on their businesses.

Study reveals how plants and bacteria 'talk' to thwart disease

Researchers at UC Davis identified a bacterial signaling molecule that matches up with a specific receptor in rice plants to ward off bacterial blight disease. The study's findings have implications for controlling diseases in plants and people, potentially leading to new treatments.

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.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Researchers discover primer to plant defense system

A novel compound called azelaic acid has been identified as a primer for the plant's immune system, leading to increased systemic plant immunity and disease resistance. The discovery was made by researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the University of Chicago.

Grazing animals help spread plant disease

Researchers found that grazing animals like deer and rabbits increase the prevalence of a viral plant disease by promoting the growth of aphid-preferred annual grasses. This study challenges previous theories suggesting that herbivores help contain or reduce disease, highlighting the complexity of natural ecosystems.

Red alert! How disease disables tomato plant's 'intruder alarm'

A new study found that a bacterial pathogen disables the tomato plant's intruder alarm system by deactivating cell surface receptors, allowing the bacteria to spread rapidly without resistance. Understanding this mechanism could lead to new ways of tackling plant diseases without pesticides.

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Study a step toward disease-resistant crops, sustainability

Purdue University researchers are working on a new technique called MAGIC to identify gene combinations that increase disease resistance and stress tolerance in crops. By analyzing the genetic diversity of maize, they aim to engineer plants that can withstand most diseases and improve crop yields.

NCCAM expands Centers of Excellence in CAM research program

NCCAM has added three new Centers of Excellence for Research on Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM), focusing on the biological effects of plant-derived compounds on various health conditions. The centers will investigate mechanisms and effects of compounds like curcumin, resveratrol, and grape polyphenols in preventing or tre...

Same gene protects from 1 disease, opens door to another

Botanists at Oregon State University have discovered a single plant gene that causes resistance to one disease, while producing susceptibility to a different disease. This unusual phenomenon may help scientists better understand the pathways of genetic disease resistance and susceptibility in plants.

Funding boost for QUT world-class banana research

A QUT research project will expand its focus on improving the production and nutritional value of bananas, aiming to control diseased banana planting material in East Africa. The project's success could make a major difference to the health of the region's population.

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

City trees blighted by plant disease and environmental stresses

Plant diseases such as Dutch elm disease and dogwood anthracnose threaten urban tree health, while environmental stresses like flooding and pollution harm their vitality. Urban forestry experts emphasize the importance of managing these issues for community well-being.

Plant diseases threaten chocolate production worldwide

The three most important and damaging cacao diseases, black pod, frosty pod, and witches' broom, are threatening global chocolate production. According to plant pathology professor Randy Ploetz, black pod could reduce yields by an additional one million metric tons per year in West Africa.

Vineyard weeds found to host Pierce's disease of grapes

Researchers found that 27 of 29 weed species can harbor Xylella fastidiosa, a bacterium causing Pierce's disease in grapes. Environmental conditions significantly impact bacterial growth, highlighting the need for targeted weed control measures to prevent disease spread.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Aquatic plants may hold key to advancing plant disease management

Research on aquatic plant diseases has created environmentally sound methods of control, including using plant pathogens to manage invasive species. The symposium will address the biology, ecology, and control of aquatic plant diseases in freshwater and marine environments.