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A vaccine for edible plants? A new plant protection method on the horizon

A new collaborative project has developed an RNA-based vaccine for protecting plants against diseases and pests, providing a promising environmentally friendly solution. The vaccine triggers RNA interference, which prevents pest gene expression without affecting the plant's own genes.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalPlant Biotechnology Journal·DateApr 5, 2018

Disease resistance in rice

Researchers discovered that disabling the Bsr-k1 gene in rice plants boosts their resistance to multiple diseases without compromising grain yield or weight. This breakthrough has significant implications for breeding disease-resistant rice varieties.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 5, 2018
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.

New tool predicts risk of plant disease and infestation worldwide

A new algorithm-based technique predicts potential plant disease hotspots by analyzing pest-host interactions and geographical distribution of vulnerable plants. This can help governments anticipate outbreaks and prevent biological invasions.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Applied Mathematics and Statistics·DateOct 30, 2017

UTSA researcher receives $1 million award to aid food security

Garry Sunter, a UTSA researcher, has received a $1 million award to develop an insect-based technology that delivers genetic therapies to improve the health of mature, vulnerable plants. The goal is to enable plants to thrive in challenging conditions such as drought and disease.

SourceUniversity of Texas at San Antonio·DateOct 30, 2017

Plants become more tolerant when living in symbiosis with fungi

Plants form a symbiotic relationship with fungi, gaining key nutrients while also becoming more resistant to diseases and drought. The fungal symbiosis increases the plant's levels of certain hormones, making it more tolerant to environmental stressors and ultimately contributing to sustainable agriculture.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalPLANT PHYSIOLOGY·DateOct 4, 2017

Blocking pathogens in rice

Researchers have found a way to make plants resistant to the bacterial pathogen Xanthomonas oryzae oryzae that causes rice blight. The team discovered that blocking the pathogen's access to sugar stores in plants can starve them out, preventing multiplication.

SourceHeinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf·DateAug 10, 2017
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

New study shows how plants fight off disease

A University of Queensland-led study has highlighted the minute details of how plant immune systems lead to resistance against diseases. Researchers have made significant progress in understanding the interactions between immune receptors and their signals, which are crucial for plant resistance.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 30, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

'Gene-silencing' technique is a game-changer for crop protection

Researchers have developed a revolutionary new crop protection technique using gene-silencing technology and nanotechnology to protect plants against pests and diseases. The BioClay spray has been shown to give plants virus protection for at least 20 days following a single application.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalNature Plants·DateJan 11, 2017

Forming a second line of plant defense -- capturing disease-resistant DNA

Researchers have developed a new way to sequence and analyze plant DNA to identify genes that confer disease resistance. By using longer DNA molecules and a specialized sequencing method, they can accurately identify the exact genes responsible for plant defense mechanisms. This breakthrough has significant implications for breeding mo...

SourceEarlham Institute·JournalBioTechniques·DateDec 13, 2016

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.

SourcePenn State·JournalFrontiers in Plant Science·DateOct 4, 2016
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.

Six new groups of molecules could be the key to delaying aging

A study by Montreal-based researchers identified six plant extracts as potential tools in delaying chronic diseases associated with human aging. The most potent extract, Salix alba, was found to be effective in slowing down the pace of aging.

SourceConcordia University·JournalOncoTargets and Therapy·DateSep 7, 2016

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.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 30, 2016
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.

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.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 2, 2015

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.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 27, 2015

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.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalNature·DateApr 23, 2015
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalNature·DateApr 22, 2015

To predict disease researchers ask if plant neighbors are relatives

Scientists study the spread of diseases in plant communities by analyzing relationships between plant species and estimating individual numbers. This approach allows for community-level predictions, shedding light on why some species are more vulnerable to disease.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalNature·DateApr 22, 2015

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.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 13, 2015
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.

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.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Plant Science·DateDec 16, 2014

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.

SourceWashington State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 15, 2014

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.

SourceAcademy of Finland·JournalScience·DateJun 12, 2014

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.

SourceNorwich BioScience Institutes·JournalMolecular Cell·DateMar 12, 2014
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 15, 2013

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.

SourceKansas State University·DateJan 23, 2013
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

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.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Chemical Ecology·DateMar 5, 2012
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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalPlant Disease·DateJan 4, 2012

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.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalScience·DateDec 8, 2011

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.

SourceBiotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council·JournalNature·DateOct 2, 2011
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.

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.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 5, 2011

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.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·DateApr 21, 2011
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.

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.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·DateFeb 10, 2011

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.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateJun 24, 2010
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.

Sick of blurred identity, US plant pathologists formed own society

A group of US plant pathologists came together in Boston in 1909 to discuss plant problems and establish a new field of science. Their efforts led to significant progress in diagnosing and controlling plant diseases, benefiting the US agriculture industry.

SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·JournalPhytopathology·DateDec 29, 2009

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.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateDec 10, 2009

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalScience·DateNov 5, 2009
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Plant protein 'doorkeepers' block invading microbes, study finds

Researchers identified a complex of proteins in Arabidopsis that play important roles in recognizing and blocking out invading bacteria. The study provides insights into plants' immune systems and may help protect agricultural crops from diseases.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJun 28, 2009
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.

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.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateApr 3, 2009