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Plants can smell, now researchers know how

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have discovered how plants detect odor molecules by binding to transcriptional co-repressors, changing gene expression. This understanding may lead to new ways of influencing plant behavior, such as altering crop quality or deterring pests.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJan 23, 2019

Mosquito-specific protein may lead to safer insecticides

Researchers identified a mosquito-specific protein, EOF1, which plays a crucial role in eggshell formation. Blocking its expression resulted in non-viable eggs and multiple structural defects. This discovery provides a promising target for developing more effective and safer mosquito control strategies.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJan 8, 2019

To repair DNA damage, plants need good contractors

Scientists at the Salk Institute discovered a complex gene regulation network that helps plants cope with DNA damage. The research identified approximately 2,400 genes responding to DNA damage, with only 200 directly activated by SOG1, revealing its 'hands-off' overseer role.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 13, 2018

Blue gene regulation helps plants respond properly to light

Scientists at RIKEN have identified a key mechanism by which plant genes are regulated in response to light. The research found that blue light triggers a shift in the start site of gene expression, allowing plants to carry out photosynthesis and grow.

SourceRIKEN·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 18, 2018

Molecular conductors help plants respond to drought

Scientists at the Salk Institute have discovered key molecular conductors in plant stress responses, enabling a better understanding of how plants cope with environmental hardships. By controlling these conductors, researchers can potentially develop new technologies to optimize water use in plants and help agriculture adapt to drought.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalScience·DateNov 3, 2016

Diversity in a monoculture

Scientists used tobacco plants with altered defense genes to demonstrate that functional diversity within a species is essential for ecosystem health. The study found that variations in single plant genes can have large effects on whole plant populations, improving their ability to defend themselves against herbivores and other threats.

Harm and response

A comprehensive study reveals that plants respond uniquely to different insects, activating specific genes to defend against attacks. The research shows that plants can distinguish between closely related insect species, leading to targeted defense responses.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalFrontiers in Plant Science·DateFeb 12, 2015

Planting the seeds of defense

Scientists discovered that exposure to pathogens causes significant changes in a plant's epigenetic code, which helps the plant develop resistance. These epigenetic changes are linked to genes responsible for coordinating stress responses, suggesting the epigenome plays a role in disease resistance.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 7, 2012

New tool probes function of rice genes

Researchers have developed a new tool to investigate the rice genome, covering nearly all 45,000 genes. The microarray reveals genes crucial for responding to light and stresses, including those involved in photosynthesis and photorespiration.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 8, 2008

'Biological clock' genes control plant growth

Researchers at Oregon State University have identified the biological clock genes responsible for plant growth spurts, which occur at night. The study uses DNA microarrays and bioinformatics to analyze thousands of genes in a short period, revealing that most plant genes are expressed only at a particular time of day.

SourceOregon State University·JournalPublication Library and Information Science·DateSep 15, 2008

Feeling sleepy is all in your genes

Research published in BMC Neuroscience found that genetic genes controlling the body clock also regulate the need for sleep, linking sleep to energy metabolism. The study used mice with different genetic make-ups to explore this connection, revealing changes in gene expression associated with sleep deprivation and recovery.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Neuroscience·DateOct 17, 2007