Research at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz reveals Photorhabdus luminescens can protect plants from fungal infection, colonizing the fungus's hyphae and breaking down its cell wall. This secondary cell form also promotes plant growth and offers new potential for biological crop protection.
SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateJul 6, 2022
A new study by Nara Institute of Science and Technology researchers has identified the crucial role of autophagy in plant cell differentiation, particularly in Arabidopsis roots. Autophagy is necessary for root cap cells to transition from gravity sensors to secretory cells and undergo organized separation.
SourceNara Institute of Science and Technology·JournalDevelopment·DateJul 4, 2022
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have discovered a way to regulate plant growth by manipulating proteins called UBP12 and UBP13, which helps control the amount of CRY2 photoreceptor in plants. This finding has potential applications in improving crop yields and informing cancer research.
SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 13, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
Researchers at Hokkaido University identified two deubiquitinating enzymes, UBP12 and UBP13, that stabilize the brassinosteroid receptor BRI1 in plant cells. This finding reveals a crucial role for these enzymes in regulating plant growth and development.
SourceHokkaido University·JournalEMBO Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 3, 2022
Lab-grown plant material can be precisely controlled for physical and mechanical properties, such as stiffness and density. The researchers use a 3D bioprinting process to grow custom shapes and sizes of plant material.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalMaterials Today·DateMay 25, 2022
Researchers found tree growth not source-limited but rather by cell growth, suggesting forests may not absorb as much carbon as thought. The study's findings challenge current forest growth models and highlight the need for climate change mitigation strategies.
SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalScience·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 12, 2022
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.
Researchers have finally solved the structure of the plant protein NPR1, a key regulator of plant immunity. The new findings reveal that NPR1 forms a shape resembling a gliding bird and binds to molecules in the cell's nucleus to turn on immune genes. This breakthrough could lead to better crops with improved disease resistance.
SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalNature·DateMay 11, 2022
Researchers discovered hundreds of new gene functions in algae, which have counterparts in plants, enabling better understanding of photosynthesis, DNA repair, and stress responses. The findings can improve biofuel production and develop heat-tolerant crops.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 11, 2022
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
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.
Researchers found evidence of declining nitrogen availability in various ecosystems, including grasslands and forests, due to multiple environmental changes. The decline is linked to increased atmospheric carbon dioxide levels and reduced plant growth, with implications for the global carbon cycle.
SourceUniversity of Maryland Center for Environmental Science·JournalScience·DateApr 14, 2022
Research reveals that climate change and drought can cause significant yield losses in soybeans, even with high levels of weed control. To mitigate this, farmers need to adopt integrated weed management strategies, including the use of soil-residual herbicides and late-maturing soybean varieties.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalScience of The Total Environment·DateApr 11, 2022
A recent study published in Nature Geoscience has found that tropical trees' trunk growth is reduced in years with drier and warmer conditions. The researchers also discovered that the effect of climatic fluctuations is more dramatic in arid or warm regions, suggesting climate change may increase the sensitivity of tropical trees.
SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 31, 2022
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.
Researchers have found that altering carotenoid metabolism in tomato plants increases fruit yield by up to 77% and enhances nutritional content. The modified plants also show improved tolerance to abiotic stresses like drought and salinity.
SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalMetabolic Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 7, 2022
Scientists identified a new plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) that enhances duckweed biomass productivity by 2.7-fold, increasing photosynthesis and wastewater treatment efficiency. The molecular mechanism suggests that organic compounds are transferred from the bacteria to duckweed, triggering an increase in photosynthetic activity.
SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalMolecular Plant-Microbe Interactions·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2022
A study by University of Zurich researchers reveals Arctic warming causes temperature anomalies and cold damage thousands of kilometers away in East Asia, leading to reduced vegetation growth and smaller harvests. The warmer Arctic winters also trigger extreme winter weather events in the region.
SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 8, 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.
Researchers at TUM explore the use of living trees in architecture, using photogrammetry and skeleton extraction to design structures that adapt to tree growth. They demonstrate a pavilion with a roof structure optimized to follow the shape of supporting branches.
SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 7, 2022
A new internet-connected lighting system for greenhouses can optimize lighting and reduce electrical costs by up to 33% by predicting sunlight. The system uses sensors and algorithms to adjust light levels, making the most of natural sunlight and minimizing energy waste.
SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalPlants·DateFeb 2, 2022
A recent study found that urban vegetation has a stronger ability to withstand drought compared to rural areas. The researchers attribute this enhanced drought resistance to increased temperature and CO2 concentration, as well as reduced ozone levels in urban environments.
SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 15, 2021
A freely available protist culture collection supports a deeper understanding of the plant microbiome, with key findings indicating that beneficial microorganisms feed on bacteria and fungi.
SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPhytobiomes Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 6, 2021
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.
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
A study by University of Tennessee researchers found two soybean genotypes, 'Ellis' and 'USG Allen', that outperformed others under drought conditions. These varieties showed improved yields and reduced wilting, making them suitable for water-limited areas.
SourceUniversity of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture·JournalAgronomy·DateNov 1, 2021
Airborne pollen concentrations in Betula microphylla-dominated wetland of Ebinur Lake, Xinjiang, are influenced by meteorological factors such as temperature, precipitation, wind speed, and direction. The study found that airborne pollen composition corresponds to local vegetation and reflects long-distance transported pollen taxa.
SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Earth Sciences·DateOct 28, 2021
Plant biologists at Washington University in St. Louis have developed the first artificial scaffolds that can support individual plant cells, mimicking the properties of plant cell walls. The scaffolds demonstrate promising results for studying plant cell adhesion and growth.
SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 20, 2021
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
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.
A new chemical discovered by a UC Riverside team helps dormant seeds germinate, increasing crop yields and food supply. The compound, Antabactin, blocks ABA hormone receptors, allowing seeds to sprout in response to environmental stressors.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 17, 2021
Trees continue to form reserves even during long periods of starvation, contrary to the assumption that they only form when photosynthetic conditions are favorable. As CO2 starvation progresses, trees stabilize their reserve levels and divert resources to storage, allowing them to survive climate extremes.
SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2021
Research reveals that smaller-bodied ruminants prioritize high-energy intake by foraging at optimal vegetation maturity, while equids focus on areas near surface water. This study challenges the 'forage maturation hypothesis,' suggesting ungulate species adapt to their body size and digestive systems to optimize resource utilization.
SourceUniversity of Wyoming·JournalEcology Letters·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 27, 2021
A large-scale study found that vegetation is becoming increasingly water-limited as global temperatures increase, reducing its ability to absorb atmospheric CO2. This could lead to increased greenhouse gases and a weakening of the land's carbon sink strength.
SourceIndiana University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 24, 2021
Researchers at John Innes Centre discovered two genes, ATH1 and DELLA, controlling plant compactness and elongation. These findings may lead to more precise ways to modify crop shape and height in agriculture.
SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 19, 2021
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.
New research found that elevated CO2 levels drive increased plant growth, but take a toll on soil's ability to absorb carbon. Soils only accumulated more carbon in experiments where plant growth remained steady.
Researchers found that beta-cyclocitral produced by plants after herbivore attack increases defense responses and inhibits the production of metabolites for growth in Arabidopsis thaliana. This volatile signal opens up new possibilities for developing herbicides or antimicrobial agents that block the methylerythritol 4-phosphate pathway.
SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 9, 2021
The Skoltech team developed an AI system that enables processing images from autonomous greenhouses, monitoring plant growth and automating the cultivation process. The system, based on convolutional neural networks, can classify 18 plant varieties with high accuracy and outperform popular codecs in image size reduction.
SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalIEEE Sensors Journal·DateFeb 17, 2021
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.
Researchers at Shinshu University successfully cultivated AM fungi independently using myristate as a fuel source. The breakthrough could lead to the development of sustainable fertilizers for agriculture and forestry, reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers.
SourceShinshu University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 9, 2020
In a new study, researchers have identified the molecular mechanism behind two key proteins that influence plant form and timing of developmental transitions. The study reveals an antagonistic relationship between Terminal Flower 1 (TLF1) and Flowering Locus T (FT) proteins, which promote branch formation and flowering, respectively.
SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 12, 2020
Global warming is affecting nighttime temperatures differently, with more than half of the global land surface experiencing greater night-time warming. This 'warming asymmetry' has significant implications for plant growth and species interactions.
SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateSep 30, 2020
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.
A recent study published in Nature Communications found that the Arctic tundra has become greener over the past few decades due to warmer air and soil temperatures, which have led to increased plant growth.
SourceNorthern Arizona University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 22, 2020
A new study using satellite images tracked the Arctic tundra's vegetation changes over decades and found it has become greener due to warmer air and soil temperatures. This 'Arctic greening' is associated with higher soil temperatures and moisture, impacting local ecosystems and wildlife.
SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 22, 2020
Scientists studied giraffe and elephant foraging patterns in Kenyan savannas to understand how megaherbivores impact vegetation. They found that these animals prefer flat ground while feeding, leading to reduced damage on Acacia mellifera trees on steep slopes.
SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalBiotropica·DateSep 14, 2020
Researchers from the University of Vienna have developed biodegradable, CO2-neutral leather substitutes from fungi, using low-cost agricultural by-products. These materials exhibit comparable properties to traditional leather and hold significant potential as an environmentally friendly alternative.
SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Sustainability·DateSep 7, 2020
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 analyzed the impact of a plain afforestation project in Beijing, finding that some forest patches showed worse growth due to interrupted afforestation. They also found that this project occupied fertile farmland, decreasing connectivity and compactness.
A new study found that a severe spring heatwave in Europe contributed to the 2018 summer drought, depleting soil moisture. The research suggests that adopting alternative land management strategies could mitigate droughts' effects.
SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 10, 2020
Research reveals bedrock composition limits vegetation productivity in Southwest China's karst region, influencing soil formation and water retention. The study provides a crucial tool for optimising land use and assessing ecosystem resilience to climate change.
SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 13, 2020
Vegetation growth in the Third Pole, driven by CO2 fertilization globally and global warming locally, may slow rapid local warming. This 'greening' phenomenon also has remote impacts on Asian climate.
SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Reviews Earth & Environment·DateApr 6, 2020
The AI-based smart farming system helps farmers select crops, develop rotation plans, monitor fields, and adapt resources in real-time. The system aims to provide accuracy of 2.5 sm for precise machines to keep plants secure in wheat production.
SourceSamara Polytech (Samara State Technical University)·JournalCybernetics and Physics·DateFeb 21, 2020
Meta Quest 3 512GB
Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.
Researchers found that animal carcasses contribute to increased plant growth, attracting herbivorous insects and their predators. This has a positive impact on the local food chain, persisting even five months after death.
SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 22, 2020
A new study reveals that warmer temperatures worsen the productivity of infested tomato plants, causing them to produce more defense compounds in response to caterpillar attacks. This double-edged sword leads to impaired photosynthesis, decreased crop yield, and unexpected tradeoffs between defense responses and plant productivity.
SourceMichigan State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 20, 2020
Rutgers research reveals information gaps on optimal LED light intensity and colors for indoor crops, aiming to improve energy efficiency. The study recommends using a spectroradiometer to calculate light ratios and develop standard definitions for specific wavebands essential for plant growth.
SourceRutgers University·JournalActa Horticulturae·DateJan 8, 2020
A new study reveals that urbanization shifts the seasonal cue for spring plant growth, with cities in cold climates producing leaves and flowers earlier and those in warm climates delaying it. The research found that other factors such as pollution and changes in humidity also influence plants' seasonal patterns.
SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateNov 11, 2019
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 developed an affordable, open-source monitoring system called GMpi using Raspberry Pi computers. The system allows flexible and secure remote monitoring of plant growth facilities, ensuring reproducibility and peace of mind.
SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalApplications in Plant Sciences·DateNov 7, 2019
Increasing maize gene zmm28 expression improves grain yield, nitrogen uptake, and photosynthetic activity in field tests, according to researchers. Altering a single gene's expression can lead to significant yield improvements, suggesting new avenues for genetic engineering approaches.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 4, 2019
Researchers trained neural networks to predict plant growth patterns using computer vision algorithms and efficient graphics processing units. The system uses Raspberry Pi with Intel Movidius graphics card to calculate and predict the optimal ratio of nutrients, enabling continuous monitoring and prediction in artificial growing systems.
SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalIEEE Transactions on Instrumentation and Measurement·DateOct 31, 2019
New research reveals that daylight hours are the key factor in starting Africa's iconic 'green-up' phenomenon, where plants and trees grow their leaves. The study found shorter daylight hours before the growing season resulted in later vegetation growth.
SourceLancaster University·JournalCommunications Biology·DateOct 25, 2019
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.
Researchers studied the cup-shaped traps of Utricularia gibba and found that differential rates and orientations of growth are involved in shaping. A polarity field comparable to that proposed for flat leaves was also detected, providing a unified explanation behind diverse leaf forms.
SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 10, 2019
A new study published in Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety found that cigarette butts contain a bioplastic filter that harms plants, reducing germination success and shoot length of clover and grass by significant margins. The filters' chemical composition is believed to be the primary cause of damage.
SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalEcotoxicology and Environmental Safety·DateJul 19, 2019
A new technique uses Liebig's Law to improve estimates of historical temperature and rainfall from tree rings. The method selects trees that were growing well, linking their growth to the climate they experienced, resulting in more precise measurements.
SourceSan Francisco State University·JournalPaleoceanography and Paleoclimatology·DateFeb 28, 2019
Research at UTSA finds that stressed plants can release compounds to defend against herbivores, halting growth but allowing recovery after threats subside. This adaptation enables plants to invest metabolic energy in growth again.
SourceUniversity of Texas at San Antonio·JournalPlants·DateFeb 14, 2019
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 study published in Science Advances reveals that trees are becoming more water-limited as the climate warms, with changes most evident in northern climates and high altitudes. The research found that tree growth has shifted from being temperature-limited to being water-limited over large areas.
SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 16, 2019
New research reveals that plants are highly sensitive to touch, with repeated touching retarding growth by up to 30%. The study found that a major genetic defense response is triggered within 30 minutes of being touched, altering 10% of the plant's genome.
SourceLa Trobe University·JournalThe Plant Journal·DateDec 15, 2018
The study reveals that biomechanical factors play a crucial role in shaping plant organs, with mechanical stress and deformation influencing leaf geometry. The research provides insights into the formation of complex 3D shapes in plants, which can inform the creation of bioinspired structures in soft materials like hydrogels.
SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 22, 2018
A study explores how biomechanical factors shape plant organs, revealing a power-law distribution for growth strain within leaves. Researchers replicated leaf geometries in a hydrogel, offering insights into bioinspired structures in soft materials.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 19, 2018