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Large cells for tiny leaves

Researchers discovered that LMI1 protein limits cell growth, preventing large cells from developing into other tissue types, resulting in smaller leaves despite early cell growth. The study also found that LMI1 regulates pea leaf morphology by producing thread-like tendrils at the tip of the leaf and large stipules at the base.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research·JournalGenes & Development·DateOct 31, 2018

Overspending on defense arsenal bankrupts a plant's economy

A recent study found that plants with strong defense capabilities against insects exhibit slower growth rates and compromised reproductive success. The research suggests a trade-off between defense and growth in plant biology, where investing more energy in defense reduces resources available for growth and reproduction.

SourceDOE/US Department of Energy·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 22, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

A warmer spring leads to less plant growth in summer

New research reveals that warmer springs lead to less plant growth in summer and autumn, contrary to popular belief. This phenomenon has significant implications for carbon uptake and overall climate forecasts, suggesting even more severe consequences of global warming than previously thought.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature·DateOct 3, 2018

Warmer springs can reduce summer plant productivity

A new study reveals that warmer springs in northern regions lead to reduced plant productivity in summer and autumn months. The team used satellite images to survey 41 million km2 of land and found that the early onset of spring does not continue into the summer, resulting in depleted water resources and reduced biomass.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature·DateOct 3, 2018

How will climate change affect plants, soil microbes?

A new NSF-funded project will investigate how climate change impacts plant growth and health in relation to soil microbes. The study aims to understand the effects of changing moisture levels on plant survival and how plants influence microbial communities.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateSep 5, 2018
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.

Ecosystems are getting greener in the Arctic

Researchers have developed a new approach to predict how plants in Arctic regions respond to warming, revealing that 16% of vegetated land is no longer temperature-limited today. By the year 2100, only 20% of vegetation will be limited by cold conditions.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Climate Change·DateAug 21, 2018

Hijacking hormones for plant growth

Researchers have designed synthetic compounds similar to auxin, a hormone controlling plant growth, development and behavior. These compounds could be used for agricultural purposes, such as manipulating fruit ripening or preventing transgene spread.

SourceWiley·JournalNew Phytologist·DateAug 8, 2018

Forest loss in one part of US can harm trees on the opposite coast

A University of Washington study reveals that forest die-offs in specific regions of the US can influence plant growth in other parts of the country. The largest impacts were seen from losing forest cover in California, leading to slightly warmer Eastern US summers and harming plant growth.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateMay 15, 2018
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.

Freed from the rocky constraints of bedrock, nitrogen supports life

A recent study by Benjamin Houlton et al. suggests that weathered bedrock is a significant source of nitrogen in terrestrial ecosystems, releasing 11-18 teragrams annually and rivaling atmospheric contributions. This finding has important implications for understanding the carbon cycle and global climate change.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateApr 5, 2018

How climate change alters plant growth

A team of researchers at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg discovered the role of a special hormone in regulating plant growth at high temperatures. The findings, published in Current Biology, may help breed plants stable even at high temperatures and produce sufficient yields.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 12, 2018

The circadian clock sets the pace of plant growth

A research team led by Elena Monte discovered that proteins acting sequentially in the plant internal clock limit growth until nightfall. The CDF5 gene induces stem growth just before dawn, regulated by PIF and PRR clock proteins.

SourceCentre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG)·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 11, 2018

Robotic device tracks plant growth at the cellular level

A new open-source device called ACME enables scientists to measure spatial variation in the mechanical properties of plant cells with unprecedented accuracy. The device can help understand mechanisms of plant growth and develop conditions that promote plant cell wall extensibility, enhancing plant growth at the cellular level.

SourceAmerican Society of Plant Biologists·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateNov 20, 2017
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.

Fungi and drought-tolerance in pines

A study examines the role of fungi in drought tolerance in pinyon pines, finding that parent and offspring trees share similar fungal communities and that these communities differ between drought-tolerant and intolerant trees.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 25, 2017

Warmer Arctic linked to weaker vegetation growth in North America

Research by Jin-Soo Kim and Professor Jong-Seong Kug found that warmer Arctic temperatures trigger cooler winters and springs in North America, weakening vegetation growth and lowering carbon uptake capacity. This can lead to greater damages to ecosystems due to cold and dry spells.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJul 11, 2017

Genetics may lie at the heart of crop yield limitation

A new study by Dr Nick Pullen and his team reveals that plant growth is actually 'sink-limited', meaning genetic regulation and cell division rates control growth. This finding has significant implications for the agricultural industry, including potential improvements in crop yields and climate modeling.

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology·DateJul 4, 2017

Migratory birds bumped off schedule as climate change shifts spring

A growing shift in spring's onset is leaving nine songbird species unable to reach their breeding grounds, according to a study published in Scientific Reports. Climate change is triggering plants to grow earlier or later than normal, disrupting biological cycles and putting the survival of many bird species at risk.

SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 15, 2017
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.

Research shows global photosynthesis on the rise

Research at UC Merced found a chemical record of global photosynthesis spanning hundreds of years, indicating a significant increase in plant growth since the industrial revolution. The findings suggest that rising atmospheric CO2 levels and climate change may be driving this trend.

SourceUniversity of California - Merced·JournalNature·DateApr 5, 2017

Can you hear the corn grow? Yes!

Researchers use acoustic emissions techniques to explore corn stalk growth and breakage, discovering that plant growth involves millions of tiny breakage events. This finding may lead to improved crop yields by strengthening plant structures.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateNov 28, 2016

Three rings stop cell division in plants

Researchers at Nagoya University developed a triarylmethane compound that selectively inhibits cell division in plant cells. This reversible compound may be effective in controlling plant growth by targeting cell division.

SourceInstitute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University·JournalPlant and Cell Physiology·DateNov 25, 2016
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

A new light protection mechanism discovered in plants

Researchers at Imperial College London have discovered a feedback mechanism that protects photosystem II from damage caused by light and oxygen. This new regulatory mechanism involves the release of bicarbonate, which slows down water-splitting reactions and prevents enzyme damage.

SourceImperial College London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 10, 2016
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Grassland tuned to present suffers in a warmer future

The Jasper Ridge Global Change Experiment found that warming had negative effects on plant growth, while elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide showed no consistent response. Plant growth peaked when precipitation was close to historic averages, highlighting the need for ambitious climate action to stabilize warming and protect ecosystems.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 5, 2016

Multiple resources jointly control plant diversity

A global study finds that adding nutrients to grassland ecosystems reduces biodiversity by removing niche opportunities for species. Researchers challenge the idea that single resources limit species diversity, instead discovering complex interactions between multiple nutrients and light.

SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalNature·DateSep 1, 2016

Unlocking the mystery on how plant leaves grow their teeth

Researchers have discovered a key substance called EPFL2 that creates plant teeth and found out how they work. The peptide inhibits the accumulation of auxin at the skirts of tooth tips, preventing the generation of leaf teeth in plants that are unable to make EPFL2.

SourceInstitute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 1, 2016
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.

Sunflowers move from east to west, and back, by the clock

Plant biologists discovered how sunflowers use their internal circadian clocks to follow the sun during the day as they grow, acting on growth hormones. The plants' ability to track the sun was disrupted when staked or turned away from the sun, and continued even in an indoor growth chamber with a fixed light source.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalScience·DateAug 25, 2016

Undergraduates uncover mechanism tied to plant height

A Purdue University undergraduate class uncovered a mutation in the Sunspot sunflower that leads to its small stature, revealing a crucial role for DELLA proteins. The discovery sheds light on the genetic basis of plant height and has potential applications for modifying ornamental horticultural plants.

SourcePurdue University·JournalJournal of the American Society for Horticultural Science·DateAug 8, 2016

Sunflowers move by the clock

Researchers at UC Davis discovered how sunflowers follow the sun during the day using their internal clock, affecting growth hormones and flower orientation. The study found two growth mechanisms at work in sunflower stems, one driven by light availability and another controlled by the circadian clock.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalScience·DateAug 4, 2016

Planting time, flurprimidol treatments recommended for Lachenalia

A study recommends planting lachenalias in November, December, January, or February to produce healthy compact plants. Soaking bulbs in flurprimidol at a concentration of 30 mg·L-1 can also enhance plant appearance and marketing quality.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortTechnology·DateJul 28, 2016
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.

Research shows how to get more crop per drop

Scientists at TUM have discovered a plant-inherent water-conservation strategy that enables plants to absorb carbon dioxide while minimizing water loss. By activating this mode, plants can preserve moisture in the ground for later use during droughts, potentially increasing crop yields with limited water availability.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 12, 2016

Climate study finds human fingerprint in Northern Hemisphere greening

A recent climate study found a significant correlation between human activity and enhanced vegetation growth in the Northern Hemisphere. The research, led by Oak Ridge National Laboratory, used advanced statistical methods to detect the human 'fingerprint' behind this phenomenon.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJun 29, 2016

How cool-season turfgrasses respond to elevated UV-B radiation

Researchers tested cool-season turfgrass cultivars under evaluated UV-B conditions, revealing differences in growth rates and color. Coarse-textured grasses outperformed finer-textured ones, with some varieties exhibiting reduced tiller production and significant color loss.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateJun 27, 2016
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.

Taoyuan No. 3: New high-yield lettuce for subtropical regions

A new study in HortScience evaluated high-yielding lettuce cultivars for subtropical regions, finding 'Fu San', romaine lettuce 'Jhih Li Wo', and leaf lettuce 'Bai Yeh Wo' as suitable for summer production. The researchers developed a new cultivar called Taoyuan No.3, with improved temperature tolerance and late bolting characteristics.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateJan 13, 2016

Container-grown conifers benefit from irrigation based on daily water use

A study by Michigan State University found that scheduling irrigation according to plants' daily water use can reduce water applications by 22-28% and runoff volume by 36-67%, while decreasing nutrient loads. The technique also shows no negative impact on plant growth, offering a sustainable solution for nursery producers.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateDec 21, 2015
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.

UM study: Plants absorb less carbon dioxide than models show

Researchers at the University of Montana found that current models overpredict plant growth's ability to offset CO2 emissions, suggesting the earth's capacity may be limited. The study highlights the importance of integrating model, satellite, and on-the-ground measurement approaches to improve understanding of plant growth's response ...

SourceThe University of Montana·JournalNature Climate Change·DateDec 9, 2015

Common kitchen practices detrimental to tomato aroma

Refrigeration and blanching are detrimental to tomato aroma quality, impacting key contributors. Common kitchen practices not only affect consumer complaints but also alter volatile compound production.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateNov 30, 2015

Seaweed extract benefits petunia, tomato transplants

Researchers found that rockweed substrate drenches significantly improved postharvest shelf life of petunia and tomato transplants. In contrast, foliar sprays showed no effect on drought tolerance. The study recommends using seaweed extracts as a substrate drench to enhance plant growth.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortTechnology·DateOct 28, 2015
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.

More grasslands in Tibet could bring climate improvements

Research suggests that restoring native grasslands on the Tibetan Plateau could cool the air through increased evapotranspiration, weakening global warming. The study's findings indicate a positive impact on both regional and global climates.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 20, 2015

Management strategies to reduce catfacing in peaches

A six-year study found that using narrow vegetation-free strips under trees can reduce damage from hemipteran insects, increasing tree growth and fruit yield. Supplemental irrigation also showed benefits in three of five years, with trees grown with irrigation having larger trunk cross-sectional areas.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateJul 29, 2015

Plants may run out of time to grow under ongoing climate change

A new study suggests that climate change will lead to declines in plant growing days by 2100 due to warming, drought, and limited solar radiation. Tropical regions are expected to face significant reductions in suitable climate ranges, potentially affecting food security and human societies.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJun 10, 2015

Plants may run out of time to grow under ongoing climate change

A new study finds that climate change will lead to overall declines in plant growing days by 2100 due to warming, drought, and limited solar radiation. The study reveals that tropical regions will face significant reductions in suitable climates for plant growth, with some areas facing up to a 200-day reduction per year.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJun 10, 2015
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.

Gene required for plant growth at warmer temperatures discovered

Researchers have identified a new gene, ICARUS1, that enables plants to grow optimally in different temperatures. This discovery could lead to the development of crops that can withstand elevated temperatures, addressing the impacts of climate change on agricultural productivity.

SourceMonash University·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateMay 7, 2015

Regulating poinsettia's height

Researchers found that controlled water deficit can effectively regulate stem elongation in poinsettias, reducing the need for plant growth retardants. The study also showed that prolonged water deficit application reduced bract area, highlighting the importance of avoiding this practice during periods of bract elongation.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateApr 6, 2015

Plant insights could help develop crops for changing climates

A new computer model simulates how plants grow under varying conditions, providing valuable insights into nutrient distribution and adaptation to changing climates. The study's findings could lead to the development of crop varieties with high yields in specific environmental conditions.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 8, 2014
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.

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.

Nitrogen source determined significant for inflorescence development in Phalaenopsis

A study published in the Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science found that fertilizer N applied during the reproductive stage is a significant N source for inflorescence development in Phalaenopsis. Research also showed that providing ample nitrogen fertilization at all growth stages is essential for optimal flowering.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalJournal of the American Society for Horticultural Science·DateMar 26, 2014