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How do pathogens evolve novel virulence activities and why does it matter?

Scientists are still unraveling how pathogens adapt to changing conditions, including climate change and global trade. Genome sequencing and big data technologies have revealed that dramatic events like hybridization between pathogen species can lead to rapid evolution of virulence on new host plants.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalMolecular Plant-Microbe Interactions·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 7, 2021

Raining microbes? New study finds rain-borne bacteria colonize plants

Scientists found that rain-borne microbes can successfully colonize plants' aboveground microbial communities, protecting them from stressors. The study suggests that rain is a potentially important reservoir for phyllosphere bacteria, which could be used to improve plant health.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPhytobiomes Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 31, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

NSF taps Danforth Center to lead new institute

The New Roots for Restoration Biology Integration Institute aims to integrate plant traits, communities, and the soil ecosphere to advance restoration of natural and agricultural ecosystems. The project seeks to understand how root traits influence plant interactions with each other and with the soil.

SourceDonald Danforth Plant Science Center·DateAug 24, 2021

Data scientists go to the mat to learn about microbial networks

Researchers at Rice University are developing novel computational approaches to track environmental microbiome dynamics over time, across species and after perturbations. The team will use biofilm-based 'species abundance networks' on scaffolds to observe how they form their own genome-exchange networks.

SourceRice University·DateAug 5, 2021

How do plants balance microbial friends and foes?

Plants use metabolites, chemical signals, and dual receptor recognition to distinguish beneficial microbes from pathogens. A plant cell follows a flowchart to determine the response needed based on microbe type and lifestyle.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalMolecular Plant-Microbe Interactions·DateJun 10, 2021
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.

The effects of variation in T6SS and bacteria on competition in host environment

Researchers found that strains predicted to be more sensitive to T6SS were able to coexist with aggressor strains, challenging the traditional assumption of a 'winner-take-all' result. The study suggests that genetics and environmental factors play a significant role in determining competition outcomes.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalMolecular Plant-Microbe Interactions·DateSep 17, 2019

Methods in belowground botany

Current research in belowground botany is advancing our understanding of plant root systems, their structure, and function. New technologies like digital imaging of root traits are enabling scientists to study root systems more effectively.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalApplications in Plant Sciences·DateJun 18, 2019
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Crop resilience is focus of new interdisciplinary research

Researchers aim to develop crops more resilient to climate change and emerging pathogens through microbial interactions. The Collaborative Crop Resilience Program will focus on three projects: Matrix, Interact, and InRoot, which examine plant-microbial interactions above ground and below ground, as well as the development of new crop v...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·DateJun 12, 2019

Research shows first land plants were parasitized by microbes

Researchers found that liverworts can be infected by Phytophthora palmivora and respond with proteins similar to those in flowering plants. The discovery reveals early land plants were genetically equipped to respond to microbial infections, indicating an ancient relationship between plants and microbes.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 4, 2018
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.

UNC-CH scientist encourages all to watch PBS series on microbes

The four-part PBS series 'Intimate Strangers: Unseen Life on Earth' delves into the importance of microbes in sustaining human life and driving chemistry of life. Dr. Frederic Pfaender, a UNC-CH microbiologist, advocates for watching the series to learn something and enjoy the experience.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·DateOct 31, 1999
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.