Articles tagged with Plant Products
Researchers used aeroponic technology to grow pea shoots fortified with Vitamin B12, delivering the recommended daily allowance in a single serving. The fortified crop maintained shelf-life and persisted through cold storage, offering a commercially viable approach to dietary supplementation.
A research team at Kumamoto University identified a plant-derived molecule, PGG, that breaks down transthyretin (TTR) amyloid linked to heart and nerve disorders. The study found PGG effectively disassembled amyloid fibrils without disrupting other types of protein aggregates.
Kobe University scientists have engineered bacteria to produce a group of compounds with promising pharmacological activities. The breakthrough uses a rational design strategy to create a platform for industrial production of drug candidates.
The new platform at ORNL's APPL facility combines robotics and AI to deliver in-depth insights for plant transformation. Massive datasets generated by the platform are analyzed using AI and ORNL's Frontier exascale supercomputer.
A new strain of yellow rust pathogen has broken down a key resistance gene, leaving over 50% of the UK's wheat acreage vulnerable. Researchers are racing against time to find new resistance genes and breed them into modern wheat varieties.
Researchers have developed a chemical-free method to upcycle waste chitin into high-performance porous carbons, which can efficiently capture and release hydrocarbons. The materials' pore structure can be precisely tuned through steam activation time, leading to improved adsorption and desorption performance.
Researchers developed a synergistic structure-doping regulation strategy for lignin-based carbon aerogels using phytic acid, promoting uniform spherical hierarchical structures and dual phosphorus-sulfur doping. This approach achieves high-performance supercapacitors with superior power density and energy storage capabilities.
The conversion of waste lignocellulosic biomass into high-value soil amendments can enhance soil structure, increase water retention, and lock away carbon. Several technological pathways are explored, including slow pyrolysis, mild torrefaction, and solid-state fermentation.
Scientists at Northwestern University have determined the three-dimensional structures of rye pollen's cancer-fighting molecules, secalosides A and B. This breakthrough opens the door to exploring how these molecules interact with the immune system and could inspire new approaches to cancer therapy.
A team of researchers has developed a dual-response cellulose–WO3 composite film that can switch tint in seconds and survive 200 cycles. The membrane is made from wood and can be roll-coated on existing paper machines, making it a sustainable alternative to traditional smart glass.
The wood exhibits superhydrophobicity even after mechanical abuse, chemical attacks, and UV exposure, with water absorption reducing from 64% to 7%. The process is cost-effective, uses no fluorine, and can be applied to six species of timber.
Researchers have discovered a zero-cost solution to reverse desertification by using food waste nanocellulose extracted from pineapple peels. The material cuts water leakage by 90% and triples phosphate retention, offering a more sustainable alternative to expensive hydrogels.
This book provides an in-depth overview of 120 wild vegetable species from India's Western Ghats biodiversity region, covering their morphology, phytochemistry, traditional uses, and nutritional composition. It connects indigenous knowledge with modern plant science to promote the sustainable use of underutilized edible plants.
A new approach allows scientists to directly correlate gene expression with metabolite abundance, enabling the elucidation of complex plant natural product biosynthetic pathways. This method can help identify specialized cell types involved in producing therapeutically relevant chemical compounds.
Researchers have elucidated the final step in the biosynthesis of iridoids, a widespread class of plant secondary metabolites with defense and medicinal properties. The discovery of an enzyme catalyzing cyclisation to nepetalactol paves the way for future biotechnological production of these compounds.
Researchers develop multifunctional aerogels combining thermal insulation, flame retardancy, and mechanical robustness using bio-based nanocellulose. The resulting aerogels exhibit low thermal conductivity, high flame resistance, and impressive strength and flexibility.
A new study reveals how Moso bamboo degrades under fluctuating hygrothermal conditions, causing dramatic fluctuations in mass, dimensions, and appearance. Machine learning was integrated to predict changes in compressive strength and color difference with high accuracy.
Lucia Strader's lab at Salk will explore how plants sense and integrate environmental cues to shape their growth and development. Her work aims to advance fundamental understanding of plant biology and design more resilient crop varieties.
A University of Missouri-led study has uncovered how poplar trees can naturally adjust a key part of their wood chemistry based on changes in their environment, supporting improved bioenergy production. The discovery sheds light on the role of lignin and its potential to create better biofuels and sustainable products.
Researchers developed a real-time dashboard for monitoring biomass, carbon stocks and energy demand at a local level. This allows for targeted interventions, saving millions of shillings by preventing deforestation and reducing future energy crises.
A new study from South Dakota State University reveals how grapevine canes can be converted into a biodegradable plastic-like material. The resulting films are stronger than traditional plastic and will decompose in the environment, providing a potential solution to the plastic waste problem.
Researchers found biochar improved soil's ability to hold nutrients and moisture, giving cotton plants better growth conditions. Biochar also helps improve water quality by keeping nitrates in the soil and out of groundwater.
A new study found that global climate conditions affect the spore traits of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, influencing their survival, spread, and interaction with plants. The research provides insights into the environmental adaptations of microorganisms, which could guide soil restoration and food production.
Researchers have charted how plant metabolism responds to genetic changes that increase oil production, finding simultaneous increases in both oil and protein content. The study's findings will provide scientists with clues for optimizing biofuel production in plants such as camelina and pennycress.
The Moon-Rice project is developing a super-dwarf rice variety that can thrive in microgravity and produce high yields, addressing nutritional deficiencies in space. Researchers are also exploring ways to enrich the protein content of the crop to support astronaut health.
Indole biosynthesis in flowering plants is mediated by the pseudoenzyme TSB-like, which enables the release of free indole as a volatile compound. This mechanism allows plants to defend against pests and attract pollinators through their scent.
Researchers developed a method to edit crop plant genes, discovering influence on taste and shape. The technique enables examining thousands of genes, overcoming challenges like genetic redundancy.
A study at the University of Turku found that different processing methods significantly affect plant-based products' biochemical composition. Current food classification systems do not acknowledge this, which can lead to misclassification of beneficial products as unhealthy.
A new study maps how specific lactic acid bacteria can reduce off-flavours and degrade anti-nutrients in plant-based dairy alternatives. Fermentation with these bacterial strains increases nutrient bioavailability and enhances product nutritional profiles.
A research team has identified a previously unknown defense mechanism in Pseudomonas syringae, enabling the bacterium to produce chemical compounds that attract amoebae, which are then killed by toxic substances produced by the bacteria. This 'chemical radar' system also helps the bacteria infect plants in the presence of predators.
A professor is conducting a study to increase forest farming in Appalachia, with the goal of creating a sustainable economy for the region. The project aims to develop the workforce and formalize businesses to ensure efficient supply chains.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen create a hybrid cheese recipe combining milk and pea proteins, resulting in a product with a similar texture and taste to traditional paneer. The study demonstrates that up to 25% of milk protein can be replaced with pea protein without compromising on quality.
Researchers from the University of Vaasa found that consumers who prefer plant-based alternatives are perceived as socially different, evoking feelings of admiration and envy. Marketing strategies must address prevailing prejudices to make vegetarianism socially acceptable.
Researchers developed a sustainable process to recover valuable products from oilcane bagasse, generating multiple product streams. The process recovers anthocyanins and vegetative lipids for natural colorants and biofuel production, making the process more cost-effective and sustainable.
Researchers mapped yerba mate's genome, discovering an ancestor that duplicated its genome 50 million years ago. This event led to the evolution of caffeine biosynthesis in yerba mate and coffee through convergent pathways. The study provides opportunities for creating plant varieties with new characteristics.
A new study reveals that Chlorella Vulgaris, a freshwater microalga rich in protein and essential nutrients, holds immense promise as a sustainable and nutritious food source. The researchers emphasize the need for advancements in cultivation techniques, processing methods, and sensory improvements to enhance its appeal.
A recent study found that biomass burning products are toxic to human lung cells, causing inflammation and oxidative stress. The research emphasizes the need for extended air quality networks across the European Union to monitor key biomass burning markers.
Researchers from Jena have discovered how the soil fungus Mortierella alpina eliminates nematodes using natural products called malpinins. These malpinins accumulate in the digestive tract of nematodes and disrupt their function, leading to a slow but effective control of the pests.
A new method to enhance pea protein solubility, combining heat treatment and guarana extract, offers potential as an ingredient in plant-based beverages. The approach improves emulsion stability and vitamin D3 preservation.
Researchers identified 33 daphnane diterpenoids in Daphne pontica, including newly discovered compounds, using UHPLC-Q-Exactive-Orbitrap MS. These compounds exhibit potent biological activities, suggesting the plant as a potential novel resource for drug discovery.
Scientists at the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology have successfully created luminous wood by combining fungal threads with hardwood. The process involves a two-stage enzymatic reaction that stimulates the production of luciferin, emitting green light from the treated wood.
Researchers from the University of Cordoba developed a model to test agrivoltaic integration, finding that joint activities can lead to greater combined productivity. The study shows that photovoltaic plants and hedgerow olive groves can coexist and even benefit each other, with solar collectors generating more energy while shading cro...
The new Institute for Food Product Innovation and Commercialization offers training and development support to agriculture producers with novel product ideas. The program aims to remove hurdles for farmer-entrepreneurs, providing expertise on food manufacturing, marketing, and entrepreneurship.
A recent study found kratom to be widely available across the US, with over 72% of tobacco specialty stores selling the substance. Researchers attribute this ease of access as a major risk factor for substance use and highlight concerns about kratom's potential health risks.
Stanford researchers developed a method to describe food texture with striking similarity to human taste testers using mechanical testing and machine learning. The study found that some plant-based products can already reproduce the whole texture spectrum of animal meats.
A team of Kobe University bioengineers successfully produced artepillin C in bioengineered yeast, achieving ten times the previous yield. The production process involved carefully tuning key steps along the molecular production line, and further improvements are being explored to increase efficiency.
Researchers at North Carolina State University identify molecular property of lignin that determines ease of using microbial fermentation to turn trees into industrial chemicals. The discovery could lead to more sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based chemicals.
A team of scientists from UPV, CSIC, and Caldic Ibérica has developed a product called CalBio that stimulates the defences of lettuce and broccoli in conditions of drought and salinity. The product increases yields and is considered a biostimulant, making it easier to transfer results to farmers.
Researchers will examine cognitive and psychomotor functions to compare effects of CBD on driving performance between men and women. The five-year study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the substance's influence.
Recent research highlights the multifaceted potential of chestnut tannin in various sectors, including its use as a replacement for antibiotics in animal feed and as a biostimulant and biofertilizer in agriculture. The compound's high biological activity is attributed to its ortho-phenolic groups.
Researchers aim to reduce PFAS contamination risk in agriculture by developing monitoring tools and strategies for remediation. The study focuses on comprehensively understanding PFAS uptake and bioaccumulation in plants, advancing strategies for PFAS remediation in biosolid/soil.
Researchers found that Brazilian vegans' diets consisted mainly of unprocessed foods, with a significant reliance on ultra-processed proteins like textured soy protein to meet their protein needs. The study's findings contradict the stigma surrounding veganism and its ability to provide adequate nutrition.
A study published in the journal Insects found that hemp leaf extract containing cannabidiol (CBD) is effective in killing mosquito larvae, including those resistant to typical insecticides. The research suggests CBD's potential as a safe and sustainable alternative for controlling mosquito populations.
Researchers harvested climate-smart soybeans in a $5 million USDA project aiming to reduce GHG emissions while increasing crop production. The crop was grown using five climate-smart practices, including earlier planting and soil conservation.
Researchers from Texas A&M are leading a $26 million decarbonization effort to convert CO2 into valuable products, driving a circular carbon economy. The initiative aims to develop cost-effective and sustainable solutions for manufacturing systems.
Researchers at Cranfield University have developed two new methods to authenticate UK honey: one using Spatial Offset Raman Spectroscopy (SORS) and the other employing DNA barcoding. The SORS method detects sugar syrups with high accuracy, while DNA barcoding identifies syrups even at low adulteration levels.
MIT chemists have developed a new way to synthesize complex oligocyclotryptamines found in plants, which could hold potential as antibiotics, analgesics, or cancer drugs. The approach allows for precise assembly of the rings and control of the 3D orientation of each component.
A new study found that Cannabigerol (CBG) significantly reduced feelings of anxiety at 20, 45 and 60 minutes after ingestion, with stress ratings also decreasing. CBG's effect on memory was unexpectedly positive, enhancing the ability to recall lists of words.
Researchers at UMass Amherst have developed a novel extrusion segment that can create the marbled appearance and texture of plant-based whole-cut meat products. This technology has the potential to revolutionize the plant-based meat industry, expanding its product offerings and appealing to a wider audience.