Plant Products

Bioinspired cellulose aerogel mimics white beetles for passive daytime cooling

Researchers developed a cellulose-based aerogel inspired by white beetles' optical structure, achieving high solar reflectance and infrared emissivity through hierarchical photonic scattering networks. The material achieved daytime subambient cooling of up to 7.1 °C and reduced building energy consumption by 43.5% on average.

Bitter tasting herbal extracts stimulate gastric cells

Researchers at Leibniz Institute for Food Systems Biology found that bitter-tasting herbal extracts stimulate proton secretion in human gastric cells, with polyphenol-rich extracts showing the strongest effects. The study identified three human bitter taste receptor subtypes as key mediators of this response.

Plants walk a fine line between growth and defense

Researchers discovered that plants use a surprising multi-layered system to regulate salicylic acid levels and keep their immune system in check. This system involves enzymes that break down the hormone, which are then flagged for elimination, limiting how much salicylic acid they can destroy.

Hemp waste biocomposites offer a lower-carbon alternative for packaging and agricultural films

New study finds anaerobic digestion of hemp hurd-based bioplastic systems delivers the best environmental outcome, generating up to 6.1 kg less CO2 emissions per 1 kg mulch film treated. The production process significantly affects the final carbon footprint of biocomposites.

Boosted flavor quality in leafy vegetables by manipulating a conservative protein-targeting system

Salad packs a healthy punch to meet a growing Vitamin B12 need

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.

Natural compound from pomegranate leaves disrupts disease-causing amyloid

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.

Rhododendron-derived drugs now made by bacteria

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 Universitat Jaume I will contribute to food security with new biodegradable alternatives to current agricultural plastic products

First-of-its-kind automated root imaging platform speeds plant discoveries

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.

Rapid response launched to tackle new yellow rust strains threatening UK wheat

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.

Waste chitin transformed into high-performance porous carbons for greenhouse gas recovery

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.

Phytic acid–driven structural engineering unlocks high-performance lignin-based carbon aerogel supercapacitors

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.

Waste to wealth: converting agricultural residues into soil saviors

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.

Rye pollen’s cancer-fighting structure revealed for first time

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.

Wood becomes smart glass: Photo- and electro-chromic membrane switches tint in seconds

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.

Wood that bounces water off like rubber

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.

Food-waste nanocellulose turns desert sand into fertile sponge

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.

New volume explores India’s wild vegetables and their scientific, nutritional, and cultural value

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 glimpse into the cell factory: matching gene expression to metabolite production in single plant cells

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.

Final step in the biosynthesis of iridoids elucidated

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.

Bio-based nanocellulose aerogels offer sustainable thermal insulation with fire safety

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.

AI-powered insights reveal how bamboo ages under heat and humidity

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.

Plant biologist Lucia Strader joins Salk faculty to study plant growth signaling

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.

Aston University data could improve how Uganda uses its stocks of biomass

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.

Poplar tree discovery could help shape the future of energy and biomaterials

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.

Can grapevines help slow the plastic waste problem?

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.

Biochar improves soil health for cotton production, study confirms

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.

How climate shapes soil fungal traits

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 engineer plants for optimal biofuel 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.

Moon-Rice: Developing the perfect crop for space-bases

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.

Flowering plants use a pseudoenzyme to form indole

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.

CRISPR-based genetic editing technology leads to discovery of complex multigenic traits in tomato plants

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.

Study reveals impact of processing on biochemical composition of plant-based products and challenges current food processing classifications

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.

Lactic acid bacteria can improve plant-based dairy alternatives

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.

Protective radar for bacteria

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.

Professor receives pilot funding to conduct study to increase forest farming in Appalachia

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.

Popular cooking cheese made with peas yields same taste and texture

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.

Why is plant-based diet still frowned upon in Europe?

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.

Bioprocessing method yields high-value products alongside biofuels

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.

Mapping the yerba mate genome reveals surprising facts about the evolution of caffeine

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.

Freshwater alga could be the next superfood that feeds the world

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.

Stop burning the biomass to protect your lungs

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.

A fungus to save plants?

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.

Method to enhance solubility of pea protein favors its use in food and beverages

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.

Discovery of daphnane diterpenoids in daphne pontica

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.

Refining hardwood by bioluminescence

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.

More energy and more oil: photovoltaic plants and hedgerow olive groves are more productive on the same land

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...

Purdue launches institute to help farmers commercialize new value-added products

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.

Despite federal warnings, kratom still readily available across US

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.

Can AI improve plant-based meats?

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.

Bioengineered yeast mass produces herbal medicine

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.

Finding could help turn trees into affordable, greener industrial chemicals

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.

WVU researchers putting CBD to the test from behind the wheel

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.

Lettuce and broccoli more resistant to drought

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.

Chestnut tannin: A sustainable bioresource for diverse applications

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.

Planting seeds for safer farming

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.

Vegans’ intake of protein and essential amino acids is adequate but ultra-processed products are also needed

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.

Hemp shows high promise as potential natural insecticide

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.

UTA harvests first climate-smart soybean crop

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.