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Plant hormone therapy could improve global food security

Researchers at Colorado State University have found a way to boost plant growth while maintaining its immune system through hormone treatment, showing promise for increasing food production. The approach involves genetically manipulating phytohormone interactions to restore cell division and increase disease resistance.

Urban natives: Plants evolve to live in cities

Researchers found that a plant species adapted to urban conditions exhibited inheritable characteristics, such as changes in size and flowering periods, within 60 years of urbanization. Elevated ground temperatures and reduced soil acidity drove these differences.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Africa acacias ‘go for broke’ to grow, use up water to survive drought

Researchers studied the genetic response of umbrella acacia and splendid thorn acacia to drought stress. The study found that umbrella acacias prioritize continued growth over water conservation when water is scarce, using up all accessible water to survive severe droughts. In contrast, splendid thorn acacias invest in water conservati...

Decoding plants’ language of light

Researchers have discovered how a compound called naringenin chalcone 'reprograms' a light-sensing protein in plants, activating it to send growth-regulating signals even without UV light. This unexpected interaction could lead to crops with improved tolerance to harsh environments and more efficient use of light energy.

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.

All DRII-ed up: How do plants recover after drought?

Researchers discovered that plants rapidly activate a coordinated immune response during drought recovery, prioritizing immunity over growth. This finding highlights the importance of studying the post-drought period and points to new strategies for engineering crops that can rebound more effectively after environmental stress.

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Sugar, the hidden thermostat in plants

New research reveals that plants rely on multiple heat-sensing systems and a sugar-based mechanism to detect temperature changes. Sugar produced in sunlight helps plants grow taller even when thermosensors like phytochrome B are less effective. This discovery could lead to breeding crops more resiliently under stress.

Study finds early signs of widespread coastal marsh decline

Researchers developed a model to detect early signs of marsh decline using satellite observations, identifying vulnerable areas along Georgia's coast. The study found belowground biomass has declined across 72% of Georgia's coastal marsh since 2014.

Drought-resilient plant holds promise for future food production, study finds

Researchers at Colorado State University have demonstrated the reversal of embolism in a type of wild grass, which can recover from extended drought within 24 hours. This finding has significant implications for improving agricultural productivity and food security, as it could potentially be bred into crops to make them more resilient...

A new super metal stands strong, no matter the temperature

Researchers at POSTECH developed a nickel-based high-entropy alloy that maintains strength and ductility across a wide temperature range from -196°C to 600°C. This stability is attributed to the presence of nanoscale precipitates, which inhibit deformation and accommodate stress through consistent slip behavior.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Peptide imitation is the sincerest form of plant flattery

Researchers identify CLE16 peptide as key molecule promoting symbiotic relationship between plants and beneficial soil fungi. Supplementing with this peptide or its fungal equivalent can enhance nutrient exchange and strengthen these traits in crops.

New real-time method for environmental monitoring

The HyperNIR technology uses hyperspectral imaging to obtain detailed spectral information from various materials and biological samples in real time. This allows for efficient monitoring of environmental processes and has potential applications in biomedicine, such as detecting nutrient content in plants and identifying pest infestati...

Plant patch can detect stress signals in real time

Researchers have created a wearable patch for plants that quickly senses stress and relays the information to growers. The patch detects hydrogen peroxide, a key distress signal caused by pests, drought, extreme temperatures, and infections, allowing for early detection and tailored care.

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.

600 million years of stress

A research team from Göttingen University has compared algae and plants that span 600 million years of independent evolution, identifying a shared stress response network. This comprehensive dataset can be further explored for its physiological impact across plant diversity.

New manzanita species discovered, already at risk

A new species of manzanita has been discovered on the central coast of California, but its survival is already at risk due to urban development. The species, Arctostaphylos nipumu, lacks a protective burl that allows some other manzanitas to resprout after wildfires.

Researcher studies the power of native plants to combat road salt pollution

A study published in Science of the Total Environment found that stormwater detention basins in Northern Virginia face significant salt stress due to road salts. Native plant species, such as cattails, showed promise in tolerating high salt concentrations, but their impact on overall salt removal was limited.

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.

Dangerous bacterial biofilms have a natural enemy

Scientists at University of California - Riverside discovered a chemical produced by plants that prevents bacterial biofilm formation. This breakthrough offers potential advances in healthcare and industrial settings, where biofilms cause significant problems.

New smart agriculture technology for monitoring plants

A team of researchers developed a novel sensor that attaches directly to the underside of plant leaves to measure leaf color without blocking sunlight. The sensor can track changes in the same spot over time and provides fine-tuned readings for real-time monitoring.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

UTEP team to investigate climate change impact on pecan orchards

A UTEP research team will investigate the impact of climate change on pecan orchards in the US and Mexico, focusing on drought, heat waves, and soil management. The study aims to develop insights for farmers and policymakers on improving water use efficiency and carbon sequestration.

How plants evolved multiple ways to override genetic instructions

Researchers found that plants have multiple enzymes for adding methyl groups to DNA, allowing them to override genetic instructions. The study reveals the evolutionary history of these enzymes and their unique structures, providing insights into plant resilience to environmental changes.

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.

Chickpeas– sustainable and climate-friendly foods of the future

Researchers at the University of Vienna have found that chickpeas are a promising alternative to traditional grains due to their high protein content and drought resistance. The study suggests that incorporating more legumes like chickpeas into agricultural systems can improve nitrogen use efficiency and make agriculture more sustainable.

Making soybeans smarter

Researchers are developing soybeans that can handle extreme weather conditions, allowing farmers to maintain yields under pressure. By studying plant adaptation strategies, scientists aim to create more resilient soybean varieties.

Critical crops’ alternative way to succeed in heat and drought

Researchers found that certain C4 crops can control water loss through non-stomatal mechanisms, allowing them to absorb carbon dioxide despite raised temperatures and increased atmospheric demand. This discovery has significant implications for improving water-use efficiency in these crops.

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.

Under-plant mirrors improve endangered plant survival and growth

The University of Guam study found that under-plant mirrors can increase available ambient light in shaded areas, leading to improved seedling survival and growth. The innovative protocol uses mirrors instead of colored plastic mulch, resulting in a significant boost in plant performance with minimal costs.

CABBI team designs efficient bioenergy crops that need less water to grow

Researchers at CABBI used genetic engineering to improve water use efficiency in climate-friendly C4 crops like sorghum and sugarcane, maximizing biomass production while minimizing water usage. The breakthrough could aid crops in mitigating drought stress and support the development of a sustainable bioeconomy.

Discovering how plants make life-and-death decisions

Researchers at Michigan State University discovered a protein pair, BAP2 and IRE1, that work together to regulate the response to ER stress in plants. This finding has significant implications for breeding crops more resilient to drought and heat conditions.

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.

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.

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

The role of PagMYB73A in salinity tolerance in poplars

The study identified PagMYB73A as a key player in enhancing salinity tolerance in poplars. Overexpression of PagMYB73A led to increased adventitious root length, improved overall root growth metrics, and maintained stomatal density under salt stress.

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.

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.

Long-term heat tolerance in plants

Research identifies a genetic locus LHT1/MAC7 controlling long-term heat tolerance in Arabidopsis, involving precise mRNA splicing. The study found that mutations affecting MOS4-associated complex contribute to variation in heat tolerance and increased ER stress under long-term heat.

Identifying a silicon transporter to improve the yield of rice

Scientists at Okayama University have identified a membrane transporter, SIET4, in rice leaves that facilitates the localization of silicon. This discovery reveals intricate processes involved in Si deposition, enabling plants to accumulate high levels of silicon and survive environmental stresses.

Plants transformed into detectors of dangerous chemicals

Researchers at UC Riverside successfully engineered a plant to turn beet red in the presence of a banned pesticide, enabling an environmental sensor without damaging its native metabolism. This breakthrough opens up possibilities for detecting other toxic substances like drugs and birth control pills in water supply.

Does urbanization trigger plant evolution?

Researchers found that urbanized creeping woodsorrel plants exhibit red leaves, which thrive in urban areas due to high stress tolerance. Genome-wide genetic analyses revealed multiple evolutionary origins of the red-leaf variant from ancestral green-leaved plants.

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.