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The gene helping submerged plants

Researchers at Stockholm University found a special gene PLD that helps plants stay healthy and resistant to oxygen deficiency when underwater. The study suggests that increasing the amount of this gene may help protect crops from flooding, improving harvest yields.

SourceStockholm University·JournalPhysiologia Plantarum·DateDec 17, 2018

Hot temperatures can trigger an RNA response in plants

A team of Penn State researchers found that hot temperatures lead to changes in plant RNA structure, linked to a loss in messenger RNAs. This process may help plants cope with heat stress and drought conditions, offering insights into developing more resilient crops.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 5, 2018

Scientists discover gene regulator that allows plant rehydration after drought

A team of scientists at RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science in Japan has discovered a gene regulator called NGA1 that allows plants to rehydrate after drought. The study found that NGA1 controls the transcription of a key gene NCED3, ultimately enabling plants to survive dehydration stress.

SourceRIKEN·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 5, 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.

Genetic pathways of plant drought response

Researchers identified NGA1, a transcription factor in Arabidopsis thaliana, as a key player in early drought stress response by activating the NCED3 gene and promoting abscisic acid (ABA) biosynthesis. This finding suggests that ABA accumulation is essential for plant protection against dehydration.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 5, 2018

Plant growth-promoting bacteria enhance plant salinity tolerance

Researchers found that inoculation of rice plants with Brevibacterium linens RS16 improved photosynthetic traits and reduced volatile emissions in response to salt stress. This non-invasive approach enhances plant salinity tolerance, offering a potential solution for crop productivity under saline conditions.

SourceEstonian Research Council·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateSep 19, 2018

The influence of plant photosynthetic indices on the effectiveness of PRI use

The study found that the effectiveness of PRI use depends on the distribution of photosynthetic parameters among plants. Low levels of stress and varying stress levels in the study group showed higher effectiveness. Optimal conditions for measuring PRI, such as artificial lighting, reduced the significance of parameter distribution.

SourceLobachevsky University·JournalRemote Sensing·DateJul 19, 2018

Plant peptide spells relief from salty stress

Researchers at RIKEN have discovered a hormone-like peptide in plants that increases their resistance to excessive salt. The peptide, AT13, enhances salinity stress tolerance and can be applied as a natural supplement for crops growing in high-salt conditions.

SourceRIKEN·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 14, 2018

Gene boosts rice growth and yield in salty soil

A team of scientists discovered a gene that helps rice plants grow in salty soil. The gene, STRK1, increases the plant's tolerance to salt stress by reducing reactive oxygen species.

SourceAmerican Society of Plant Biologists·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateMar 23, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Plants overcome hunger with the aid of autophagy

Researchers at Tohoku University discovered that plants activate autophagy in leaf cells to derive essential amino acids during periods of low sunlight. This process allows plants to survive and grow under conditions of energy scarcity, enabling them to adapt to environmental challenges.

SourceTohoku University·JournalPlant and Cell Physiology·DateMar 12, 2018

New method to replicate harsh conditions for materials

A new method has been proposed to stress test materials subjected to harsh conditions, offering a faster and more accurate alternative to existing methods. Laser-accelerated proton beams can reproduce damage equivalent to several months of full operation of facilities producing a harsh environment for materials.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 14, 2018

Plants feel the heat

A team of researchers has discovered that plants' daily cycle of heat resistance is triggered by light exposure and involves chloroplast signalling. This finding could lead to the development of crops that can withstand increasingly hot temperatures and more frequent heatwaves under climate change.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalCell Reports·DateFeb 13, 2018

Animals' mitochondria defenses discovered in plants

Scientists have identified a plant-specific unfolded protein response (UPRmt) that protects mitochondrial proteins from damage, similar to the UPRmt found in animals. This discovery highlights the conserved nature of mitonuclear stress signaling pathways across species.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalMolecular Cell·DateNov 2, 2017

Peas that like it hot

A new study reveals genetic insights into heat tolerance in peas, identifying two key traits: longer flowering duration and higher pod numbers. These traits can help breed more resilient pea varieties for warmer climates.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalCrop Science·DateAug 23, 2017
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.

New rice fights off drought

Scientists at RIKEN developed transgenic rice strains that resist drought stress, showing higher yields and increased biomass. The modified rice lines produced more galactinol, a key osmoprotectant, to cope with water loss, leading to improved drought tolerance.

SourceRIKEN·JournalPlant Biotechnology Journal·DateApr 4, 2017

Plant's response to heat stress fluctuates between day and night

Research reveals how plants regulate their response to elevated temperatures differently between daytime and nighttime. A plant's response to heat stress is maximized during the hottest part of the day when TOC1 binds to PIF4 inhibiting its activity at night.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 14, 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.

Microbes help plants survive in severe drought

Researchers at the University of Washington found that adding microbes to plants increases their tolerance to drought. The microbes enhance plant growth, reduce water usage, and promote nutrient accumulation, allowing plants to store more water and survive longer under stress.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalCurrent Plant Biology·DateOct 3, 2016

ANU leads effort to develop drought-proof crops

International researchers at ANU have discovered an enzyme that senses adverse drought and sunlight conditions, enabling plants to respond with beneficial chemical compounds. This breakthrough could lead to the development of next-generation drought-proof crops, crucial for global food security.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 18, 2016

Animal hormone is involved in plant stress memory

Melatonin production in plants is involved in stress memory, particularly through its regulation of sub-cellular antioxidant systems. The study found that exogenous melatonin application enhances drought priming induced cold tolerance in barley, making it a promising approach to abiotic stress tolerance.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalJournal of Pineal Research·DateJun 17, 2016
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Sweet corn genes related to crowding stress identified

Researchers at the University of Illinois identified clusters of genes that are associated with yield under crowding stress in sweet corn, finding that high-yielding hybrids utilize gene activities more directly related to carbohydrate accumulation. The study also found a common genetic basis for the yield response in six tested hybrids.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 15, 2016

Effects of salinity and nutrient deficiency determined for spinach

A study by Chenping Xu and Beiquan Mou found that spinach can be improved in nutritional value through cultural practices that impose either low fertilizer levels or slight salt stress. This approach resulted in only moderately or slightly reduced yield, while also increasing antioxidant capacity.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalJournal of the American Society for Horticultural Science·DateMar 8, 2016

Drip irrigation rates tested for eggplant growth and yield

Researchers tested eggplant irrigation rates and found that moderate watering can reduce nitrogen leaching and maintain fruit yields. The study suggests a potential to lower current irrigation rates without negatively impacting crop performance.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateJan 11, 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.

Lettuce quality is improved by modifying its growing conditions

A recent study by the University of the Basque Country found that altering lettuce growing conditions can enhance its nutritional quality. By subjecting plants to short-duration stresses, researchers were able to boost antioxidant compounds and increase biomass production without compromising productivity.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalScientia Horticulturae·DateNov 27, 2015

Plants also suffer from stress

A team of researchers has identified a protein family that helps plants grow on salt, revealing a mechanism for improving plant growth under salt stress conditions. The study found that these proteins support the cellulose synthase machinery during cellulose synthesis, helping plants maintain biomass production under salt.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalCell·DateSep 4, 2015
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.

Plant doctors get to the root of plant stress in rice

Researchers discover that high nighttime temperatures cause rice plants to produce a stress hormone, leading to losses in yield and quality. They also find that root pruning can occur due to rice water weevils, affecting plant growth.

SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·DateAug 18, 2015

How plants cope with stress, at the molecular level

Researchers aim to understand how plants cope with stress at the molecular level, focusing on the regulatory protein GSNOR and its role in nitric oxide regulation. The study has potential to uncover plant adaptation mechanisms and inform efforts to improve plant fertility.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·DateAug 7, 2015
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.

Stressed out plants send animal-like signals

Researchers have discovered that plants bind GABA in a similar way to animals, resulting in electrical signals that regulate plant growth when exposed to stressful environments. This finding opens up new possibilities for breeding more stress resilient crops to fight food insecurity.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 29, 2015

Study offers new method of identifying sweet corn hybrids for increased yield and profit

Researchers have developed a new method to compare and identify processing sweet corn hybrids with improved crowding stress tolerance (CST), enabling growers to maximize yields and profits. The approach involves growing hybrids at higher plant populations than usual, allowing for more efficient comparison of CST among different hybrids.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateJul 13, 2015
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

New tools to breed cereal crops that survive flooding

Scientists at The University of Nottingham have developed new breeding techniques to enhance flood tolerance in barley and other crops. They identified the mechanism used by plants to sense low oxygen levels and reduced yield loss in water-logged conditions, leading to improved crop resilience.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalPlant Biotechnology Journal·DateFeb 6, 2015

Vermicompost leachate improves tomato seedling growth

Vermicompost leachate enhances tomato seedling growth in temperature and water-stress conditions. Regular supply of VCL improves morphological characters, including leaf area and shoot/root biomass.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateNov 21, 2014

Well-watered citrus tested in cold-acclimating temperatures

Researchers found that citrus plants watered regularly in controlled environments exhibited reduced transpiration and stomatal closure when exposed to low temperatures. High soil moisture content was key to minimizing drought stress on the trees. The study's findings could impact commercial citrus growers' traditional irrigation methods.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateJan 31, 2014

New discovery could stimulate plant growth and increase crop yields, researchers say

Researchers at Durham University have discovered a natural mechanism in plants that can stimulate growth even under stress, leading to potential improvements in crop yields. The team found that plants produce a modifier protein called SUMO that interacts with growth-repressing proteins, allowing for the removal of brakes on plant growth.

SourceDurham University·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJan 13, 2014
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.

Coping with stress in a changing world

This collection of reviews covers the impact of environmental changes on organisms, including molecular mechanisms and epigenetic factors. Key findings highlight the complexity of stress responses across generations, emphasizing the need for integrated cell stress responses for survival.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateDec 18, 2013

Confirmed: How plant communities endure stress

A global meta-analysis supports the Stress Gradient Hypothesis, showing that plant interactions become more influential in positive ways when ecosystems face threats like drought. The study found that as stress increases, negative interactions weaken, while mutual support strengthens across various plant types and conditions.

SourceBrown University·JournalEcology Letters·DateJan 30, 2013
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.

Can observations of a hardy weed help feed the world?

A study on Arabidopsis thaliana reveals its genetic diversity can help crops adapt to environmental stresses. Dr. Sarah Assmann explores the plant's ability to tolerate climate change, drought, and poor soils.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalInternational Journal of Plant Sciences·DateDec 20, 2012

Plants in space!

Researchers at Michigan State University are studying plant adaptation to space stress using Arabidopsis mutants without functional IRE1 pathways. The goal is to gain insight into gene regulation and develop protocols for managing stress levels in space.

SourceMichigan State University·DateOct 10, 2012
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

A major step forward towards drought tolerance in crops

Researchers develop novel approach to enhance plant stress response, increasing crop yield under drought conditions. By modifying abscisic acid receptors, the team achieves prolonged activation of stress response pathways, paving the way for breeding more resilient crops.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 19, 2011
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.

Soybean genetic treasure trove found in Swedish village

A study found that North American soybeans have a genetic treasure trove in the form of stress-resistant soybeans from a Swedish village called Fiskeby. The Fiskeby soybeans were highly tolerant to salt, aluminum, drought, high ozone levels, iron deficiency, and toxic soil aluminum.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·JournalField Crops Research·DateJul 29, 2011

Drought tolerance in crops: Shutting down the plant's growth inhibition under mild stress

Plant hormone ethylene plays a major role in shutting down growth inhibition during mild drought stress. The study shows that plants grow slower when water becomes limiting but can resume growth if the stress is temporary. By targeting this response, crop varieties can be developed to improve productivity and reduce yield losses.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateMay 11, 2011

Newly discovered plant fossil reveals more than age

Scientists have discovered a new plant fossil that sheds light on the phylogenetic age and ecology of the horsetail plant genus Equisetum. The fossil, dated to 150 million years ago, reveals that the genus has maintained its successful set of tools for extreme environments over millions of years.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalAmerican Journal of Botany·DateMay 4, 2011

Circadian rhythms spark plants' ability to survive freezing weather

Researchers at Michigan State University have identified the key role of circadian clocks in plant freezing tolerance. The study found that integrating cold-signaling pathways with the circadian clock is crucial for maximum freezing tolerance, paving the way for the development of stress-tolerant crops.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 12, 2011
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.

Plants give up some deep secrets of drought resistance

A team of Wisconsin researchers has identified the protein targets in cells of a key hormone that controls how plants respond to environmental stresses such as drought. The study's findings could help underpin the development of new crop plant strains capable of thriving in hotter, dryer climates.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 23, 2010

Researchers look at reducing yield loss for crops under stress

Researchers are studying plant stress response mechanisms to improve crop productivity and survival under drought and extreme weather conditions. By understanding how plants respond to different types of stress, scientists hope to develop new breeding approaches that enhance crop resilience without sacrificing yields.

SourceIowa State University·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateMar 30, 2010