Articles tagged with Plants
Researchers at Bielefeld University propose a precise and unambiguous way to define chemotypes within a plant species, highlighting genetic and environmental factors influencing chemical composition. This systematic approach aims to improve understanding and practical applications of chemotypes in medicinal plants and agriculture.
Researchers have identified the molecular signaling pathway that links mechanical stimulation to changes in plant genes and growth. A chain of three specific proteins becomes activated within a minute, sending signals that affect hundreds of genes and contribute to changes in plant growth.
A new study reveals that 69% of the alpine zones in the northern Appalachian region have experienced significant increases in vegetation, representing 88% of the alpine area. The acceleration of growth may be driven by the impact of wind, which causes alpine zones to start lower than they would elsewhere at this latitude.
Researchers at the Stowers Institute used AlphaFold2 and evolutionary data to predict protein structures in aphids, which were previously inaccessible to AI. The study reveals a common architectural plan among 2,400 BICYCLE proteins, showcasing the evolution's role in helping AI predict protein structures.
Researchers found that centromeres, a region essential for cell division, retain their function despite rapid and extensive mutations. The DNA sequences underlying centromeres evolve rapidly, yet their basic function is highly conserved, giving rise to the 'centromere paradox'.
The Salk Institute's $18 million Bezos Earth Fund grant will test whether deeper-rooted soybeans can store more carbon in soil and withstand drought and disease. The project aims to develop and test soybean plants with deeper, stronger roots using artificial intelligence, field trials, and soil carbon studies.
Scientists have assembled the first chromosome-scale genome for the rice stink bug, identifying over 13,000 genes with broad biological and agricultural relevance. The genome provides a foundation for studying the insect's biology, feeding behavior, and potential insecticide resistance.
Plant roots change anatomy to adapt to microbes, influencing root-microbiome interactions and nutrient uptake. Researchers identified mechanisms that enable roots to remodel themselves in response to bacterial colonization, paving the way for developing new agricultural strategies.
Meret Huber receives EUR 1.5 million in EU funding for her project Plant Metabolites as Keystone Traits (METABOKEY), investigating how plant metabolites shape ecological communities. The research aims to answer whether certain plant compounds can act as 'keystone traits' and determine ecosystem structure over generations.
Research at Kyushu University found that using Igusa mats increases brain activity related to concentration and engagement. Participants reported reduced tension and anxiety after using Igusa mats, indicating potential benefits for stress resilience.
A team of researchers from Kyoto University created a machine-learning model to design microbial communities that promote tomato growth and stress tolerance. The communities, composed of six bacteria and the tomatine metabolite, were found to improve tomato growth and tolerance to high-temperature stress in laboratory and outdoor trials.
Researchers used satellite-observed chlorophyll fluorescence to detect subtle physiological changes in evergreen trees, revealing forest stress two years before bark beetle mortality appears. The technology could provide early warning for forest managers to prepare before mortality becomes widespread, helping to mitigate climate change...
A new species of leafless flowering plant, Thismia daemona, has been discovered in Thong Pha Phum National Park in western Thailand. The species, which belongs to the genus Thismia, is critically endangered due to its limited population size and fragile habitat.
Researchers developed sensors to detect Sclerotinia blight in peanut plants, providing early warning for treatment. The sensors can detect oxalic acid, a chemical produced by infected plants, and have been validated in greenhouse trials.
A new University of Oklahoma study examines whether targeted social media messages can increase parents' knowledge and help them take action to prevent teen vaping. The research aims to give parents the information and tools they need to recognize vaping and help prevent its use with their children.
The combined herbaria will create an unmatched archive for studying plant diversity in the southeastern US, with over 1.7 million specimens. The consolidation will preserve a scientific legacy and advance understanding of plant life, supporting human well-being for generations to come.
A study by the University of Queensland suggests that urban parks lack vital midstorey vegetation, which is essential for small animals and birds. The researchers propose designing parks with denser, midstorey vegetation to improve the quality of urban green space and support wildlife, while also promoting community wellbeing.
Irrigated mountain hayfields act as large filtration systems, reducing nutrient concentrations in runoff and improving water quality. This study found that voluntary adoption of best management practices can effectively mitigate the impacts of agricultural nutrient use in mountain meadow hay systems.
Global mangrove cover has increased by 47,720 hectares worldwide between 1985 and 2025, according to new analysis, but some key regions, such as Indonesia, have lost significant mangrove cover, highlighting uneven progress in mangrove ecosystem changes.
A three-year field study found that deeper straw incorporation reduced maize ear rot and mycotoxin contamination while improving soil health and microbial communities. The study suggests that optimizing straw management strategies could turn a familiar practice into a more effective tool for soil health and food safety.
New research contradicts past findings on plant recovery from drought, revealing that sunflowers cannot fully recover from drought. A study by Colorado State University found that gas bubble blockages in sunflowers' water-transporting tissues do not reverse after watering, despite appearing to recover remarkably well from drought.
Researchers distinguish multiple fluorescent proteins with overlapping emission colors by their lifetime using fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM). FLIM successfully distinguishes several fluorescent proteins with overlapping color emissions within plant cells, enabling simultaneous analysis of multiple proteins.
Researchers developed a new environmentally friendly insecticide using nanoemulsions of diallyl disulfide and carvone, which showed enhanced toxicity against the adzuki bean beetle while having relatively low impact on parasitic wasps. The nanoemulsions were also safe on seeds and enhanced root growth.
The Conservation Gap Analysis of Select Native Asian Oaks reveals over half of native ranges are under human pressure, with many species lacking backup in botanical collections. The report prioritizes oak conservation efforts in Southeast and East Asia, focusing on regions with high human impact and limited protected area coverage.
Scientists at NYU have identified a key regulator controlling nitrogen use in plants, which can be harnessed to develop 'gluttonous' plant varieties that absorb more nitrogen from the soil. This discovery could lead to reduced fertilizer application and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Under elevated CO2 levels, trees work with microbes to 'mine' soil nutrients, increasing nitrogen availability by 30%. This 'faster but tighter' cycle supports tree growth and productivity.
Researchers found that plants absorb more elements with longer hydrated metal ion distances, suggesting a basic chemical influence on mobility. The metric may help estimate poorly studied contaminants and reduce reliance on complex variables.
Researchers have discovered a rich genetic diversity of avocado varieties in Central America, including those grown in Nicaragua, which could help boost sustainable agriculture and commercial varieties. By analyzing DNA from local farmers and examining leaf samples, the team found evidence of ancient migration from South America thousa...
Research in New Phytologist shows that plant spininess is shaped by browsing mammals past and present, as well as environmental conditions like dry-season length, soil pH, and temperature. Current and extinct large herbivores are key predictors of spiny species prevalence.
Indigenous Australians gathered whole grasses from the landscape and burned them in a cave for ritual practices dating back 25,000 years. The study found that people selectively targeted specific types of grasses for burning, with over 97% coming from temperate or cool-climate grasses.
A greenhouse study suggests that converting rice straw into biochar could provide greater environmental and food safety benefits than directly incorporating untreated straw. Biochar treatment reduced copper and lead accumulation, improved soil properties, and produced high grain biomass, while avoiding air pollution from open burning.
A new tool, Tree Value Visions, aims to support councils and communities in thinking about the future of trees in towns and cities in a more inclusive way. The research highlights the importance of considering deeper connections people have with nature and integrating urban tree planning across different policy areas.
Researchers at the University of Michigan found that pollinators are driving plant adaptation in morning glories, leading to a steep decline in their ability to adapt to changing climate conditions. The study suggests that human activities such as pesticide use and habitat destruction have contributed to this decline.
A new study reveals that Amazonian communities use at least one-third of the region's known plant species, totaling 5,796 species. Climate change is expected to lead to a decline in biocultural heritage by 26% from 2060 to 2080, threatening Indigenous cultural identity and ecosystem services.
Researchers analyzed DNA samples from foraging honeybees, hive workers, and their honey to understand plant-microbe interactions in honeybee ecology. The study found that these complementary sources provide distinct insights into the complex relationships between plants, microbes, and honeybees.
Research highlights impact of cannabis cultivation and drying methods on VOCs and human perception, identifying optimal storage conditions to preserve aroma profiles. Human assessors associated monoterpenes with bright notes and sesquiterpene clusters with woody scents.
A genetic analysis of Peruvian cacao trees reveals four previously unidentified groups, showcasing unique regional 'signatures' and potential high-quality bean producers. The discovery provides valuable resources for conservation and the fine flavor chocolate market.
A new study reveals that giant Dipterocarp trees can transport water to their topmost branches without difficulty, contrary to conventional scientific theory. The research found that these trees' hydraulic systems are perfectly adapted for their height, allowing them to withstand drought conditions.
Researchers found that ROS-producing enzymes coordinate cell proliferation, tissue integrity, and differentiation in plants. The study used a liverwort model to examine the role of RBOHs in plant development, revealing their importance in maintaining normal cell shape and tissue organization.
Researchers have discovered a previously unknown mechanism by which microbes boost plants' ability to survive in salty conditions. Pseudomonad bacteria stimulate the production of lignin, a tough substance found in plant cell walls, helping plants withstand environmental stress.
Scientists at Durham University have discovered a previously unknown way that plants control the formation of wood, revealing a complex interaction between two receptor proteins on the surface of plant cells. This finding could change how scientists think about communication between plant cells.
A global study of over 5,100 species reveals that climate change is transforming ecosystems and threatening species across the globe. Temperate species are experiencing more local extinctions than tropical species due to faster warming rates, with temperate regions losing up to 49% of their species.
Nishi Rajakaruna, a Cal Poly biological sciences professor, has received the Charles Edwin Bessey Teaching Award for his innovative teaching methods that combine fieldwork, food, culture, and rigorous science. The award recognizes his dedication to improving botanical education at a regional, national, or international level.
Researchers found mycorrhizal fungi in desert moss, unlike those found in less harsh conditions, suggesting a deliberate relationship. The discovery could rewrite moss biology and offer clues about the origins of life on land.
A new soft gripper designed by WVU researcher Anand Mishra can accurately gauge the size, curvature, color, and ripeness of fruits like strawberries and avocados. The gripper's quick inspections and harvesting capabilities can reduce spoilage and lower supply chain costs.
Researchers found that plant species with tougher leaves actually suffered more from insect damage, while those with higher silicon concentrations sustained less. In contrast, plants with higher heat tolerance experienced greater herbivory. Understanding these drivers is crucial for predicting forest health under future climate scenarios.
Aldebaran, a red wine made from Muscat Bailey A grapes, won a Gold Award in the Muscat Bailey A category, while Junmai -eme- received the Platinum Award in the Junmai Sake category at the French Japanese Sake Competition for the second consecutive year
A new study found that alternate wetting and drying irrigation combined with nitrogen-loaded biochar can help rice farming address food security, water scarcity, and environmental pressure at the same time. The approach reduced water use by 14.17 to 15.56 percent while increasing rice yield by 2.23 to 5.11 percent.
Researchers found that heme molecules transmit functional state of chloroplasts to the nucleus, regulating photosynthesis-related gene expression. Heme signaling is essential for plastid-derived signaling molecules, which form active phytochrome.
A study combining citizen science data with experimental research found that switchgrass adapts its flowering time to optimize survival in different regions. The work highlights the potential of pairing public data sets with controlled experiments to uncover mechanisms of adaptation.
A Stanford-led team has identified the molecular basis of Hechtian structures, which maintain plant cell membranes connected to the wall during water loss. Plants with more Hechtian structures recover better once water returns.
Researchers identify previously unknown protein RAK1, crucial for three-dimensional growth and division in moss, a step towards understanding plant colonization of land. The study provides new insight into fundamental mechanisms underlying plant growth and evolution.
A recent study published in Cell has found that certain plants actively reduce their ability to take up iron when experiencing drought stress. This shift is driven by changes to plant roots that downregulate both immune systems and iron uptake machinery, allowing specific bacteria to thrive.
Scientists analyzed vast botanical data to understand why some exotic plants become invasive pests. They found that the timing of flowering is crucial and depends on climate conditions, with native species adapting to local environments and invasive species thriving in milder regions.
Healthy plants release chemical signals called VOCs that inform neighboring plants about competitive pressure, triggering adjustments in growth and defense strategies. Genetic analysis reveals shifts in biomass linked to changes in stress-response and cellular transport genes.
Researchers found that powdery mildew disease caused by different fungi infects strawberries in North America and Europe differently, indicating the pathogens jumped hosts over millions of years. This discovery can aid understanding of plant diseases and their spread.
Researchers have discovered that plants utilize two forms of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) to regulate normal cellular functions and respond to stress, while maintaining cross-talk between the pathways. This redundancy enables plants to adapt more robustly to a wider range of environmental factors.
Researchers found that genome duplications during major environmental upheavals helped plants survive mass extinctions and extreme conditions. The study suggests that polyploidy, or having multiple sets of chromosomes, can be beneficial for plants in stressful environments.
A new study reveals that carnivorous plants like pitcher plants provide a vital source of nutrient-rich nectar to wasps, benefiting both parties. This interaction may be more than just predator-prey, as the plants and wasps work together for mutual benefit.
A new study by The Morton Arboretum reveals that oaks rapidly diversified in the Americas when they encountered high-elevation terrain, forming a unique biodiversity hotspot. This is supported by data from 322 of the world's approximately 450 oak species, with Mexico and Central America home to at least 160 different oaks.