Articles tagged with Plants
A new study by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory has identified new regulators of nitrogen use in plants, which may lead to the development of crops better suited to thrive under different environmental conditions. The researchers found that eliminating certain genes can stunt plant growth and distort roots when nitrogen is scarce.
Researchers at UC Davis and Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory discovered a gene network that enables plant roots to efficiently take up and metabolize nitrogen. This breakthrough could lead to the development of crop varieties that need less fertilizer or make better use of it, reducing environmental impacts.
Agricultural Research Service scientists have identified key genes and transcription factors in plants that allow them to direct nitrogen to their roots, shoots, flowers, and seed heads. This knowledge may enable the breeding of new plant varieties with improved nitrogen use efficiency.
Researchers traced cacao trees' origin to a single domestication event around 3,600 years ago in Central America. The study found that domestication selected for desirable traits like flavor and disease resistance but also introduced counterproductive genes that lowered crop yields.
A genetic map of garden asparagus has been created, allowing researchers to identify the chromosome that determines the plant's sex. The map is a significant breakthrough in understanding this dioecious species and will enable the development of new varieties with improved characteristics.
New research reveals that warmer springs lead to less plant growth in summer and autumn, contrary to popular belief. This phenomenon has significant implications for carbon uptake and overall climate forecasts, suggesting even more severe consequences of global warming than previously thought.
A new study reveals that warmer springs in northern regions lead to reduced plant productivity in summer and autumn months. The team used satellite images to survey 41 million km2 of land and found that the early onset of spring does not continue into the summer, resulting in depleted water resources and reduced biomass.
Researchers found that Amanita fungi lost genetic material to form a closer bond with plants, allowing them to thrive in forest ecosystems. The study suggests that symbiosis may be easier to develop than previously thought.
New evidence supports the idea that fruits develop eye-catching colors to attract animal dispersers. Fruits eaten by mammals have higher reflectance in the green spectrum, while those dispersed by birds reflect more in the red. The study also found a link between fruit color and environmental factors such as UV light.
Scientists discovered that pollen tubes exert forces similar to car tire pressure as they navigate through plant tissue to fertilize eggs. The research found that cells can 'feel' and respond to physical resistance in their environment, leading to changes in growth patterns.
Researchers discover that glutamate activates a wave of calcium in plant tissues, triggering a defense response. The study uses fluorescent imaging to visualize the calcium signaling system, showing that it moves quickly through the plant to prepare distant tissues for future threats.
Scientists at the University of Plymouth study how seedling defense mechanisms change across large geographical scales. Researchers plan to assess the impact of latitude and altitude on plant resistance by examining snails' preferences for seedlings from various European regions.
New research suggests global warming will cause peatlands to absorb more carbon initially, but the effect will weaken as warming increases. The study highlights the importance of protecting intact peatlands and restoring drained peatlands to prevent rapid rates of peat decomposition.
A new study reveals China's air quality is worse than the US, Europe, Japan, and South Korea in terms of surface ozone levels. The country experiences more high ozone days than any other nation, posing a significant threat to human health and crops.
Scientists at Salk Institute and Purdue University discovered a key to mass-producing beneficial plant compounds, including terpenoids used in fragrances, flavorings, biofuels, and pharmaceuticals. They found that plants have an
Researchers have identified a protein complex that helps plants 'switch off' photosynthesis at night and 'switch on' when light is available again. This complex, involving thioredoxin-like2 (TrxL2)/2-Cys peroxiredoxin (2CP), allows plants to conserve energy and restore photosynthetic activity when necessary.
A study discovered that plants regulate their internal 'circadian clock' using sugars from photosynthesis to stay in tune with day and night cycles. This process enables plants to match their activities to the time of day, crucial for growth, flower opening, and energy reserve management.
A new study reveals that fertilizing plants can destroy the beneficial microbiomes on their leaves, making them more susceptible to disease. Researchers found that low doses of beneficial microbes are often more effective in protecting plants from infection than higher doses.
Researchers identified splicing as the earliest plant fibre technology for making thread in Early Bronze Age Britain and across Europe. This technology is fundamentally different from draft spinning and was previously unknown in Britain.
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.
Researchers found that tree shrews have a unique mutation in their TRPV1 ion channel, which lowers sensitivity to capsaicinoids, allowing them to consume chili peppers. This adaptation is thought to be driven by strong selection for this residue due to its prevalence in spicy plants.
A study found that Chinese tree shrews can actively feed on chili peppers without reducing their food intake, unlike mice. The researchers discovered that the tree shrew's TRPV1 ion channel has a mutation that reduces its sensitivity to capsaicin, making it less painful for them.
Researchers at Texas Tech University have created a simple method to clean out pollen grains, making them suitable for carrying medicines or vaccines. The new technique works on various types of pollen and can be used to deliver drugs or vaccines efficiently.
Changes in land use significantly impact CO2 storage in vegetation and atmospheric concentration. Deforestation can lead to reduced capacity for plants and soil to absorb CO2.
Researchers at UC Davis discover that photorespiration, thought to waste energy, actually enhances nitrate assimilation, a critical process for sustaining food quality under climate change. The study suggests a new biochemical pathway that generates energy for protein synthesis and promotes plant resilience.
Scientists have identified a new mechanism for the plant hormone auxin that enables rapid adaptation of root growth direction in response to gravity. This mechanism allows roots to quickly bend and grow deeper into the soil, where they can anchor themselves and find water and nutrients.
Researchers created computer models to understand how wheat responds to heat stress, including timing, intensity, and duration. The models predict the impact of heat waves on wheat yields and grain size, providing valuable insights for farmers to mitigate losses.
Researchers have created coatings using essential oils like Tea Tree Oil, showing good antibacterial properties and potential as a low-cost alternative to synthetic antibiotics. The technology has the added benefit of being environmentally friendly and transparent.
Researchers used spectral data to measure plant diversity and predict ecosystem function, finding that it was more effective than traditional methods. The study showed that spectral dissimilarity among plant species increased with functional dissimilarity and evolutionary divergence time.
The Moscow University Digital Herbarium is a vast online repository of plant specimens from around the world, with over 900,000 records digitized since 2015. The collection boasts significant contributions from Russia, Ukraine, Mongolia, and other regions.
Researchers have discovered that common garden cress can absorb and store vitamin B12, a crucial nutrient for vegetarians and vegans. The study provides a promising solution to address the global challenge of providing a nutrient-complete vegetarian diet.
Researchers have developed a quick detection method for a microscopic worm targeting coffee crops, found in soil samples across Brazil, Vietnam, and Indonesia. The nematodes feed on plant roots, weakening the plants and causing yield loss, with no specific symptoms.
Researchers used CRISPR-Cas9 to introduce genetic mutations into cacao plants, resulting in enhanced disease resistance. The study suggests that a fraction of the targeted gene's copies may be sufficient to trigger systemic disease resistance.
Researchers used AI and image analysis to reconstruct the structure of plants with hidden branch structures, including those under leaves. The new technology will help in future cultivation techniques such as detailed daily management and forecasting plant growth.
Plants use chemical signals in soil to adapt to stressed neighbors, altering root growth and leaf development. Researchers discovered that brief aboveground disturbances can impact underground communication, affecting plant growth.
Researchers recommend integrating smart-sensor-controlled air cleaning technologies with plants to optimize indoor air quality. Plants absorb carbon dioxide, increase humidity, and passively absorb pollutants, making them a potential solution for reducing indoor pollution and saving energy.
The digitization of botanical collections data is revolutionizing the field of botany, making valuable information accessible for computational analysis. Methods and challenges for extracting data from specimens have been discussed, as well as applications for collections data once digitized.
Researchers found that pepper plants metabolize triclocarban, an antibiotic commonly used in personal care products, into other molecules. The study suggests that these metabolites may have negative health effects, highlighting the need for further research on the impact of environmental triclocarban exposure on human health.
Researchers found that root exudates enhance soil aggregation and water repellency, particularly in sandy loam soils. The study sheds light on the complex interactions between plants and their surrounding soil, highlighting the importance of exudate production in plant nutrition and soil stability.
A team of researchers and botanists collaborated with Twitter to identify a globally imperiled plant species, Heuchera alba. They found seven new populations, expanding the species' range beyond previously known small populations in Virginia and West Virginia.
Researchers found that pepper plants metabolize triclocarban, a personal care product antibiotic, leading to potential health concerns. The study's results suggest that the plant's ability to convert the substance into other molecules affects its safety assessment.
Researchers at Nagoya University have discovered new compounds that can control stomatal movements in plants, preventing leaves from drying up and suppressing withering. These compounds could lead to the development of agrochemicals for drought tolerance and extend the freshness of cut flowers.
Researchers discover that warmer temperatures turn non-native milkweed species into a poisonous trap for monarch butterflies. This study highlights the impact of climate change on species interactions and the delicate balance between monarchs and their food source.
Researchers at the University of Illinois are working on a $1 million grant to develop new, regionally adapted Miscanthus x giganteus ('Illinois') cultivars that can thrive in various climates. The team aims to create faster breeding cycles and better-adapted biomass crops using genomic selection tools.
Researchers found that diets high in plant-based mono-unsaturated fats were associated with a lower risk of death from heart disease and other causes. In contrast, diets rich in animal-based mono-unsaturated fats were linked to a higher risk of death from these causes.
Scientists at University of Cambridge have found a rare mineral vaterite in the protective silvery-white crust on alpine plants' leaves. The discovery has potential uses in drug delivery and other industries due to its high loading capacity and solubility properties.
Researchers analyzed sediment data to find that mudrock is rare in the first 3 billion-year record of sediments but common after the middle Paleozoic era. The steady increase of mudrock suggests a relationship between its emergence and that of plants.
Researchers will focus on controlling phenolics, compounds that protect plants from pathogens and adapt to environmental changes. The project aims to decipher the genetic secrets of corn's complex genome, expected to consist of 50,000 genes.
Researchers found that geological events like mountain formation and wetland disappearance drove diversification of Annonaceae plant genera in Central and South America. The study used DNA data and molecular clock technique to reconstruct the phylogenetic history of 11 Mosannona and 24 Cremastosperma species.
Researchers have discovered how Xanthomonas bacteria manipulate nutrient supply and hormonal balance in plants. The study found that a specific protein, XopH, targets phosphorus supplies inside plant cells, weakening plant defences and allowing bacteria to multiply.
A team of scientists has devised a general experimental scheme to identify and predict which small groups of bacterial species can help plants respond to phosphate starvation. The study demonstrates that the functional complexity of the root microbiome might be simplified by testing only a subset of all possible microbial combinations.
The Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center aims to design advanced biofuels, such as isobutanol, that can replace gasoline without engine modification. The center is also developing new methods to extract valuable products from plant biomass, including gamma valerolactone and aromatics.
Roots face challenges in saline soils, but plant cells can sense damage and respond with strength-enhancing chemicals to prevent explosion.
New research from the University of Arizona contradicts the Toba catastrophe hypothesis by showing no significant negative impact on vegetation growing in East Africa after the 74,000-year-old volcanic eruption. The study found some die-off of mountain plants just after the eruption, but no massive die-off of vegetation at all elevations.
A recent study published in PNAS reveals that plants with diverse root microbiomes are more resilient to drought, while those with similar microbial communities struggle. The research also found that recruiting specific bacteria can improve drought resistance.
A study by Marty Williams found that workhorse sweet corn hybrids consistently perform well across ideal and less-than-ideal growing conditions, making them a better choice for processors. The research suggests that the 'workhorse' hybrid is preferred over the 'racehorse' due to its stability in variable weather conditions.
Scientists have identified two fungal genes that cause disease in corn, which could lead to the development of more resistant hybrid varieties. The discovery provides insight into how the fungus outsmarts corn's defenses and may enable researchers to create plant varieties that can detect and resist specific pathogens.
The speed breeding platform enables rapid generation of wheat and other crops, increasing generations per year by threefold. This technology uses LED lights to create intensive growth regimes, reducing costs and heat, and has the potential to rank alongside the Green Revolution.
Lobachevsky University scientists find that moderate temperature increase induces small electrical responses in plant leaves. These responses are observed even at lower temperatures, suggesting a possible natural occurrence under field conditions. The research opens prospects for controlling plant resistance to high temperatures by reg...
Researchers found that plants react to anesthetics by losing autonomous movements and being immobilized. This study suggests that plants can serve as a suitable alternative test system for human anesthesia.