Articles tagged with Plants
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.
Lobachevsky University scientists have identified five new forms of the Cypripedium guttatum orchid with distinct flower coloring. The forms exhibit high intraspecific polymorphism, with the most pronounced distinction between externemaculatum and semialbum.
New research by Prof. Andrew Kowalski of the University of Granada calls into question current methods of studying photosynthesis, highlighting the importance of non-diffusive gas transport in the process. This discovery has significant implications for fields such as biology and micrometeorology.
A team of scientists and archaeologists has discovered a 15,000-year-old Natufian site in Jordan that pushes back the timeline for permanent settlement in the region. The site's early dates suggest that hunter-gatherers were more versatile than previously thought and had multiple pathways to agriculture.
An international research team led by Mark van Kleunen found that plant species from European habitats altered by humans have a head start in spreading to other continents. The study investigated over 10,000 plant species and found that those from human-made environments were more successful in naturalizing on other continents.
A team of archaeologists and scientists revised the chronology of the last hunter-gatherers in the Near East, finding that they could live comfortably in the steppe zone. The Natufian Culture, which existed from 14,500 to 11,500 years ago, was previously thought to be limited to the Mediterranean woodland zone.
Researchers have created detailed global maps of key plant traits that significantly impact carbon cycle calculations. The maps show substantial local diversity, contradicting previous simplistic models that assumed identical trait values across regions. This advancement will lead to more accurate modeling of carbon cycle feedbacks.
Scientists have developed a revolutionary dipstick technology that can extract DNA and RNA from living organisms in under 30 seconds, enabling rapid disease diagnosis and treatment.
The Global Hyperaccumulator Database contains data on 721 species of plants capable of absorbing high amounts of metal compounds. The database aims to facilitate the identification and utilization of these hyperaccumulators for environmental cleanup, particularly in mining-affected areas.
A study of snapdragons has yielded a clue about how nature controls fundamental evolutionary change in all species. A new genetic mechanism, known as a hairpin, has been identified that favours colour schemes which signpost a flower's entry point most clearly to pollinating bees.
Researchers from University of Toronto and Georgian National Museum discover 8,000-year-old wine production in ancient Middle East, dating back to early Neolithic period. The discovery confirms the use of domesticated grapes (Vitis vinifera) for winemaking, pushing back the origin of practice by 600-1,000 years.
Researchers have developed a synthetic system for energy gathering, conversion, and transport inspired by natural photosynthesis. The system uses DNA nanotechnology to spatially control and organize chromophores, mimicking the arrangement of densely packed chromophores in plants and photosynthetic bacteria.
A recent study published in Nature Communications found that northern high-latitude cooling played a key role in triggering the rapid termination of the African Humid Period around 5500 years ago. This period was characterized by significant rainfall, but its sudden end led to aridification in the region.
A recent study on Mount Rainier floral communities found that climate change can cause reassembly among wildflowers, leading to disrupted interactions. In 2015, an unusually warm summer resulted in new patterns of flowering times, with some species blooming earlier and others later.
A new statistical estimator extracts useful information from decades-old data and citizen science efforts, providing reliable evidence for climate change. This method unlocks valuable historical records and validates observations made by ordinary citizens, revealing the power of citizen science.
Researchers identified an improved form of the enzyme Rubisco, which can enhance carbon dioxide-fixation kinetics. The new screening strategy enabled the discovery of 11 mutations that increased efficiency, with potential applications in crops and sustainable food production.
A study published in Nature Communications suggests that peatland plants are better adapted to climate change than previously thought. Despite rising temperatures and changing atmospheric conditions, the plant community in peatlands can replace missing species with new ones having similar functions.
The OCO-2 mission gathers data on natural land and ocean sinks, revealing changes in the carbon cycle across seasons and regions. The studies highlight the effects of El Niño on carbon emissions, including increased releases from biomass burning in tropical Asia and lower precipitation in South America.
A new technique uses satellite-based remote-sensing to quantify plant metabolism by measuring solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence. This correlation opens up applications for climate change and ecosystem monitoring, biodiversity conservation, and land management.
Researchers have discovered that quinoa plants can absorb and store salt in bladder cells, allowing them to thrive on saline soils. This unique adaptation enables the plant to recycle energy from sugar molecules to neutralize toxic salt.
Scientists from RUDN University have classified the distribution of soil microorganisms at different latitudes, discovering that soil properties are the primary factor in determining microbial composition. The study revealed that climate and vegetation play a lesser role in shaping microbial communities.
Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory found that increasing sugar levels in plant leaves increases oil content, which could lead to the production of biofuels and useful chemicals. By selectively breeding plants with specific traits, they successfully tipped the balance of plant metabolism to favor higher oil production.
Researchers investigate the effects of climate change on plant-pollinator interactions, exploring new techniques for measuring floral cues, rewards, and pollinator behavior. Studies reveal diverse tactics being used to deepen understanding of these complex relationships in a changing environment.
The Shenzhen Declaration outlines seven priorities to address global sustainability, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation. By integrating technology, local knowledge, and public engagement, the declaration calls for collaborative solutions to build a green, sustainable future.
Scheme Lab develops a portable DNA sequencing kit for rapid detection of genetic variations in meat quality, seedlings, and plants. The 'point-of-care' test can be used anywhere - in factories, on farms, or at home.
Researchers at CU Boulder are creating a comprehensive digital archive of over 1.7 million plant specimens native to the southern Rocky Mountain region, providing a rich trove of information for scientists and educators. The project aims to standardize specimen data, correct errors, and inform public land management efforts.
A recent study published in Nature Communications suggests that reindeer grazing can help protect tundra plant diversity in a warming climate. By allowing more plant species to co-exist and benefit from warmer conditions, reindeer can increase light availability and preserve small and slowly-growing plant species.
Plant miRNAs in beebread/pollen delay honeybee caste differentiation and keep ovaries inactive, inducing sterile worker bees. This study reveals a new mechanism for RNA regulation in insect development.
A comprehensive analysis reveals that changes in daytime versus nighttime leaf-to-air temperatures are crucial determinants of geographic gradients in leaf size. The study's findings have significant implications for predictive modeling and understanding ecosystem functioning, particularly in response to changing climate conditions.
Research finds that indoles produced by intestinal bacteria enhance mobility, resistance to stress, and reproductive span in worms, flies, and mice. Indoles may help maintain the intestinal barrier and limit systemic inflammatory effects, suggesting a potential therapeutic avenue for improving healthspan.
Researchers at University of Cambridge and Natural History Museum analyze 450 anatomical characteristics to place Chilesaurus in dinosaur family tree. The study reveals Chilesaurus fills a large gap between two major dinosaur groups, with implications for understanding the origins of Ornithischia.