Articles tagged with Plants
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.
Scientists have discovered four new fruit fly species in the Himalaya region of India, revealing previously unknown information about their flower visitation habits. The study also revises the descriptions of all Lordiphosa genus representatives in India and highlights a unique sex comb adaptation in one of the newly described species.
Researchers discovered that cockroaches play a crucial role in seed dispersal for the azalea family plant Monotropastrum humile. The study found that adult cockroaches excrete viable seeds with minimal loss of viability, suggesting a legitimate seed disperser for the plant.
The Amazon rainforest emits at least three times more isoprene than previously thought, influencing ozone levels and greenhouse gas balance. Isoprene emissions vary with terrain elevation and increase at higher altitudes, sparking hypotheses for further research.
Researchers are using imaging capabilities to explore how copper affects plant fertility, which could provide insights into breeding plants for better performance in marginal soils. The study aims to characterize plant proteins controlling copper uptake and distribution to develop plant cultivars adapted to low-copper soils.
A new species of non-photosynthesizing parasitic plant, Sciaphila sugimotoi, has been discovered on Ishigaki island in Okinawa, Japan. The plant, which stands 5-10cm above ground, feeds off the roots of host fungi and is named after Mr. Takaomi Sugimoto, one of its discoverers.
A researcher tracked Sahara mustard's spread through California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Nevada, finding it adapted to local conditions by shifting germination timing. The plant's rapid growth and self-fertilization enabled its successful invasion, but eradication may be possible with targeted efforts.
A recent study published in the International Journal of Food Science and Technology found that commercial-scale extraction and purification processes do not alter the steviol glycosides in high-purity stevia extracts. The research, conducted at the University of Bonn, provides evidence for the naturality of stevia, a popular plant-bas...
The presence of surface and buried crude oil affects redox in wetland soils under flooded and drained conditions. Researchers found that oil slowed oxygen transport into the root zone, increasing stress on plants.
Research from WorldFish and MIT reveals that involving local farmers in tackling a problem provides long-lasting benefits, rather than just introducing new technologies. The study focuses on two examples: reducing fish spoilage in Zambia and developing virus-resistant abaca varieties in the Philippines.
After 100 years of misidentification, researchers have confirmed the existence of Kadsura matsudae, a distinct East Asian vine species. The discovery was made by collaborating experts from Japan and Taiwan, who utilized molecular analysis to distinguish it from previously thought to be Kadsura japonica.
Petunias use volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to attract pollinators and defend against herbivores and pathogens. A newly identified protein helps transport these compounds across cell membranes.
Researchers discovered that hydrogen peroxide plays a crucial role in plant adaptation to sunlight. Plants use H2O2 to signal genes in their cell nuclei, allowing them to adjust and protect photosynthesis. This process ensures plants continue to thrive under varying light conditions.
Scientists developed a graphene-based aerogel that meets the needs for flexible electronics by mimicking the structure of the powdery alligator-flag plant. The material is strong, resilient, and supports 6,000 times its own weight.
The study provides detailed information about the genetics of crop plants, enabling breeders to identify key genes responsible for cell wall properties. By linking this data to specific changes in genetic information, researchers can make targeted improvements to support agricultural industries and biofuel production.
Researchers discovered how chemical ripeners increase sucrose storage in sugarcane by stimulating ethylene production. This process enables plants to accumulate more sugar, leading to higher yields and improved profitability for plantation owners.
Researchers develop two-step process to consistently break lignin at one specific chemical bond using electrical potential and blue light, producing pharmaceuticals, plastics, and other household products. The method is cheaper, more environmentally friendly, and suitable for large-scale adoption in industry.
A new method using microphones has been developed to track pollinating bees, which could save farms money by predicting bee activity and pollination services. The researchers recorded bee buzzing sounds using inexpensive equipment and compared them to visual counts, achieving high accuracy.
Researchers at Carnegie Institution identified KIB1 as a crucial component of the brassinosteroid signaling chain, essential for maximizing plant growth and survival. The discovery sheds light on the complex system of hormones guiding plant development and could lead to engineering high-yield crops.
Scientists are developing chickpea varieties that can thrive in arid conditions, aiming to improve yields from 1.5 tonnes to 5 tonnes per hectare. The research uses low-cost imaging and computing techniques to identify resilient traits and develop algorithms for breeding high-performance varieties.
A team has introduced a controlled delivery system for micronutrients based on biohybrid microgels. The system adheres selectively to leaves and slowly releases nutrients, minimizing environmental problems and plant damage.
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory discover that adding beneficial traits can have negative consequences due to epistasis. They find a case of negative epistasis in a tomato plant and show how to exploit this knowledge to unlock untapped yield potential by adjusting the dosage of genes responsible for different traits.
Surface ozone and anthropogenic aerosol haze pollution in China decrease the regional net primary productivity (NPP) by 9-16% of total NPP, accounting for 16-32% of total anthropogenic carbon emissions. Aerosol direct effects enhance annual NPP by 0.2 Pg C.
A new study by Dr John Dwyer and Professor Daniel Laughlin has improved understanding of how climatic stress controls plant diversity in Australian wildflower communities. The research found that species with different combinations of traits can grow together in certain environments, but are likely to struggle under climate change.
During heat waves, urban trees can significantly increase air pollution levels and the formation of ozone. Researchers found that VOCs from plants contribute to about 6-20% of ozone formation in cities, but this contribution spikes to up to 60% during heat wave periods.
Researchers at Michigan State University have discovered a gene that is turned on when plants compete for resources, including nitrogen fixing bacteria. This finding has potential implications for reducing manmade fertilizer use in agriculture.
A recent study found that plant and animal stem cells exhibit similar interaction patterns, explaining why plant cells can reprogram more easily. Researchers developed mathematical equations to analyze protein interactions, revealing key differences in cellular flexibility.
Seeds from plants like Pelargonium self-burrow into soil using a helically coiled awn that responds to humidity. The team developed mathematical models to understand the mechanism, which has direct applications to current and next-generation robotics.
Renowned researchers gathered to discuss stevia's health benefits, safety, and innovations in low/zero calorie sweeteners. Stevia was found to not alter during extraction and purification, providing evidence for its naturality, while research on its impact on blood glucose, diabetes, and overall health showed promising results.
Researchers have discovered two new species of parasitic orchids, Gastrodia nipponicoides and Gastrodia okinawanesis, on the main island of Okinawa. The plants are related to the common orchid Gastrodia nipponica but can be distinguished by differences in their petals' lips and column structure.
Jiri Friml, a plant biologist at IST Austria, has received an ERC advanced grant to investigate the evolution of auxin transport and polarity in plants. His research will focus on understanding how plants adapt to environmental changes through the dynamic regulation of PIN transporters.
New research confirms that global photosynthesis is stable for hundreds of years before industrial revolution, but grows rapidly with increased CO2 levels. The findings affirm estimates used in climate change models and suggest that nature's brakes are not enough to counter human emissions.
The African Plant Biosecurity Network has gained strong commitments from members, partners, and regional agencies to ensure its long-term success. The network aims to improve national and regional quarantine and plant protection capacity, lifting crop yields and enabling safe regional trade.
Scientists analyzed plant species in China's Hengduan Mountains and found that new species evolved at a faster rate than in nearby regions. This study provides the strongest evidence yet for the uplift-driven diversification hypothesis, supporting the idea that mountains create micro-habitats allowing species to adapt and diversify.
Researchers found that short-duration heat waves can prevent coffee plants from producing flowers and fruit. Younger leaves are particularly vulnerable to heat stress, which can exacerbate the effects of drought.
A study by Royal Botanic Gardens Kew suggests that plants growing in warmer conditions are tougher and have lower nutritional value to grazing livestock, potentially inhibiting milk and meat yields and raising the amount of methane released. This vicious cycle threatens to further exacerbate climate change.
Scientists have developed a new oilseed crop that is more resistant to heat, drought, and diseases than oilseed rape. The breakthrough technology keeps bitter defense compounds out of the seeds while maintaining them in the rest of the plant, enabling cultivation in areas previously unsuitable for oilseed crops.
A robotic system is being used to study corn's root growth during drought conditions, a crucial step towards developing drought-tolerant crops. The system, called Vinobot, collects data on individual plants and helps researchers create 3D images of root growth in the laboratory.
Scientists from WCS have discovered a new species of wild ginger, Aframomum ngamikkense, in the Kabobo Massif, one of Africa's most biodiverse sites. The discovery underscores the importance of conservation efforts for this region, which has already yielded eight endemic species.
Alfred Crosby, a UMass Amherst polymer scientist, has received a $1 million grant to explore the development of nanoscale wrinkles in plants and animals. He will collaborate with experts from the University of Cambridge and Switzerland to understand how these patterns relate to all living organisms.
The Fine-Root Ecology Database (FRED) brings together information on plant root traits and associated data from around the world, containing over 70,000 observations. This centralized online resource aims to predict how plants may change under various conditions, advancing our understanding of below-ground ecology.
Leaf-cutting ants can identify unsuitable plants for their fungus gardens based on colony waste cues, a study shows. Foraging ants avoided wasteful privet leaves after exposure to treated leaves' waste.
A study in Greenland found that warming winters are causing plants to emerge earlier, while others are delaying their growth. This rapid change has significant implications for the Arctic ecosystem, including affecting caribou populations.
Researchers analyzed gene expression in albino and green orchids to investigate the evolution of parasitic plants. They found that genes related to mycorrhizal symbiosis are highly expressed in albino individuals, suggesting a similar mechanism for incorporation into fungi.
Researchers at KAUST have sequenced quinoa's genome, providing insights into its traits and growth mechanisms. The high-quality sequence is expected to aid in breeding quinoa plants with desirable characteristics, such as seed taste and plant stability.
Plant tissues have a preferred direction of growth, essential for producing complex shapes. This characteristic is crucial for understanding how genes influence plant shape formation and could lead to better-adapted crop varieties.
Crossing chickpeas is challenging due to self-pollination and inbreeding. Researchers found that emasculation and hormone treatment do not increase cross-pollination rates, instead lowering success rates. Studying environmental factors like light, temperature, and humidity may improve breeding efficiency.
A vast collection of genetically modified wheat seeds with over 10 million sequenced mutations has been developed to aid in the study and improvement of wheat plants. This new resource is freely available to researchers and breeders worldwide, enabling them to develop crops with enhanced nutritional value, yields, and climate resilience.
A new study found that diverse shrublands in South-Western Australia thrive due to beneficial root-associated organisms. The research suggests that these microorganisms equalize growth differences between plant species, allowing for long-term coexistence in highly competitive environments.
Researchers found that duckweeds, particularly Wolffia globosa, have comparable protein content to lupins, rape, or peas. They also contain valuable omega-3 fatty acids like stearidonic acid and alpha-linolenic acid.
A new plant species, Espeletia praesidentis, has been named to honor Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos' peace efforts. The discovery highlights the country's biodiversity hotspots and conservation challenges in these regions.
A study on bat preferences for nectar reveals that competition leads to a preference for dilute nectars. The researchers used computer-controlled flowers with varying sugar concentrations to simulate the feeding behavior of bats.
Scientists at the University of Missouri used radioisotopes to trace essential nutrients and hormones in live corn plants, discovering that auxin is tightly regulated at the root tissue level where pests feed. This knowledge could help breeders develop resistant lines of corn and tackle global food shortages.
Scientists have found that the UVR8 receptor in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii activates a safety valve to dissipate excess energy as heat. The study reveals a second protective role of these receptors, producing an anti-UV 'sunscreen'.