Researchers have identified a novel genetic locus in the common agricultural weed Elymus repens that provides significant resistance to Fusarium Head Blight, a destructive fungal disease threatening global food security. The novel Fhb.Er-1StL locus has been successfully transferred into wheat, reducing diseased plant spikelets by up to...
Researchers found that plants can acquire essential nutrients like phosphorus and iron from atmospheric dust settling on their leaves. This discovery suggests an important new pathway for plant nutrition and ecosystem functioning, particularly in nutrient-limited ecosystems.
Researchers found that integrating a mix of shade trees improves soil health and plant physiology, leading to stronger plant growth and consistent early fruit development. Proper management through spacing, pruning, and natural mulch can also make cacao farms more resilient to climate stress.
Engineers developed an adhesive gel that can deliver substances into plants' tissues, clearing bacterial infections within 48 hours. The gel sticks to various surfaces, including hairy leaves and stems, and can be removed without damage.
MIT researchers found plants respond to sound waves generated by raindrops, stimulating germination. Seeds exposed to rain sounds germinated 30-40% faster than those not exposed.
A mild chemical strategy enhances interfacial bonding and pore structure in biomass-based magnesium cement materials, leading to improved mechanical strength and thermal insulation. The approach promotes more uniform pore distribution, stabilizes the foam structure within the composite, and reduces environmental burden.
Researchers at John Innes Centre develop rapid seed germination protocol, reducing Ash dieback's impact. This new method has already produced over 2,000 seedlings for trials and research.
A team at Osaka Metropolitan University discovered a new mechanism behind light-controlled plant growth. Light enhances adhesion between the epidermal and inner tissues in plant stems, allowing plants to strengthen their cell walls and regulate growth.
Researchers at DTU have developed a new method to identify bacteria capable of producing vitamin B2 in soya drinks. A bacterium from bumblebee guts was found to thrive in plant-based dairy alternatives and produce the nutrient in high quantities.
Researchers found that auxin's partner proteins serve as internal plant 'thermostats' that directly sense temperature and change genetic programs to direct root growth accordingly. This discovery could lead to engineering plants that withstand extreme temperatures, protecting crop productivity under challenging conditions.
Research in New Phytologist reveals that plants can obtain essential nutrients like phosphorus and iron from atmospheric dust settling on their leaves. In a Mediterranean field study, dust application increased plant macronutrient and micronutrient concentrations through mildly acidic leaves.
Researchers at Virginia Tech used modern data science to guide restoration strategies for the endangered butternut tree. The study mapped climate and soil conditions linked to natural disease resistance, identifying prime regions for resistant butternut trees and hybrids across the eastern United States.
A new study demonstrates that combining a water-saving irrigation technique with an engineered biochar fertilizer can significantly improve rice production while lowering nitrogen pollution. The approach, known as AWD and nitrogen-loaded biochar synergy, achieved co-benefits in yield improvement, water saving, and ammonia mitigation.
Researchers discovered that high humidity induces the production of CYP707A3, breaking down ABA and promoting stomata opening to release water. Plants lacking this enzyme are more vulnerable to water-soaking. The study reveals a molecular defense mechanism against water accumulation in plants.
A new study warns of a 20-year window to act on climate and land use policies to prevent further biodiversity loss in Britain. Sustainable practices like strong emissions action and reduced meat consumption could save up to 69 fewer species from extinction.
Scientists developed a scalable ultrastrong bamboo strip through homogeneous fusion, achieving 942 MPa tensile strength and 32.1 GPa Young's modulus. The material demonstrates exceptional durability, biodegradability, and practical scalability for various industries.
A groundbreaking experiment tracked plant evolution in response to climate change across 30 sites worldwide, revealing gene variants associated with successful adaptation and tipping points beyond which plants can't adapt. The study provides quantitative data to understand rapid adaptation and predict where risks lie.
Researchers tracked genetic changes in Arabidopsis thaliana across 30 sites over five years, finding most populations adapted to local environmental conditions. However, some populations went extinct due to genetic drift, highlighting the importance of preserving biodiversity.
A new open access database of cactus ecology and evolution could help scientists and conservationists save species from the brink. The CactEcoDB offers an unprecedented window into the evolution, ecology and conservation needs of one of the world's most distinctive and endangered plant families.
A new study finds that contributions from casual and highly active citizen scientists are equally valuable, with each group complementing the other. The research, led by Erin Grady, analyzed millions of observations on iNaturalist and found that both groups contribute to balancing biases in data collection.
Researchers identified a mechanism allowing plants to rapidly slow growth in response to extreme stress. By limiting growth-related compounds, plants pause development and cope with stress. The finding has practical applications for developing more resilient crops.
Salk Institute scientists created a high-resolution atlas showing how droughts affect plant cells. They identified a gene, Ferric Reduction Oxidase 6 (FRO6), that could be targeted to create more resilient crops. FRO6 expression in mesophyll cells partially maintained leaf growth under drought stress.
Researchers reveal that skin-cell calcium channel TRPV3 is activated by plant-derived fragrant molecules, leading to enhanced immune responses and potential new vaccine adjuvants. The study provides a novel understanding of immune crosstalk and offers a safer approach to enhancing vaccine efficacy.
Researchers at Colorado State University have identified four Fusarium species causing potato dry rot in the San Luis Valley, including one not previously found in the US. This study will help improve disease diagnosis and monitoring, as well as guide cultivar selection and breeding for disease resistance.
Researchers found that combining fermented and unfermented cocoa beans can balance flavor and nutritional value, increasing the market potential of Amazonian cocoa. The study also identified new molecules with antioxidant properties, suggesting Amazonian cocoa as a superfood
Researchers have discovered plant defense strategies against antibiotic stress, including chloroplast-centered adaptation and microbiome coordination. Plants accumulate antibiotics in roots, activate detoxification enzymes, and restructure endophytic bacterial communities to counter stress. These findings suggest plants as bioremediati...
A new international study reveals that the ancestors of modern crop viruses likely emerged before the last Ice Age, affecting both wild and cultivated plants. The viruses, spread by leaf-eating beetles, infect various crops and wild species, posing risks to agriculture and natural ecosystems.
Researchers compared anime illustrations with actual bamboo, finding that the proportions of the muzzle differ significantly from natural patterns. The study highlights the importance of accuracy in scientific representation and suggests potential educational applications.
Researchers have identified three new proteins, called epitopes, that help the body determine 'safe' foods, aiding in food tolerance and allergy understanding. The epitopes were found in seed proteins from corn, wheat, and soybean, and interact with regulatory T cells to inform tolerance-or-rejection decisions.
Researchers discover a unique protein component, RbcS-STAR, that helps concentrate carbon dioxide around Rubisco, boosting photosynthetic efficiency. This breakthrough could lead to more sustainable food production by improving crop yields while reducing environmental impact.
A study by MIT researchers found that nitrous oxide can hamper the growth of certain soil bacteria dependent on vitamin B12 for methionine biosynthesis. The findings suggest that N2O production in agricultural settings could influence microbial communities, potentially impacting crop health.
A tiny clump of moss played a crucial role in proving a crime had taken place at Burr Oak Cemetery in Illinois. The moss's age was determined to be only a year or two old, bolstering the case against the cemetery employees, who were ultimately convicted in 2015.
Researchers have identified a master regulator in plants that balances root and shoot growth when nutrients are limited, leading to yield increases of up to 24% in rice plants. This breakthrough could ultimately improve global crop yields while reducing dependence on synthetic fertilisers.
Researchers have discovered that native rice stink bugs have more genetic diversity than invasive species, which could help monitor the spread of insecticide resistance. This study provides valuable insights into pest management for Arkansas rice growers, who face significant costs due to the bug's impact on their crops.
A study of over 8,000 tropical flowers found that their blooming periods have shifted by an average of two days per decade, with some species flowering up to 17 days earlier or later than they used to. This change could have significant ecological impacts on pollinators and herbivores.
Researchers have identified a new plant species, Clerodendrum kelli, with traditional medicinal uses by the Bugkalot people, found only in the Caraballo Mountain Range of Nueva Ecija. The species is Critically Endangered due to habitat loss and degradation, highlighting the need for stronger protection.
A new study published in Building and Environment shows that larger indoor greening systems can make spaces feel up to two degrees cooler and more comfortable. The analysis also highlights the importance of using the right systems, lighting, and maintenance to unlock the full potential of indoor greening.
Researchers at Colorado State University have found a way to boost plant growth while maintaining its immune system through hormone treatment, showing promise for increasing food production. The approach involves genetically manipulating phytohormone interactions to restore cell division and increase disease resistance.
A new study reveals disparities in urban shade levels, leading to greater health risks and exacerbating the 'heat island' effect in cities. Wealthier neighborhoods tend to have more trees, resulting in better shade provision for pedestrians, highlighting a consistent link between wealth and neighborhood tree abundance.
Larry Steckel, a leading expert in weed science, has been elected Fellow by the Weed Science Society of America. His research program focuses on managing multiple-herbicide-resistant weeds in row crop production, providing critical data for farmers to prevent yield loss.
Researchers developed a two-step fermentation process to counter plant-based protein odors, achieving 95-99% smell removal. The method could benefit the global food supply, reduce environmental impact, and increase consumer acceptance of plant-based foods.
The new platform at ORNL's APPL facility combines robotics and AI to deliver in-depth insights for plant transformation. Massive datasets generated by the platform are analyzed using AI and ORNL's Frontier exascale supercomputer.
The METAGROLAND project aims to improve environmental farming schemes by studying plant-pollinator interactions and land manager networks. Key findings include the development of practical guidance for agri-environmental schemes that align ecological processes with real-world management.
The Chicago Botanic Garden and The Morton Arboretum have pledged to protect endangered species such as Cucharillo and Stone's Paphiopedilum through collaborative conservation strategies. These institutions will co-host the 9th Global Botanic Gardens Congress in 2027 to accelerate crucial conservation work.
Researchers from Incheon National University found that extended nutrient deprivation can significantly increase toxin content per cell in P. lima, even when cell numbers remain stable. This suggests that toxin risk may increase quietly under nutrient-poor conditions without obvious bloom expansion.
A study analyzing data from Berlin's Flora Protection Program found that biological threats, especially from highly competitive native species, pose a greater threat to urban biodiversity than non-native species. Threats related to agriculture, nutrient inputs, and urban development are also significant drivers of decline.
Researchers found that the green-flowered Aeschynanthus acuminatus evolved on the mainland, not in Taiwan, and adapted to shorter-beaked birds. This contradicts the Grant-Stebbins model of plant evolution, which predicted the species would evolve in Taiwan with new pollinators.
Scientists at Northwestern University have determined the three-dimensional structures of rye pollen's cancer-fighting molecules, secalosides A and B. This breakthrough opens the door to exploring how these molecules interact with the immune system and could inspire new approaches to cancer therapy.
An updated Cochrane review of 21 clinical trials involving over 2,100 adults found no high-quality evidence that cannabis-based medicines reduce neuropathic pain more than placebo. Small improvements were reported by patients using products with both THC and CBD, but these changes were not clinically meaningful.
SourceCochrane·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateJan 18, 2026
A recent review of bamboo consumption found promising health benefits, including improved metabolic health, reduced inflammation, and antioxidant activity. However, caution is advised due to potential risks associated with raw or improperly prepared bamboo.
A global report highlights fragmented data systems and lack of standardization hindering botanic gardens' contribution to biodiversity conservation and scientific research. Researchers call for a unified, equitable global data system to transform how living collections manage and share information.
Plants deploy a faster communication system, using jasmonate-dependent immune signals to initiate systemic immunity within hours of infection. This discovery opens new possibilities for engineering crops that respond more quickly to infection, limiting disease spread and yield loss.
Researchers have engineered grasses to produce a purple pigment in response to specific chemical cues, allowing for non-destructive detection of chemical exposure. This breakthrough enables plants to act as sentinels in the field, reporting adverse conditions that may impact crop and human health.
Bucknell researcher Chris Martine identified a new species of bush tomato, Solanum nectarifolium, with specialized organs that produce sweet liquid to attract ants. This is the first known Solanum species with visible extrafloral nectaries, marking a significant discovery in biodiversity science.
A new model by researchers at Duke University explains how trees grow differently under rising carbon dioxide levels. The study found that an engineer's view of water movement in leaves can help explain tree growth patterns in a carbon-rich atmosphere.
A newly discovered Philippine pitcher plant, Nepenthes megastoma, is already at risk of extinction due to severe weather conditions and human encroachment. The species has limited population and is threatened by poaching, deforestation, and droughts.
A new study found that considering factors jointly can capture a more accurate representation of disparities in residential greenspace exposure, driven by structural racism. Exposure to trees and grass provides numerous benefits to physical and mental health, but inequities persist due to disinvestment in marginalized communities.
A UAlbany researcher will study how PFAS 'forever chemicals' accumulate in plants, affecting their nutritional quality and safety. The study aims to understand the dynamics of PFAS in soil-plant systems and develop regulatory standards to protect public health.
Researchers at the University of Oklahoma and West Virginia University are studying concept flavored cigarillos to determine their potential for addiction. The study aims to inform the FDA's impending flavor ban on cigar products, which could have wider-reaching implications for e-cigarettes and tobacco-free nicotine pouches.
Researchers found a positive relationship between government support and voluntary planting of cover crops in Arkansas. The study showed that soybean-to-soybean rotation is the most common aftercover crop adoption, with voluntary cover crops increasing by 5% over the 2013-2019 period.