Articles tagged with Plants
Research found that earthworms increase nitrogen content of plants and reduce slug damage by 60% due to improved plant defenses. High plant diversity also results in lower slug damage, suggesting a complex interaction between the two species.
Research by Monica Gagliano and Michael Renton found that plants can positively influence seed growth via unknown mechanisms. Chilli seeds germinated better when grown with basil plants, even when other signals were blocked.
The Springs Fire has reached the beach in Ventura County and is pushing toward the upscale city of Malibu due to howling Santa Ana winds and dry vegetation. As of early Friday morning, the fire had grown to 10,000 acres and was 10% contained, with over 2,000 homes under threat.
Plant scientists are exploring membrane transporters to enhance nutrient uptake and water retention in crops, reducing the need for fertilizers and promoting sustainable agriculture. This research aims to create crops that can thrive in challenging conditions, such as saline soils, to meet the world's growing food demands.
Xuemei Chen, a professor of plant cell and molecular biology at UCR, has been elected to the National Academy of Sciences for her excellence in original scientific research. She is recognized for her groundbreaking work on plant meristem development and micro RNA molecules.
Researchers at University of Arizona's Tumamoc Hill have digitized 106 years of growth data on individual plants, offering new insights into how ecosystems behave. The permanent research plots represent the world's longest-running study monitoring individual plants.
The Netherlands Institute of Ecology is launching a research project to study the impact of climate change on plant range shifts and ecosystem stability. The team aims to understand how plants interact with their 'ecological partners' in new ranges, and how this affects biodiversity.
A new species of leaf miner from the Gracillariidae family has been discovered in Brazil, exhibiting a unique life cycle. The species, Spinivalva gaucha, does not have a sap-feeding instar and instead feeds on upper leaf tissue from hatching.
A team of researchers at Virginia Tech has successfully transformed cellulose into starch, a process that could provide a previously untapped nutrient source from plants not traditionally thought of as food crops. This breakthrough opens the door to creating food from any plant, reducing land use and water consumption.
A new study by Brown University researchers found that fat leaves evolved a three-dimensional vein structure to store water and sustain efficient photosynthesis. This evolution allowed leaves to become thicker without compromising hydraulic performance, enabling plants like succulents to thrive in arid conditions.
A University of Toronto-led study reveals how carotenoid pigments capture blue/green light and pass the energy to chlorophylls, absorbing red light. The research sheds light on a previously unknown 'dark state' in carotenoids that acts as a mediator to efficiently transfer energy.
Researchers at UGA have created a microorganism that can absorb CO2 and generate useful industrial products, including fuel. This discovery could lead to the creation of carbon-neutral fuels from atmospheric CO2, a cleaner alternative to gasoline, coal, and oil.
Researchers explore naturally occurring egg-hatching factors to control G. pallida, a non-native species causing economic hardship in US potato fields. Using these chemicals to stimulate eggs to hatch when no potato plants are present could be an effective defense against the pest.
Researchers have discovered the original host of ancient pigmy moths was a rainforest plant in the myrtle family. The moths' evolution reveals unique adaptations for courtship and mating.
Researchers from the University of Montreal studied how hypergravity and microgravity affect plant reproduction, brain diseases, and cancer. They found that changes in gravity impact cellular traffic flow and construction of the cellular envelope, leading to compromised cell functioning and potential implications for human health.
A new checklist of Cucurbitaceae from India brings up-to-date information on the family's evolution, diversity, and distribution. The list includes 94 species, 79% of which have DNA sequences available in GenBank.
Students aged 15-17 from Norfolk will participate in a project to study resistance to Take-all, a major wheat disease. They will collect data on plant lines collected from across Europe and the Near East, which will be used to develop new wheat varieties with greater resistance.
Researchers found that wild plants with multiple viral infections remained healthy, suggesting a cooperative role for the microbe. The viruses were passed from plants to their offspring through seeds and may play a beneficial role in plant life, making them more resilient to extreme temperatures and drought.
A team of scientists from Duke University and the University of Padova found that marsh plants actively tune their elevations by producing organic soil and accumulating sediments. This complex interplay with the environment helps species stabilize the soil within favorable states, allowing for greater long-term stability.
Scientists used X-ray beams to trace the uptake of zinc and cerium nanoparticles by soya bean plants. Zinc was found to dissolve and accumulate in the plants, while cerium did not biotransform and reached the plant pods.
Researchers at Harvard University have developed color-changing photonic fibers inspired by nature, which can pass through a full rainbow of colors as they're stretched. The fibers' superior mechanical properties make them versatile for various applications, including smart sports textiles and sensors.
Climate change is projected to place the endemic Haleakalā silversword species at risk of extinction due to increasing water stress and lethal conditions. The plant's recovery from early threats has stalled, with annual population growth rates linked to precipitation patterns and warmer-drier climate trends.
Researchers have developed a technique to overcome inhibitory plant compounds, allowing PCR to successfully amplify DNA from problematic plants. The additive TBT-PAR, containing trehalose, bovine serum albumin, and polysorbate-20, enhances PCR for DNA extracted from various plant species, including tropical and temperate species.
Scientists have created a self-sterilizing composite material derived from Douglas fir needles that can coat medical implants and surgical devices to prevent microbial growth. The material uses silver nanoparticles generated from the plant extract, which acts as a natural chemical reducing agent.
In a recent discovery, botanists have identified three new species of cave-dwelling nettles in the Guangxi province of China. These plants thrive in extremely low light conditions, deep within limestone caves.
Researchers at the University of Alberta have developed tools to help barley crops use less water while maintaining productivity. The study, published in Theoretical and Applied Genetics, utilizes carbon isotope compositions to improve selection efficiency for water-efficient varieties.
A team of scientists has made a groundbreaking discovery about the role of brassinosteroid hormone in plant organ development, shedding light on how plants form their organs and boundaries. The research found that activation of the brassinosteroid pathway represses genes responsible for organ boundary formation, leading to fused organs.
A team of middle school students, led by a University of Arizona graduate student, conducted the first systematic study on leaf shrinkage when drying out. They found that leaves shrink about 20% on average, but variables such as species and structural investment determine the amount of shrinkage.
Researchers discovered that E. coli strains can form biofilms more readily on plant surfaces, using plant-derived sugars for survival. The findings provide insights into the evolution of E. coli populations and offer targets for preventing dangerous strains from contaminating vegetables.
Researchers have successfully developed a bio-oil gasifier that can efficiently break down plant cellulose, producing synthesis gas for transportation fuels and boiler fuel. The technology aims to move towards cellulosic biofuels, reducing dependence on corn grain.
Seedless watermelons are more profitable for farmers, but their flowers require fertilization from male flowers of seeded plants. Researchers have identified three pollenizer varieties that produce the most male flowers and resist fungal infection, helping farmers make informed decisions about crop management.
Some desert plant species adapt well to climate change, benefiting from fluctuating weather conditions. This is contrary to predictions by climate models, which forecast unfavorable effects on ecosystems. Researchers found that these plants have a unique physiology allowing them to thrive in arid regions.
Researchers at NEIKER and INRA found that BDA symptoms are a sign of esca disease, a complex disease affecting grapevine and woody plants. The study suggests that alternative treatments to sodium arsenite may be effective in controlling the disease.
Warming temperatures have rendered the new USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map obsolete, shifting cold-weather zones northward. Dr. Nir Krakauer's analysis found that over one-third of the country has shifted half-zones and over one-fifth has shifted full zones, allowing for more frequent updates to gardening plans.
A new fungal species, Hebelomagriseopruinatum, has been officially classified as a novel species after discovery on Zealand in Denmark. The fungus has been found to coexist intimately with plants, similar to edible fungi like chantarelles and truffles.
Scientists characterized a unique spring mechanism in cucumber plant tendrils, where they coil further upon pulling the ends, unlike traditional coils. The discovery led to the creation of a new type of twistless spring with high bending stiffness and twisting stiffness.
Researchers have identified a key genetic mechanism in plant hormone signaling that helps plants balance between drought resistance and growth. The discovery may lead to new methods to help plants thrive in tough conditions and reduce crop losses from stress.
A recent study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that many popular 'microgreens' have more vitamins and healthful nutrients than their fully grown counterparts. The research analyzed 25 varieties of microgreens, revealing wide variations in nutrient levels among the plants tested.
Research demonstrates that plants trigger their defense mechanisms against freezing temperatures with shortening daylight, unlike trees which do it with waning sunlight. This understanding gives potential tools to fine-tune regulation and increase crop productivity.
Two new species of rare forget-me-nots have been added to Flora of New Zealand, found in the mountains of the South Island. These uncommon species are Nationally Critical due to their low population numbers and habitat specificity.
Researchers are developing new prebiotic ingredients to support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. Studies show that consuming more prebiotics can improve gut balance and lead to various health benefits, particularly for individuals with gastrointestinal diseases, Type-2 diabetes, and low-grade inflammation.
Ontologies enable computers to transform information into knowledge by attaching meaning to data. This allows scientists to access and analyze large datasets more efficiently, facilitating breakthroughs in plant science and beyond.
A recent study found that soil microbes play a crucial role in helping plants survive the effects of global changes, such as increased CO2 concentrations and altered precipitation patterns. By interacting with microbes, plants can adapt to drought stress more quickly, allowing them to thrive in new environments.
A breakthrough in technology has enabled the removal of unwanted toxins from crops, making oilseed rape more suitable for animal feed. This innovation could significantly enhance the use of rapeseed meal and promote more sustainable farming practices.
New research from Carnegie's Zhiyong Wang laboratory identifies key aspects of the hormonal responses of plants to changes in light and heat. The study reveals a biochemical 'command system' that integrates multiple environmental and hormonal signals into growth regulation.
A new species of wirerush has been discovered in the peatlands of northern New Zealand. The species, Empodisma robustum, exhibits unique ecological adaptations that enable it to thrive in nutrient-poor environments. This discovery sheds light on the diversity and ecology of the genus Restionaceae.
Researchers analyzed leaves from herbarium specimens and found a 2mm decrease in leaf width over 127 years. This response highlights the impact of climate change on Australian plant species, with Narrow-leaf Hopbush exhibiting narrower leaves in warmer temperatures.
Researchers at Cornell University have decoded a gene that contributes to tomato sugar, carbohydrates, and carotenoid levels. The uniform ripening mutation, which commercial breeders select for, eliminates photosynthesis in fruit, reducing sugar levels.
A study suggests that the evolution of fungi capable of breaking down lignin may have played a key role in ending coal deposits. The findings propose that this ability allowed for the complete breakdown of dead plant matter into carbon dioxide, releasing it into the atmosphere instead of accumulating as coal.
A team of researchers has made a groundbreaking discovery that could revolutionize the US tomato industry by introducing new varieties with improved flavor and quality. The study, published in Science, reveals two transcription factors responsible for the trait in wild and traditional tomatoes.
A University of Georgia study reveals that native clearweed plants have evolved resistance to invasive garlic mustard, and the invasive species is countering with its own chemical warfare. The study provides evidence of coevolution between native and invasive plant species, suggesting a potential for ecosystem equilibrium over time.
A new analysis found that over two-thirds of recently approved pesticide active ingredients have roots in natural substances. Scientists have discovered that biological and natural products-based pesticides are a rich source of new active ingredients.
The Missouri Botanical Garden will support the development of a comprehensive online resource for plant species, improving access and analysis for scientists and conservationists. The $3 million gift from Monsanto Company will fund the garden's contributions to this international endeavor from 2012 to 2015.
Climate change is causing glacier lilies to bloom earlier than expected, disrupting the timing of broad-tailed hummingbirds' arrival, which depends on the flowers for nectar. The biologists predict that if current trends continue, hummingbirds will miss the first blooms entirely in two decades.
Researchers found that plant species reproducing sexually have stronger disease resistance due to increased adaptive evolution of the chitinase gene. This supports the theory that sex provides a genetic advantage in adapting to environmental changes.
Researchers are launching a nationwide effort to conserve crop wild relatives in the US, recognizing that these plants have value in adapting food systems to climate change. The plants' genetic material could be used to breed drought-resistant crops, making them essential for global agriculture.
A study published in Nature reveals the cellular secrets of plant fatty acid production, highlighting a key enzyme that can be engineered to increase oil content in crops. The findings have significant implications for food security, renewable energy, and biomedicine, potentially leading to higher-yield crops and new bio-renewable fuels.
Researchers have found a genetic mutation in Scandinavian barley varieties that disrupts the circadian clock, allowing them to flower earlier than southern counterparts. This adaptation enables crops to thrive in regions with short growing seasons, providing new tools for breeding and developing more resilient crops.
A new study published in Science magazine reveals that plant diversity is essential for maintaining productive ecosystems. The research found that each species plays a unique role in maintaining soil fertility and biomass production over time.
A new University of Minnesota study reveals that each species plays a crucial role in maintaining a productive ecosystem when considering long-term effects. The research found that increasing plant diversity led to gradual increases in both soil fertility and biomass production over a 14-year period.