Articles tagged with Plants
Scientists at the John Innes Centre have discovered how roots use a growth control mechanism to find their way through soil and overcome obstacles. By exploring the soil in a similar way to humans navigating in the dark, root hairs can sense and adapt to changes in their environment.
A £500,000 project will use biotechnology to develop pest-resistant plantains to combat losses of up to half of the crop due to nematode worms. The initiative will also provide a reliable source of nutritious crops for impoverished communities.
Researchers used nitrogen isotopic discrimination to identify non-organic sweet pepper plants grown with synthetic fertilizers. The study found that synthetic fertilizers significantly reduced nitrogen isotope ratios, with old leaves and fruits being more sensitive to the additions.
Cold Spring Harbor Protocols highlights two RNA-based methods for understanding developmental processes in plants and flies. The first method uses RNAi to investigate gene function in fruit flies, while the second protocol describes how to detect where and when a gene is expressed in young plant tissues.
Scientists at University of Cambridge identified a signalling molecule governing plant circadian clock response to environmental changes. This discovery alters the current understanding of the circadian clock and may have significant implications for agriculture.
Research by Dr. Terri W. Starman identified the strongest survivors of postharvest experiences among popular garden plants marketed to consumers. High-quality plants may look healthy but decline in quality within a week, with most becoming unmarketable after three weeks.
Researchers discovered that some flower bulbs can move down into the ground in search of better growing conditions. Exposure to blue light triggers this movement, which is achieved through a hydraulic shift in cortical cells.
A £1.7 million project led by the University of Leeds seeks to fully sequence the DNA of G. pallida, a parasitic worm attacking potato crops worldwide. The research aims to understand its mechanisms and lead to sustainable management methods.
Researchers uncover the mechanism of photoprotection in plants, enabling them to convert excess light energy into harmless heat. This discovery could lead to more resilient crops and improved solar energy technology.
A University of Virginia study shows that plant offspring from maternal plants in the same environment outperform those raised differently, indicating a temporary mechanism of adaptation to local conditions. The findings highlight the significance of maternal effects in plant biology.
The new 'Raider Amethyst' prairie verbena is a water-conserving wildflower bred to provide compact, dependable color in drought-tolerant landscapes. It reduces urban water usage by utilizing potable water-efficient plants like Raider Amethyst.
Researchers at Ohio State University have successfully used TRAP to preserve the genetic diversity of ornamental geranium collections. The study resulted in a significant reduction of the collection size from approximately 800 plants to around 200, making it more manageable for breeders and researchers.
Researchers have identified multiple genes that confer broad-spectrum resistance to Turnip Mosaic Virus in brassicas like broccoli and cabbage. This discovery has the potential to develop resilient crop varieties that can withstand virus mutations.
Researchers found that using 0-8 millimeter pumice in pots higher than 15 centimeters significantly increases yields for gypsophila and cucumber plants. The most balanced and safe type of pumice, the two finest grades, provide optimal moisture retention.
Mother of thousands plant reproduces by dropping off complete miniature plants that grow independently, unlike most plants which rely on seeds. The plant's ability to make plantlets has been linked to the expression of specific genes STM and LEC.
Scientists have discovered a new enzyme that produces vitamin C in plants, revealing the antioxidant's critical role in plant growth. The findings also suggest that vitamin C is necessary for plants to grow, contradicting previous assumptions.
Researchers found that adult males share desirable fruits with females of reproductive age, particularly with a female involved in most consortships. This behavior is believed to be an attractive trait, drawing positive attention from females and securing social bonds through grooming and mating access.
Dr. Elliot Meyerowitz has been awarded a grant from the American Society of Plant Biologists (ASPB) Foundation to develop a teacher-training program focused on plant science education public outreach. The program will use plants as model systems to address state biology standards in the Pasadena Unified School District.
A new study published in Journal of Biogeography reveals that ancestors of Proteaceae plants must have crossed the Atlantic and Indian Oceans to reach their current distribution ranges. This finding challenges the long-held assumption that Gondwanaland's biota simply moved with the continents as they broke up.
The study aims to explore the genetics of the coconut to infer historical relationships among populations. The research will focus on understanding the plant's ancient dispersal, geographical origin of domestication, and impact of human activities on population structure.
Researchers are studying various biosignatures to infer the composition of extrasolar planet atmospheres. They explore theories about what other worlds might be like, including different types of pigments for photosynthesis. One key clue is disequilibrium, where simultaneous presence of contradictory substances could indicate life.
Researchers found endosomes facilitate plant growth through brassinosteroid receptor trafficking, affecting shoot and root growth. This discovery expands understanding of endosome function in plants, shedding light on their evolutionary origins.
The Arctic has seen its spring arrive significantly earlier than it did just a decade ago, with flowering dates advancing by up to 30 days in some species. This rapid change is considered one of the clearest signals of biological response to rising temperatures, and offers an early warning of global warming's effects.
Researchers at McMaster University discovered that plants can recognize their siblings and favor kin, leading to increased root growth in familial arrangements. This ability is common in animals but rare in plants.
Researchers have developed a patented pretreatment process for biomass, ammonia fiber expansion (AFEX), making the breakdown of cellulose more efficient. This technology has the potential to replace gasoline and diesel with cheaper, better-for-the-environment biofuels.
Scientists have found that pretreating corn plant tissue with hot water increases ethanol yields by exposing minute pores of the cell walls, allowing enzymes to break down cellulose more efficiently. This discovery could lead to a viable method for large-scale production of cellulosic ethanol, a key component of green fuels.
A new Duke University study suggests that healthy coastal wetlands can adjust to rising sea levels by maintaining their vegetation and sediment supplies. This adaptation enables the marshes to function as effective buffers against coastal storms, while also providing habitat for commercially important fin and shellfish.
James Kronstad's research focuses on smut fungi, a group of pathogens that infect crop plants. He discovered the method used by these fungi to invade plants and shut down seed production, paving the way for the development of targeted fungicides.
A team of researchers has discovered a unique hybrid species of butterfly in the Sierra Nevada mountains, with genes from both parent species. The study suggests that natural selection played a crucial role in its evolution, highlighting the importance of understanding how animal species emerge.
Researchers used NASA earth observations to predict wildfires in southern California, identifying key factors such as plant moisture and fuel condition. The study found that the instruments can detect conditions favorable for wildfires, improving wildfire prediction and monitoring capabilities.
A QUT research project will expand its focus on improving the production and nutritional value of bananas, aiming to control diseased banana planting material in East Africa. The project's success could make a major difference to the health of the region's population.
Scientists identify the gene responsible for apple skin's rosy red hue, which is also an antioxidant. This discovery could lead to breeding new apple varieties with improved fruit color and potential health benefits.
Researchers at Iowa State University are working with Frontline BioEnergy to develop a renewable alternative to natural gas in ethanol production. The new technology uses partial combustion of biomass to produce producer gas, which can replace natural gas in plant heaters and be upgraded into high-value fuels.
Advances in plant science research are needed to reduce costs and multiply production of biofuels from plant cellulose. Somerville calls for increased efficiency of solar energy capture to transition the nation's transportation sector to use of domestically produced biofuels.
The University of Washington's Restoration Ecology Network empowers students to take on real-world restoration projects, from streamside restorations to neighborhood revitalization. By developing stewardship plans and working with clients, teams gain hands-on experience and create lasting bonds between the university and the public.
Researchers at Arizona State University have made a groundbreaking discovery in the field of photoprotection, finding that carotenoids can neutralize excess sunlight energy without oxidation. By measuring the electrical conductance within biomolecules, the team found that carotenoids can handle electron overload in a neutral state.
Researchers found that humans and chimps harbor different kinds of mutations that influence PTC taste sensitivity. Humans carry two functional forms of the gene, while chimps have a broken form that likely emerged due to changes in their diet and environment.
Researchers have developed a remote-sensing technology that uses the spectral quality of light reflected from plant leaves to detect gas leaks. This technology can also be used to monitor environmental effects and ensure public acceptability and safety in carbon capture and storage schemes.
Researchers have discovered a gene in barley that controls flowering time, allowing for longer growing periods and potential adaptation to UK climate conditions. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new crop varieties better suited to hot and dry summers.
Scientists at Freie Universität Berlin identify a new intermediate state in the Kok cycle, crucial for molecular oxygen formation. This discovery sheds light on the mechanism of photosynthesis and has implications for more efficient solar cells.
Researchers found that plants grow more and longer secondary roots on the non-self side, suggesting a mechanism based on physiological coordination. This coordination might involve internal pulsing of hormonal or electrical signals that desynchronize when plants are separated.
Researchers have discovered a key gene controlling how leaves close their surface pores, leading to improved understanding of plant responses to climate. This finding has significant implications for crop breeding and studying evolutionary responses to drought.
Research by Prado shows that Viagra affects plant pollen tube behavior, blocking re-orientation in response to NO. NO may serve as a safeguard mechanism to prevent dual fertilization in plants.
Researchers use stable isotopes in epiphytes to measure changes in photosynthesis and water evaporation, providing indicators of climate change. The findings suggest that these plants could be used as bioindicators of climate change in tropical regions.
The BioCassava Plus project aims to develop cassava plants with increased levels of zinc, iron, protein and vitamins A and E, while reducing cyanide content and improving shelf life. The five-year grant will be used to increase the root's nutritional value and resistance to devastating plant viruses.
Researchers at Rutgers are studying the effects of plant extracts on metabolic syndrome, a condition characterized by obesity, hypertension, and high insulin levels. The center aims to identify chemical compounds with therapeutic potential and develop new treatments for this growing public health concern.
Researchers found a pathway for cells to turn on genes and respond to singlet oxygen, a highly reactive substance that destroys biological molecules. This discovery could lead to modified plants with enhanced crop yields and improved bioenergy sources.
Researchers found 11% fewer plant species on ski pistes compared to off-piste plots, with machine-graded slopes having five times more bare ground. The team suggests establishing environmental goals in ski resort management and avoiding areas with high conservation value.
Researchers at Boston University have developed a new technique to identify plant species used in ancient textile dyes. This method has led to the discovery of a previously unknown dye component in 1,000-year-old mummies in Peru.
Researchers at Ohio State University discovered that extracts from the dotted dalea and Mojave dalea plants can kill parasites responsible for leishmaniasis and African sleeping sickness. The findings offer hope for developing cheap, oral treatments for these deadly diseases.
Researchers at Purdue University discovered that a group of plants called metal hyperaccumulators can store high levels of metal in their tissues, making them resistant to pathogens. This trait allows these plants to thrive in soils naturally enriched in metals without succumbing to diseases like powdery mildew.
Researchers discover a novel mechanism of heterosis in naturally occurring plant populations. Human actions inadvertently favor heterozygous volunteers, leading to the persistence of high heterozygosity despite inbreeding.
Researchers have made breakthroughs in understanding how plant steroids regulate gene expression, which could lead to increased crop yields and reduced costs. The studies revealed the molecular mechanisms by which steroid hormones activate receptor proteins on plant cell surfaces, and identified key transcription factors involved in th...
A recent NASA study reveals that tiny particles in the air can have a significant effect on how much carbon is transferred from the atmosphere to below-ground carbon sinks. The research found that aerosols, not clouds, tend to scatter sunlight, allowing more radiation to penetrate to leaves and increasing photosynthesis rates.
Botrytis cinerea, a major problem in horticulture and viniculture, uses ABC transporters to pump toxic substances out of the fungus. The research reveals that this mechanism is comparable to multiple drug resistance in humans, with the protein BcatrB playing a key role.
Research at Ohio State University suggests that global climate changed dramatically 5,200 years ago, with severe impacts on emerging cultures. The team found evidence of sudden and severe climate shifts in ice cores, tree rings, and plant pollen records from around the world.
Researchers found plant samples dating back at least 50,000 years, suggesting the ice cap's current size may not have changed in that time. The discovery implies a possible decrease in global climate change over the past 50,000 years.
A new study from Michigan State University has found that canola seeds use an unconventional biochemical reaction to produce energy-rich oil, increasing efficiency by 20% and reducing carbon dioxide loss by 40%. The discovery sheds light on the role of the enzyme Rubisco in plant metabolism.
A new method of paleoelevation has been developed by Jennifer McElwain at the Field Museum, allowing scientists to estimate land elevation over geological eras. The method uses stomata on leaves to determine past carbon dioxide levels and elevation, providing a more accurate understanding of climate evolution and plant animal migration.
A team of researchers has identified three genetic suppressors of RNA silencing in plants, which are crucial for combating citrus tristeza virus (CTV) infections. These viral suppressors can be targeted by genetically engineering virus-resistant citrus trees, offering a promising approach to disease control and reducing economic losses.