Articles tagged with Plants
Scientists developed a method to detail the influence of plants on global water movement, using phylogenetic tests and machine learning techniques. This approach can impute trait data for 55,000 tree species, improving modeling accuracy and providing a starting point for more detailed vegetation models.
New study reveals quantum mechanical processes facilitate energy transfer and charge separation in photosynthetic organisms. This understanding can inform the design of artificial photosynthesis units for unprecedented solar energy efficiency.
Researchers mapped yerba mate's genome, discovering an ancestor that duplicated its genome 50 million years ago. This event led to the evolution of caffeine biosynthesis in yerba mate and coffee through convergent pathways. The study provides opportunities for creating plant varieties with new characteristics.
Researchers at the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture conducted a two-year study exposing 31 soybean varieties to flood conditions during the early reproductive stage. The study found that four-day flooding did not significantly alter the seed composition of any variety, but grain yield losses were observed across al...
Rising temperatures alter lignin deposition in plant cell walls, requiring adaptive strategies for a resilient supply chain. Understanding regional variations, exploring alternative sources, and developing climate-resilient plant varieties are crucial to mitigate the effects of global warming.
Researchers have uncovered how soybean varieties respond to different types of nematode infections, revealing new insights into plant defense mechanisms. The study found that resistant plants activate genes involved in immune responses, while susceptible plants fail to do so, making them vulnerable to attack.
A new study led by University of Oxford suggests that plants are more likely to be eavesdroppers than altruists when tapping into underground networks. The study found that it is unlikely that plants would evolve to warn other plants of impending attacks, instead finding that plants may signal dishonestly to harm their neighbors.
A recent study from the University of Guam found that cycad cotyledons contribute to successful seedling growth through photosynthesis. The research reveals a robust cotyledon strategy for improving seedling persistence and biodiversity in competitive forest communities.
Researchers emphasize global importance of tree crops for achieving UN Sustainable Development Goals, while promoting biodiversity conservation and mitigating climate change. Tree crops provide stable habitats, prevent soil erosion, and contribute to greenhouse gas reduction.
New research from Washington University in St. Louis found that pawpaw patches reduce herbaceous plant species diversity and total understory community size, creating a habitat where the rules of competition are more random. The presence of pawpaws also makes it challenging for land managers to encourage the growth of understory species.
Researchers discovered that plants in shaded conditions receive a larger proportion of green and far-red light, which contributes to photosynthesis. This finding may help growers develop new methods for supplementing natural sunlight with colored light.
A new study from the University of Göttingen reveals that the identity of pollinators, pollen, and crop varieties significantly impact fruit quality. The research emphasizes the need to consider these factors to improve crop nutrient composition and consumer health.
A recent UC Riverside study found that raking dead grass can boost California's native wildflower diversity, reducing fire danger and increasing plant community changes. The simple, low-cost method of removing invasive grass layers allows native seeds to germinate and grow.
A new study found that over half of weedy rice sampled in the southeastern US has become resistant to certain herbicides, including imidazolinone and a newer class of herbicides. The researchers also discovered that individual fields have distinct compositions of weedy rice strains, making management harder.
Researchers aim to develop resilient soybean plants resistant to southern root-knot nematodes, causing $160 billion in damages annually. The project will screen hundreds of genetically diverse soybean lines worldwide to identify potential new sources of resistance.
Botanists from Oxford University and University of the Philippines Los Baños have named a new species of 'lipstick vine' found in the Philippine rainforest, characterized by delicate purple mottling. The discovery is significant as it highlights the importance of conservation efforts to protect the region's biodiversity.
The rose prickle's curved tapering shape and microstructural density enable supreme damage resistance capabilities. Researchers propose that these features could be used to develop ultra-small anchoring tools for diverse applications.
Researchers at Texas A&M University developed a non-toxic pesticide using neem seed extract and nanotechnology. The new formulation shows improved targeting ability and reduces environmental pollution by up to 80-90% of sprayed pesticides missing their target entirely.
Higher levels of satellite-based greenness and street-level green components are associated with lower adiposity in US children. The study suggests that increasing residential green space levels could be a viable urban planning strategy to combat childhood obesity.
Research reveals that certain soil microbes can enhance flower size, resulting in increased bee visitations, but high colonization levels may lead to smaller flowers. The study focuses on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi associations with plant roots and their impact on floral traits and pollinator interactions.
A new review highlights temperature's influence on lignin biosynthesis in plants, impacting global warming and sustainable resource management. Lignin's traditional applications are being supplemented by emerging uses in advanced materials and nanomaterials.
Research found that plants adapted to colder temperatures have a higher rate of photoinhibition repair when exposed to cold conditions. This adaptation allows them to survive in colder regions. The study used Arabidopsis thaliana ecotypes from around the world to demonstrate this phenomenon.
A team of biologists and mathematicians from the University of Oxford and Manchester have solved the mystery of the squirting cucumber's explosive seed dispersal. The study used a combination of experiments, high-speed videography, image analysis, and mathematical modeling to reveal the key components of the plant's dispersal strategy.
A new COF sensor can detect pH changes in plant xylem tissues, providing early warning of drought stress up to 48 hours before traditional methods. This technology enables timely detection and management of drought stress, optimizing crop production and yield.
A new study found that residential garden produce grown near the Fayetteville Works fluorochemical plant can contain high levels of GenX and other PFAS, posing an exposure risk to consumers. Water-rich produce like berries and figs exhibited the highest PFAS levels, with daily intake estimates suggesting a significant health concern.
Luke McCormack, a Tree Root Biologist at The Morton Arboretum, has been recognized as one of the most cited and influential researchers worldwide. He leads the Root Biology Lab, examining root strategies to help trees cope with waterlogging and drought stress.
Researchers discovered that a change in gene expression of SPL13 is crucial for root development, altering cell division orientation and morphology. This 'root puberty' phase has significant implications for climate-resilient agriculture, as it may enable crops to grow more deeply or widely, making them more resistant to drought.
A Dartmouth-led study reveals the fundamental genetic pathways and biological mechanisms behind the corpse flower's heat production and odorous chemicals. The researchers identify a new component of the corpse flower's odor, an organic chemical called putrescine, which is released when the plant blooms.
Scientists have identified a crucial gene, StCDF1, that regulates both tuberization and nitrogen assimilation in potatoes. The discovery offers new insights into enhancing nitrogen utilization, allowing for breeding of climate-smart potato varieties less dependent on chemical fertilizers.
Binghamton University researchers have created artificial plants that can capture 90% of carbon dioxide from indoor air, reducing levels and generating oxygen. The plants use photosynthesis to drive the process, with an additional power generation capability of around 140 microwatts.
Researchers at Penn State developed a new method to turn stripped-down plant cells into other types of cells, revealing the banding patterns in plant cell walls that increase stability. The study's findings provide insights into how cell walls are created and can inform methods to break down plant cells for biofuels.
A study by Macquarie University researchers found that plants can salvage resources from wilting flowers and reuse them to promote future reproduction. The study showed that plants transfer resources underground in corms and roots to produce new flowering stems in the subsequent season, often a year later.
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have discovered a key protein involved in transporting boron into plant cells. The protein complex, containing KNS3 and its homologs, facilitates the movement of boric acid channels from endoplasmic reticulum to plasma membrane.
A new study reveals that increasing plant diversity in agriculture can significantly improve soil carbon retention by fostering stronger positive interactions between microbes. This practice not only promotes healthier ecosystems but also offers a viable solution for maintaining crop output while sequestering more carbon in soils.
A long-term study found that nitrogen input from fertilizers reduces the diversity of nitrogen-fixing plants in temperate forests. The forestREplot database revealed a significant decrease in these plants' abundance with increasing nitrogen levels, regardless of temperature changes and aridity trends.
Plant guard cells use calcium signals to regulate stomatal movement in response to environmental stimuli. By counting up to six consecutive calcium transients, guard cells can close their stomata and conserve water.
A new study has revealed that 90 species of plants from the Centinela range were not extinct as previously thought. The researchers found abundant evidence of the flora's presence in remaining forest fragments and discovered over 50 new plant species, including eight newly described species.
Plant cells use a mechanism called telescripting to monitor and control protein production, preventing premature completion of gene expression. This process is crucial for maintaining accurate gene function and has potential applications in making plants more resistant to climate change.
Researchers used deep learning to correlate citizen science data with remote sensing images, predicting plant distributions down to scales of a few square meters. The AI model, Deepbiosphere, outperformed previous methods in accuracy and showed potential for global monitoring of vegetation change.
Researchers at the University of Würzburg discovered that plants use an energy-saving mechanism to adapt their potassium uptake based on soil conditions. By building a pH gradient across cell membranes, plants can transport potassium into cells without expending energy.
A newly discovered species of carnation family has been identified and collected using drone technology on inaccessible cliffs in Hawaii. The discovery, published in PhytoKeys, highlights the potential for future discoveries through drone technology and advances conservation efforts in preventing plant extinctions.
The study found that chestnut blight has significantly impacted the American chestnut population, leading to a shift in forest composition. Decades may pass before floristic changes become apparent, highlighting the need for continued monitoring and conservation efforts.
Scientists have created a system that allows for the production of essential amino acids and peptides commonly found in animals, such as creatine, carnosine, and taurine, within living plants. This technology has the potential to boost nutrient production in edible plants and other organisms.
A team of researchers found that the use of microbial biofertilisers and algae-based biostimulants can significantly enhance both the yield and quality of organic tomatoes. The treatments improved processes like nutrient absorption and stress tolerance, supporting overall crop performance.
Researchers are developing soybeans that can handle extreme weather conditions, allowing farmers to maintain yields under pressure. By studying plant adaptation strategies, scientists aim to create more resilient soybean varieties.
A study found increased antioxidant content and activity in Japanese apricot pickles made with salted red perilla leaves. The phenolic compounds' release was highest before digestion, but a significant increase occurred between 60 minutes and 120 minutes of small intestinal digestion.
Scientists have developed a strategy for optimizing light intensity to minimize electricity costs while maintaining plant growth. The study found that varying light intensity can cut electricity costs by 12% without compromising plants' carbon fixation.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge found that flowers like hibiscus use an invisible blueprint to dictate the size of their bullseyes, which can significantly impact their ability to attract pollinating bees. Larger bullseyes are preferred by bees and can potentially boost efficiency for both bees and blossoms.
Research published in New Phytologist reveals that long stems on flowers provide an evolutionary advantage for bat pollination. In complex backgrounds, bats take nearly twice as much time to locate short-stemmed flowers, indicating the importance of visible floral cues for successful pollination.
Researchers led by Kathrin Schrick discovered a new type of molecular interaction between a protein and a phospholipid molecule, which regulates gene expression levels. This finding has significant implications for developing crops that can efficiently use phosphorus, essential for plant growth, to withstand drought and climate change.
The UofL Green Heart Louisville Project found that residents living in neighborhoods with more trees showed lower levels of general inflammation, a risk indicator for heart disease. The study showed a 13-20% reduction in inflammation, corresponding to a nearly 10-15% reduced risk of heart attacks and certain cancers.
Two groundbreaking studies provide structural and functional insights into the chloroplast protein import system. The research revealed the assembly, function, and evolutionary diversity of the Ycf2-FtsHi complex, a crucial player in preprotein translocation.
Researchers have discovered that sunflowers wiggle to find patches of sunlight, forming a zig-zag pattern that maximizes access to light. This movement allows the plant to explore its surroundings and settle into configurations that provide maximum light exposure.
A new research project aims to create a highly effective and selective biological herbicide targeting Palmer amaranth. The researchers will use synthetic biology techniques to develop RNA molecules known as Ribozymes that can influence specific gene expression, eliminating the weed through a specific infection.
A recent study reveals unexpected plant diversity in drylands, enabling adaptation to extreme climates. Plants exhibit a wide range of individual strategies to tolerate water scarcity and heat stress, with trait diversity doubling in arid zones compared to temperate regions.
Researchers from Insignum AgTech and Purdue University have developed a collaboration to detect tar spot disease in corn using drone imagery. The technology aims to enable farmers to identify early stages of the disease, allowing for timely treatment and reducing yield losses.
A new study by Salk scientists reveals a key gene that enhances plants' zinc tolerance, allowing them to thrive in toxic conditions. The discovery enables the development of crops more resilient to soil contamination, a major goal of Salk's Harnessing Plants Initiative.
Archaeologists have uncovered evidence of early plant farming in east Africa, revealing a pattern of gradual introductions of different crops that originated from different parts of the continent. The study found domesticated cowpea, sorghum, and finger millet seeds dating back to around 2,300 years ago.
Researchers at University College Cork have discovered three new species of Theobroma sect. Herrania in the rainforests of South America, which are closely related to the cocoa tree. These findings could lead to the development of climate-resilient cacao trees, helping sustain chocolate production.
A new legal requirement for developers to demonstrate a biodiversity boost in planning applications may not be effective in improving bird and butterfly populations. Despite this, researchers suggest that the metric can capture plant biodiversity well, but needs improvement to reflect ecosystem intricacies.