Articles tagged with Plants
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Scientists have discovered three new extinct walnut species on a Canadian island above the Arctic Circle, preserved in a unique form of fossilization known as mummification. The fossils provide valuable information about the Earth's climate and ecosystems during the middle Eocene period, when forests covered the region.
A new family tree of Solanum plants clarifies the evolution of diverse fruits, showing that size and color are linked and not driven by fruit-eating animals. The study provides insight into breeding agriculturally important plants with desirable traits.
New research from Edith Cowan University found that dietary nitrate may play a role in preventing cardiovascular disease, dementia, and diabetes. Moderate to high intakes of plant and vegetable sourced nitrate were associated with a lower risk of all-cause, CVD-related, and cancer-related mortality.
A new study by RIKEN CSRS shows that biomass from purple photosynthetic marine bacterium Rhodovulum sulfidophilum is an excellent nitrogen fertilizer, effective as inorganic synthetic fertilizers but with lower environmental side effects. The biomass boosts plant growth without altering soil pH or salinity.
Researchers developed a method to collect and plant genetically diverse red spruce seeds, resulting in higher establishment success and increased forest resilience. The approach pools multiple seed sources, increasing evolvability and minimizing deleterious mutations.
The University of Bonn has developed an AI software that can simulate the growth of field crops using drone photos. This allows farmers to estimate parameters such as leaf area or yield with high accuracy, and even predict the outcome of certain interventions. The software also focuses on polycultures, which can boost yields by reducin...
Research found that weeds in cities have significantly more mildew than those in suburbs or countryside. Urban heat islands and human activity may contribute to the phenomenon. Potted plants placed in shaded areas had more mildew than full sun, but extreme summer heat is lethal to powdery mildew.
The study found that existing corn varieties are not ideal for future climates and that new crops with specific traits will be necessary. The research suggests that warmer temperatures, drier air, and increased CO2 will lead to decreased yields unless adaptations are made.
Researchers analyzed ancient plant and animal remains to study historic food chains in ancient Syria. The analysis revealed a diet rich in grains, olives, grapes and dairy products, similar to the modern Mediterranean diet.
A new, tiny plant species has been discovered on the western Andean slopes of Ecuador, shattering the preconception that multitudes of life had vanished entirely. The discovery is a testament to conservation efforts and the heroic actions of local landowners who maintained small patches of forests.
Researchers use nanomedicine and digital twin technologies to develop Plant Nanobiotechnology, addressing agricultural challenges and increasing crop yield. Digital twins of plants enable the design of nanocarriers that target nutrient delivery to specific plant organs.
Researchers discover E3 ligase MdPUB23 plays a crucial role in delaying leaf senescence by regulating the degradation of key protein ABI5. The study's findings have significant implications for improving crop yield and stress resistance, offering potential applications in agricultural practices.
Scientists have discovered a new plant species, Thismia malayana, in the tropical rainforests of Peninsular Malaysia. The plant acts as a parasite, stealing carbon resources from fungi on its roots to thrive in low-light conditions.
Researchers at Salk Institute found that higher temperatures drain plants of important dietary nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, affecting their long-term sustainability. The study's findings will inform the engineering of climate-resilient crops to address global warming's impact on food production.
Researchers discovered that azole fungicides kill fungal pathogens by initiating self-destruction through two pathways: apoptosis and macroautophagy. This mechanism explains why azoles are losing effectiveness against resistant fungal strains.
While some European countries like Denmark, Finland, and Spain show positive attitudes towards alternative protein food, others such as Italy have lower acceptance rates. Additionally, young Polish consumers are less likely to adopt novel foods compared to Danish and German consumers.
Researchers tested seven antibiotics in combination with various natural compounds, finding synergistic effects against multidrug-resistant bacteria. The study suggests combining antibiotics with plant extracts or phytochemicals could be a promising strategy to combat antimicrobial resistance.
Researchers have identified an ancient protein that partners with a modern plant enzyme to synthesize lignin, a key component of plant cell walls. This discovery provides insights into the evolution of plant protective mechanisms and their potential industrial applications.
Researchers from the University of Copenhagen discovered that a biological mechanism called autophagy plays a key role in plant root growth. By understanding how plants control their root growth, scientists can develop climate-resilient crops to thrive in harsh conditions.
Researchers at IIT developed HybriBot, a biohybrid robot that uses a flour-based capsule and oat fruit appendages to disperse seeds, promoting reforestation. The device has been tested with tomato, chicory, and willow herb seeds in various soils, showing promising results.
Researchers from ANU and UoN unlock the secrets of carboxysomal carbonic anhydrase, an enzyme crucial for cyanobacteria's efficient carbon dioxide capture. This discovery holds promise for engineering climate-resilient crops that can produce more food while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Researchers have determined the molecular level function of free-forming structures in plant cells that help sense light and temperature, enabling plants to distinguish a range of different light intensities. The formation of these organelles is not random but is linked to specific locations within the cell, particularly near centromeres.
Scientists have created complex, spatially controlled and multifunctional structures using engineered plant living materials. The materials combine the traits of living organisms with the stability and durability of non-living substances.
The Purdue-USDA team developed a web-based tool to identify genes regulating plant traits without conducting experiments. The tool uses machine learning to analyze large datasets and accurately predict transcription factors involved in seed oil biosynthesis, increasing oil content by up to 12%.
A new study found that barley plants recruit distinct microbial communities based on the sugars they secrete from their roots. The custom community of beneficial microbes improves the plants' growth, while differences in gene activity between the two barley types explained the variation in their root communities.
A new study reveals that a single hurricane can wipe out 5-10% of New England's total aboveground forest carbon through tree damage. The research team analyzed the impact of 10 powerful hurricanes on the region's forests and found that future storms could pose a significant risk to carbon offset programs.
Using AI software called SLEAP, scientists at Salk Institute are designing climate-saving plants with optimized root systems that can store more carbon. This approach enables researchers to analyze plant features and connect desirable traits to targetable genes, accelerating the development of carbon-capturing plants.
A team of UCF researchers is exploring the use of gold to develop a novel method to rid drinking water of harmful algal blooms, which produce toxic effects on humans and wildlife. The project aims to remove microcystins, toxins linked to liver damage, kidney failure, and allergic reactions.
A new analysis of the sunflower family tree shows that flower symmetry evolved multiple times independently among its members. The research, led by Penn State biologist Hong Ma, used low-coverage genome sequences to increase the number of species available for comparison and resolved more of the finer branches of the family tree.
Researchers have discovered the first orchid species pollinated by gall midges, a tiny fly species. The study found that the flowers of Oberonia japonica are specifically adapted to attract female gall midges, which then transfer pollen and access structures, solving a mystery in plant-pollinator relationships.
Scientists at Nagoya University have discovered a novel regulatory mechanism controlling plant stomatal opening in response to red and blue light. Phosphorylation of Thr881 activates the plasma membrane proton pump, facilitating stomatal opening and enhancing photosynthetic activity.
Researchers from Purdue University have discovered a new process by which petunia flowers use volatile organic compounds to communicate with neighboring plants, revealing a key role for a karrikin-like signaling pathway. The study provides insights into the plant's immune system and its ability to respond to threats.
A CABI-led study found that the benefits of chatgroups in human health can be applied to plant health, with higher participation rates among younger members and those with less experience. The study also revealed that smaller chatgroups in Africa encouraged greater participation and helped shy members connect with others.
A new study by the University of Liverpool and international partners found that the summer solstice acts as a celestial cue to synchronize beech tree reproduction across vast distances in Europe. This synchronization has significant consequences for ecosystems, including disruptions in food webs and wildlife populations.
Researchers have created an online survey to gather information from gardeners about ornamental plants showing 'invasive behaviour'. The results identified 251 potential invaders, including Mexican fleabane and Himalayan honeysuckle, highlighting the critical role of gardeners in early detection and prevention strategies.
A study using forest inventory data from over 25,000 plots found that biodiversity strongly suppresses pathogens and pests in many plant and animal systems. The 'dilution effect' of biodiversity on forest pests is jointly controlled by diversity and phylogenetic composition.
A study found that weedy rice's promiscuity allows it to crossbreed with wild rice, enabling it to adapt and outcompete cultivated rice. This process, called adaptive introgression, has contributed to the evolution of Southeast Asian weedy rice.
Researchers at Duke University have discovered how stem cells decide their fate by analyzing the activity of two key regulators, short-root and scarecrow, in real-time using light sheet microscopy. This finding has implications for understanding cell development and preventing diseases such as cancer.
Researchers found that blueberry blue color comes from external wax structures, not pigments in the skin. These structures scatter blue and UV light, giving blueberries their blue appearance to humans and birds.
A team of researchers identified interactions between four compounds governing plant cellular processes in response to stress signals. Liquid-liquid phase separation plays a crucial role in coordinating cellular pathways, allowing plants to thrive and survive in adverse conditions.
Researchers have developed a novel imaging method to study the intricate relationships within a fungal garden cultivated by leafcutter ants. The technique revealed crucial metabolites and enzymes driving plant degradation, highlighting the fungus as the primary degrader of plant materials.
A Dartmouth-led research team created an experimental green roof to test the effect of native prairie microbes on soil microbial community development. Their findings demonstrate that active management accelerates soil development faster than passive reestablishment, fostering a more diverse and sustainable soil community.
Researchers in Italy cultivate four species of microgreens with bespoke nutritional profiles, providing a blueprint for soilless cultivation of nutritionally enriched plants. The study successfully produces microgreens with up to 14 times higher iodine content and 45% reduced potassium levels, catering to specific dietary requirements.
A team of University of Copenhagen researchers has created a large reference catalogue of plant cell wall compositions from 287 species, representing the entire plant kingdom. The study reveals that carbohydrate composition is more closely related to a plant's family history than its habitat and growth form.
Researchers from the University of Delaware found that plants grown in simulated microgravity conditions are more prone to infections from Salmonella, a human pathogen. The study suggests that space-grown lettuce may not be as healthy for astronauts as previously thought due to its increased susceptibility to bacterial contamination.
The fungal pathogen Rosellinia necatrix produces antimicrobial proteins during host colonization, which helps it overcome the inhibitory effects of plant-hosted bacteria. This finding highlights the importance of antimicrobial strategies in plant-pathogen interactions.