A University of Tennessee at Knoxville researcher has found that the ability of flowering plants to quickly and efficiently move sperm through a part of the plant was the key to their evolutionary diversity. This ancient trait allowed plants to grow longer pollen tubes, enabling them to develop more complex flowers and larger seeds.
SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 28, 2008
Researchers found that when females capture more pollen, female-determining pollen tubes out-compete male-determining ones. The team's study on Rumex nivalis in the Swiss Alps shows how demographic aspects can influence plant sex ratios.
SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 22, 2008
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Tobacco plants have evolved a self-incompatibility system to reject unwanted pollen and maintain genetic diversity. Researchers have identified a new factor, Stigma Expressed Protein (NaStEP), which plays a crucial role in the rejection mechanism.
A team of scientists has used paleobotanical evidence, genetic analysis, and microbotanical techniques to reconstruct the early history of maize agriculture. They suggest that maize may have been domesticated in Mexico around 10,000 years ago, based on findings from sediments at San Andrés, Tabasco.
A daily dose of probiotic can modify the immune system's response to grass pollen, a common cause of seasonal hay fever. This change was observed in a pilot study with small numbers of patients, but it may not have an immediate effect on symptoms.
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A study published in Functional Ecology reveals that plants producing high-quality pollen have closer relationships with pollinators, which is crucial for the survival of certain bumblebee species. The research found that plants relying on insects for pollination produce pollen with 65% more protein than those not reliant on insects.
Researchers at the University of California, San Diego, have identified a unique plant gene that prevents fertilization when mutations are present in both the male and female reproductive cells. The discovery, known as 'abstinence by mutual consent,' reveals a previously unknown mechanism in plant reproduction.
SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 20, 2007
A recent study suggests genetically engineered corn could have unintended consequences on aquatic ecosystems. Researchers found toxins from Bt corn were washing into streams near cornfields, causing increased mortality and reduced growth in caddisflies.
SourceIndiana University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 8, 2007
Scientists discovered a unique method of reproduction in primitive plants named cycads, which heat up and emit toxic odors to repel and attract pollen-covered insects. This 'push-pull' pollination method may represent an intermediate step in the evolution of plant pollination.
SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalScience·DateOct 4, 2007
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Graduate students at Johns Hopkins University gather data on ragweed pollen behavior using high-tech and low-tech tools. Their findings could lead to better ways to track pollen travel and control its spread, benefiting 15 million people with ragweed allergies in the US and Canada.
Researchers developed a new maize model that simulates kernel formation, increasing accuracy of crop yield predictions. By accounting for pollen movement and other factors, the modified CERES-Maize model provides more accurate estimates across various environmental conditions.
SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalCrop Science·DateSep 21, 2007
The Brazilian Atlantic forest has lost 95% of its original size, but researchers have found 'refugia' where the forest is still thriving. These regions may hold the secrets to regenerating the ecosystem.
SourceInstitut de recherche pour le développement·JournalDiversity and Distributions·DateSep 5, 2007
Biologists have identified the first orchid fossil, dating back 76-84 million years, which suggests that showy blooms may have existed alongside dinosaurs. The discovery resolves a longstanding debate over orchid origins and provides direct evidence of pollination in the fossil record.
The study reveals that flowers' anthers play a crucial role in facilitating pollen collection by bees. The researchers found that the size, shape, placement, and timing of anthers can be controlled by genetic networks and non-coding sequences.
SourceAmerican Society of Plant Biologists·JournalInternational Journal of Plant Sciences·DateJul 9, 2007
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Researchers at Rutgers University have discovered a new approach to contain genes in genetically modified (GM) crops by implanting them into plastids, minimizing the risk of escape. This innovation has the potential to alleviate concerns about 'foreign genes' contaminating wild species and ecosystems.
SourceRutgers University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 6, 2007
New evidence from Mexico's Central Balsas valley links crop domestication in the New World to local environmental history. Agriculture originated during a warm, wet period following the last ice age, and its effects on the environment are still evident today.
SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 1, 2007
A new method for predicting cross-pollination between GM and conventional crops has been developed by the University of Exeter. The study reveals huge variation in cross-pollination levels depending on wind direction and speed, highlighting the need to increase minimum field-to-field distances.
SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEcological Applications·DateMay 31, 2007
Washing laundry in hot water (140°F) kills all house dust mites, while washing in warm water only removes 6.5% of them. Rinsing with cold water after low-temperature wash is also effective.
Researchers have identified a key gene, PUB8, that regulates the expression of SRK and SCR genes, crucial for self-incompatibility in plants like Arabidopsis. This finding may enable the development of hybrid seeds and improve crop yields.
SourceCornell University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 26, 2007
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Ancient farmers in Mexico cultivated early forms of maize around 5,300 B.C., 1,200 years earlier than previously thought. This finding expands knowledge on the transition to agriculture in Mesoamerica and sheds light on the rise of complex societies.
SourceFlorida State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 9, 2007
Research suggests that nitric oxide and nitrite released by pollen grains trigger allergic responses in the nose. The study, funded by the Wellcome Trust, aims to investigate the role of these compounds in human cell inflammation during hayfever.
SourceSociety for Experimental Biology·JournalPlant Signaling & Behavior·DateApr 2, 2007
Researchers at University of Bonn aim to tap into the sediment archives of Lake Van, which store climate data from 800,000 years ago. The sediments contain detailed information on temperature and precipitation patterns, allowing scientists to reconstruct past climates.
Researchers studying bumblebee behavior have found that the bees' foraging patterns can predict successful seed production. The team has developed an unparalleled data set by testing various combinations of plant species on their reproductive patterns, revealing that adjacent flowers differ markedly in their mating patterns.
Zaditor offers up to 12 hours of continuous itch relief with one drop, a significant improvement over most OTC products that only provide 3-4 hours of short-term relief. The medication is safe for use in children as young as three and does not contain decongestants that can cause rebound redness.
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A new study found that an investigational therapy reduced allergy symptoms in adults for at least a year after just six injections of the major ragweed allergen, Amb a 1, coupled to a unique DNA sequence. The therapy showed promise in reducing symptoms and improving quality-of-life scores compared to standard immunotherapy.
SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 4, 2006
Researchers at Iowa State University are developing a male sterile corn variety that carries a transgene to produce biopharmaceuticals, which can be grown in states without risk of pollinating traditional crops. The new variety could help control pollen movement and ensure safe production of pharmaceuticals.
Research by Mark Graham found that pollen significantly enhances plankton growth in boreal lakes, supporting forage fish and potentially boosting sport fish populations. Climate change may impact this process, highlighting the importance of pollen in linking terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.
SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalLimnology and Oceanography·DateJun 12, 2006
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
Researchers found a positive correlation between tropical area expansion and diversity increase during global warming. Conversely, forest fragmentation during cooling periods leads to decreased diversity. The study suggests that changes in area drive speciation and extinction in the tropics.
SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalScience·DateMar 30, 2006
Research reveals that plant species in highly diverse ecosystems face reduced fruit production due to inadequate pollination. This lack of pollination hinders the survival and reproduction of plants, posing a significant threat to their extinction.
A global study reveals that plants in highly diverse ecosystems, such as South American and Southeast Asian jungles, suffer lower pollination rates and reduced reproductive success. This could push certain plant species towards extinction.
SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 17, 2006
A new study finds that high levels of pollen limitation in species-rich regions may lead to extinctions due to insufficient pollination. Plant species in these areas often compete intensely for pollinators, resulting in reduced fruit and seed production. This threatens the survival of not only plants but also animals dependent on them.
SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 16, 2006
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A global study of over 1,000 pollination experiments found that high plant diversity can lead to reduced pollination and reproductive success. This reduction in fruit and seed production may push vulnerable species towards extinction.
SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 16, 2006
Scientists at Max Planck Institute and University of Cologne isolate mutant Arabidopsis thaliana with single sperm cell, allowing it to germinate and fertilize. The researchers found that a positive signal from the egg cell's fertilization triggers endosperm proliferation.
SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Genetics·DateDec 8, 2005
Researchers investigate Akt1's impact on cardiac function, finding it can enhance cardiac function after heart failure but also contribute to maladaptive effects. A new gene therapy approach successfully treats severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) in mice, offering promising implications for its treatment.
SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 1, 2005
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Researchers at UTMB discovered that oxidative stress from pollen is as important as antigen exposure in triggering severe respiratory inflammation. Antioxidant substances may help forestall allergy or asthma attacks, and longer-lived antioxidants could be effective in treatment and prevention.
SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 1, 2005
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 from Columbia University and NASA used sediment layers to uncover a 500-year drought from 800 A.D. to 1300 A.D., as well as the effects of the Little Ice Age and European settlers' agricultural practices on the area's climate. The study found increased erosion, saltier water, and changes in vegetation during these periods.
SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalQuaternary Research·DateMay 18, 2005
Scientists discovered that birch pollen extracts inhibit a protein that normally blocks allergic reactions, leading to increased sensitivity in allergy-prone individuals.
SourceJournal of Experimental Medicine·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateFeb 21, 2005
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Researchers used quantum dots to visualize protein localization in plant cells for the first time, providing valuable understanding of pollen tube interaction. The study paves the way for using quantum dots in live imaging and improving plant breeding techniques.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNanotechnology·DateJan 26, 2005
Dr. Fraser Mitchell's study analyzes tree pollen to reconstruct primeval forests, concluding that grazing animals did not exert a significant impact on forest structure. This challenges current European forest conservation policy, which promotes closed canopy deciduous forests, and suggests that primeval forests may have been more open.
SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalJournal of Ecology·DateJan 17, 2005
A recent study found that wind pollination works more efficiently in solid meadow plants than when they are spread apart. This could explain why Spartina covers only 60 acres of Willapa Bay despite being present for a century. Inefficient wind pollination may also speed the extinction of rare plants.
SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 17, 2004
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Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.
Researchers found that a new ointment, applied inside the nose, significantly reduced symptom scores in patients with allergic rhinitis. The treatment improved airflow by nearly 20 percent and reduced symptoms by about 60 percent compared to a placebo.
SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateAug 16, 2004
Researchers have identified a genetic component involved in the self-incompatibility response of plants. The discovery sheds light on how plants prevent self-pollination and could lead to more efficient methods for producing hybrid seeds, such as hand emasculation being replaced by transgenic approach.
Researchers at UC Riverside discover chemocyanin, a small protein found in the stigma of lily flowers, which effectively guides sperm-laden pollen tubes to the plant's ovules. The study sheds new light on the complex process of seed formation in flowering plants.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 10, 2003
Researchers at Purdue University have identified the molecular mechanisms responsible for shutting down floral scent after pollination, which may help improve floral scent in unscented flowers. The study found that fertilization triggers a decline in scent production and that plant hormones play a role in regulating this process.
SourcePurdue University·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateNov 20, 2003
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Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.
Plant fertility depends on understanding how pollen tubes navigate towards egg cells. Researchers identified a key molecular signaling system involving gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA) that guides pollen tube growth.
SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalCell·DateJul 11, 2003
Researchers have identified gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA) as a key signaling molecule that triggers plant reproduction and guides the growth of pollen tubes. In contrast, mutants with deficient GABA degradation produce a massive increase in the chemical signal, overwhelming the pollen tubes and disrupting their guidance.
SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalCell·DateJul 10, 2003
Scientists at Penn State University have identified a new gene essential for pollen production in flowering plants. The team used genetic techniques to discover the gene, which is necessary for the formation of cells required for pollen production.
SourcePenn State·JournalGenes & Development·DateJul 31, 2002
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GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.
Researchers at the CNRS and INRA Centre de Versailles in France have discovered a gene, SPIK, that increases pollen competitive ability by facilitating rapid pollen tube elongation. This discovery sheds light on how plants can improve their reproductive success.
SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateJan 31, 2002
A team of paleoecologists from Amsterdam used pollen grains to accurately recreate the local climate in Southern Mexico and Northern Guatemala around 1000 AD. The study suggests that the collapse of the well-organised Maya empire led to widespread destruction of wildlife and agricultural areas, resulting in a drier climate.
SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateJan 24, 2002
Eating at least two apples per week and higher selenium intake may reduce adult asthma incidence. Farm childhood experiences also lower risk of allergic reactions to cat dander and Timothy grass, reducing nasal congestion symptoms.
SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateDec 13, 2001
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Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.
Researchers found that monarch larvae are more likely to be exposed to toxic corn pollen when pollen is shed during peak larval activity. In Ontario, 62% of larvae were exposed to toxic pollen, while in Iowa, the figure was 15%. The study suggests that agricultural habitats like cornfields are crucial for monarchs.
SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 21, 2001
Researchers found that black swallowtail caterpillars fed on Bt corn pollen experienced significant growth rate reduction, varying up to three times smaller in distance from the crop. The discovery suggests sublethal effects of Bt corn pollen on non-target species and emphasizes the need for careful event selection by producers.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 10, 2001
Researchers have discovered how plants' self-incompatibility works on a molecular level, revealing highly specific lock-and-key interactions between pollen and stigma. This breakthrough could enable genetic engineers to short-circuit reproduction and increase genetic variability in crops like tomatoes and rice.
SourceCornell University·JournalScience·DateSep 6, 2001
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Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.
Researchers have identified two distinct clusters of genes in the Arabidopsis genome that code for pollen coat proteins. These proteins enable the dry pollen coat to interact with stigma cells during pollination. The discovery provides insights into how plants recognize pollen and could lead to new techniques for crossing plants, preve...
SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalScience·DateJun 28, 2001
Researchers found that genetically modified Bt corn pollen had no adverse effect on black swallowtail caterpillars in field tests. The study's results contradict previous findings for monarch caterpillars, suggesting a safer genetic modification option for non-target species.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 5, 2000
Cornell University researchers have discovered a gene, called SCR, that determines a plant's ability to accept or reject its own pollen. This gene is expressed in the anther and produces pollen with a specific label that distinguishes it from self-pollen.
Research by Cornell University reveals that genetically engineered corn, designed to protect against pests, can kill monarch butterfly larvae when they come into contact with its pollen. This has significant implications for the long-term survival of the monarch species, which is already facing habitat disruption and other threats.
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New research suggests that the Southeastern US experienced a warm and wet climate during the Middle Holocene Period, contrary to previous theories. Fossil pollen data and paleochannels indicate intensified flooding and increased wetland plants, while a lack of windblown sand supports this finding.
Researchers at the University of Chicago Medical Center have identified a mutation in a small flowering plant that disrupts male-female communication, leading to pollen tubes wandering aimlessly. This defect is similar to self-sterility observed in many plant species, which helps maintain genetic diversity.