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New study charts the global invasion of crop pests

A new study led by the University of Exeter warns that many global crop-producing countries will be overwhelmed by pests within the next 30 years if current trends continue. The research identifies the most invasive pest species, including fungi and nematodes, which are expected to spread rapidly due to climate change.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalGlobal Ecology and Biogeography·DateAug 27, 2014

Core mechanism for root growth identified

Researchers found that auxin and PLETHORA transcription factors regulate root growth by controlling cell division, elongation, and differentiation. The study reveals a graded distribution of these factors near the root tip, enabling plants to adapt to environmental conditions.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalNature·DateAug 25, 2014
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

How does your garden grow?

Scientists have developed a new technique to observe root development in 3D and in real-time, allowing them to track cell movements and capture the formation of new roots. This breakthrough could help plant breeders select crops more resistant to drought and flooding.

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology·DateJul 3, 2014

How does your garden grow?

Researchers developed a new technique to observe root growth in 3D and in real time using fluorescence microscopy. This allows them to track cell movements over three days, capturing the formation of new roots.

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology·DateJul 1, 2014

Water found to provide blueprints for root architecture

Researchers have discovered that plants use a complex process to sense water in soil and adjust their root architecture accordingly. This process, known as hydropatterning, allows plants to optimize water uptake and survive in environments with limited resources.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 9, 2014

Increasing sugar concentration in tomato juice

Researchers found that basal wire coiling, a simple and effective method, increased sugar concentration in tomato fruit juice. The technique results in lower shoot moisture content and reduced competition for photosynthates, leading to higher sugar concentrations.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortTechnology·DateApr 28, 2014
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

The root of the matter: The role of nitric oxide in root branching

A recent study has re-evaluated the effect of nitric oxide on lateral root formation, finding that this molecule can both promote and inhibit root branching. The study utilizes a new parameter for measuring lateral root density and demonstrates the importance of considering the timing of root initiation.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalAmerican Journal of Botany·DateOct 4, 2013

Secret of plant geometry revealed

Scientists have long puzzled over how plants set and maintain the angle of their lateral branches. The mechanism, driven by auxin hormone, counteracts gravity-sensitive growth to sustain a non-vertical angle of growth, known as the gravitropic set-point angle.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 25, 2013
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Getting to the root of the matter

Scientists identified a network of genes that promote root growth in low-nitrogen conditions, making them suitable for sustainable biofuel production. The discovery provides new insights into the genetic mechanisms underlying plant development and could lead to the creation of nitrogen-efficient crop varieties.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalNew Phytologist·DateJul 8, 2013

Breakthrough: How salt stops plant growth

A team of researchers found that an inner layer of tissue in the branching roots is sensitive to salt and activates Abscisic Acid, which stops root growth. This study provides new insights into how plants cope with stressful environments and could lead to the development of salt-resistant crops.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateJan 23, 2013

What happens to plant growth when you remove gravity?

Researchers studied plant roots grown on the International Space Station and found that they retained complex patterns of 'waving' and 'skewing', characteristic of Earth-grown roots. However, the degree of waving was more subtle than expected, suggesting that gravity is not essential for this process.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Plant Biology·DateDec 6, 2012

Video: 3-D time-lapse imaging captures twisted root mechanics for first time

Using 3D time-lapse imaging, scientists have discovered that plant roots twist and buckle to generate force and push through barriers, allowing them to grow in difficult soil conditions. The study sheds new light on the mechanics of root growth and reveals a previously unknown connection between root geometry and force generation.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 24, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Hitting back at 'wiretapping' parasite

Researchers have discovered a way to make plants resistant to parasitic dodder vines by attacking the junctions where they tap into their hosts. The technique, using RNA interference, has shown promise in preventing dodder from spreading and can potentially be applied to other parasites like Striga.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateJul 24, 2012

Using math to feed the world

Researchers at University of Nottingham use math to study gibberellin hormone affecting plant growth, identifying key interactions between feedback loops. This work aims to improve crop varieties and address global food security concerns.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 17, 2012

Improving crops from the roots up

Scientists at the University of Nottingham have successfully altered root growth in plants by controlling a key regulatory protein, WRKY23. This breakthrough could lead to improved crop yields and resistance to parasites under varying environmental conditions.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 24, 2012

New tool offers unprecedented access for root studies

A new technology called RootChip enables scientists to analyze root tissue in intact live plants, revolutionizing the field of root studies. The device monitors real-time responses to environmental changes, revealing key insights into nutrient acquisition and carbon sequestration.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateDec 20, 2011
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Thermotherapy rids azaleas of deadly fungal disease

Researchers discovered that submerging azalea cuttings in 50°C water eliminates the deadly fungal disease. The study found that all 12 cultivars were tolerant of short submersion durations, making hot water treatment a viable alternative for disease control.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateDec 13, 2011

Planting depth's effect on container-grown trees

Research on container-grown trees found that deep structural roots contribute to physiological stresses and abnormally deep roots. Remediation techniques reduced growth delays in pin oak, while littleleaf linden showed more persistent issues after three years.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateNov 17, 2011

Not just another brick in the (plant cell) wall

Researchers identified three groups of genes required for extensin production, crucial for root hair growth and nutrient uptake. The study sheds light on the assembly of plant cell wall components regulating growth, with potential applications for sustainable agriculture and forestry.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalScience·DateJun 17, 2011

The sweet growth of plant cells

Researchers found that O-glycosylation is essential for root hair growth in Arabidopsis thaliana, increasing growth by 200 times. Blocking this reaction inhibits growth, while over-expressing enzymes involved doubles length and density.

SourcePublicase International·JournalScience·DateJun 16, 2011
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Is root grafting a positive, cooperative behavior in trees?

Researchers found that root grafting between individual jack pine trees increased radial growth rates and allowed for the sharing of resources such as water, photosynthates, and nutrients. This cooperative behavior challenges the traditional view of trees as competitors and suggests a new strategy for tree interactions.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalAmerican Journal of Botany·DateJun 8, 2011

Sensor important to understanding root, seedling development

A new biosensor developed at Purdue University can detect auxin movement in real-time, allowing scientists to better understand how the plant hormone regulates root growth. The sensor uses nanomaterials to create an electrical signal that measures auxin concentration, enabling instantaneous and continuous measurements during root growth.

SourcePurdue University·JournalThe Plant Journal·DateAug 23, 2010
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

What secrets are stored in the roots of corn plants?

The study found significant variation in root systems among various corn genotypes, with regions in the maize genome responsible for inheritance. The team developed innovative technology to analyze root complexity using fractal dimensions and statistical software, allowing them to correlate differences with genetic makeup.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·DateJul 8, 2010

Getting to the root of nutrient sensing

Plants perceive nutrient availability through NRT1.1 nitrate transporter stimulation, inducing lateral root growth in nitrate-rich patches. This mechanism regulates root branching by controlling auxin accumulation, demonstrating a connection between nutrient and hormone signaling during organ development.

SourceCell Press·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJun 14, 2010

Feeling stressed? So is the poplar

Researchers identified gibberellins as a key hormone family regulating tree root development and adaptation to changing soil conditions. Hormone suppression could help trees adapt to stress, and the findings have potential applications in biotechnology and selective breeding.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateMay 6, 2010

Root or shoot

Researchers at the Salk Institute discover two genetic master switches that determine a plant's polar axis, with one group promoting root development and the other shoot growth. The study reveals an antagonistic relationship between these switches, which are regulated by multiple mechanisms to ensure proper spatial distribution.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature·DateFeb 28, 2010

The roots of food security

Researchers found that auxin hormones regulate root branching in plants, enabling more efficient nutrient uptake and storage, which can support high-yield crops and enhance food security.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 27, 2010
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Can a plant be altruistic?

Researchers found that Impatiens pallida, also known as yellow jewelweed, can recognize its relatives and adjust its resource allocation accordingly. The plant responds differently to aboveground cues depending on whether it's competing with a relative or a stranger.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalAmerican Journal of Botany·DateNov 10, 2009

Plants recognize siblings, and UD researchers have discovered how

Researchers at the University of Delaware have discovered how plants recognize their siblings through chemical cues in roots. This finding has significant implications for agriculture, where crop yields and growth patterns may be improved by understanding plant sibling recognition.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalCommunicative & Integrative Biology·DateOct 14, 2009
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Why winning athletes are getting bigger

A new analysis by Duke University engineers found that elite athletes are getting bigger and faster, with the fastest swimmers growing 4.5 inches and the swiftest runners growing 6.4 inches taller since 1900. This trend can be predicted by the constructal theory of design in nature.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateJul 17, 2009

Hormone clue to root growth

Researchers at the University of Nottingham have identified gibberellin as a hormone controlling plant root growth by regulating cell proliferation and expansion rates. The study highlights the importance of understanding hormone regulation in plant biology for improving crop yields.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 7, 2009

Historical increase in corn yield -- it's in the roots

A new study published in Crop Science found that the root structure of corn crops plays a key role in the historical yield increases in the US Corn Belt. The research revealed that changes in root systems allow for more efficient water capture and sustain biomass accumulation.

SourceCrop Science Society of America·JournalCrop Science·DateMar 16, 2009

Long-term study of orchard ground cover management systems

A 10-year study on orchard ground cover management systems found substantial differences in root growth, turnover, and distribution among different GMS treatments. Hardwood bark mulch and post-emergence herbicide treatments produced more tree growth and higher yields than others.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateFeb 26, 2009
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Sweet potato takes a ride on space shuttle

Researchers at the Center for Food and Environmental Systems for Human Exploration of Space successfully grew sweet potato cuttings in microgravity, showing that they can regenerate roots. The study found significant differences in root growth development between microgravity and ground-based conditions.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalJournal of the American Society for Horticultural Science·DateFeb 17, 2009

Does hotter mean healthier?

A study by ASHS researchers found no correlation between pepper heat levels and resistance to Phytophthora blight. Instead, genetic differences, cuticle thickness, and other factors may play a role in fruit response to the disease.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateFeb 3, 2009
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Surface-level ozone pollution set to reduce tree growth 10 percent by 2100

A meta-analysis of decades-long experimental evidence reveals that modern day concentrations of ground level ozone pollution are decreasing tree growth in northern and temperate mid-latitudes. The study predicts a 17% reduction in tree growth by the end of the century if current fossil fuel dependence continues.

SourceWiley·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateDec 9, 2008

UC Riverside biochemists devise method for bypassing aluminum toxicity effects in plants

Researchers at UC Riverside have discovered a mechanism that allows plants to bypass the negative effects of aluminum toxicity, enabling them to grow normally in soils with high levels of toxic aluminum. By manipulating a DNA surveillance system called AtATR, scientists can enhance aluminum tolerance and increase crop productivity.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 2, 2008

How roots find a route

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.

SourceNorwich BioScience Institutes·JournalScience·DateFeb 28, 2008

Root or shoot? EAR calls the shots

Researchers at the Salk Institute discovered a six-amino acid protein sequence, EAR domain, which ensures plants are neither all root nor all shoot. The study clarifies the purpose of the EAR motif and explains how mutations in TOPLESS gene can switch plant cell's fate from shoot to root.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalScience·DateFeb 7, 2008
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

'Smart' flower bulbs pull themselves to deeper ground

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.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalJournal of the American Society for Horticultural Science·DateDec 2, 2007

Scientists find stem cell switch

Researchers have found that ethylene regulates cell division in root stem cells, allowing plants to detect favorable soil conditions. This breakthrough has significant implications for tackling soil compaction issues in tropical agriculture.

SourceNorwich BioScience Institutes·JournalScience·DateJul 26, 2007

Below the surface: New clues to plant signaling from the roots

Researchers at the University of Utah have identified a novel gene, BYPASS1, that regulates root-to-shoot communication and controls plant architecture. The study reveals that roots produce a growth-inhibiting substance that affects shoot development, providing new insights into plant signaling.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 4, 2004
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

How roots control plant shoots

Researchers at University of Utah discovered a gene, BPS1, in plant roots that sends chemical signals controlling leaf growth. The study found that manipulating this gene can change the way leaves develop, even when plants have enough food and water.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 4, 2004

Map of genes in plant root yields new tool for exploring tissue development

Researchers at Duke University have developed a new technique to map the activity of thousands of genes in the roots of Arabidopsis plants, offering insights into how complex tissues develop from a single cell. The study reveals that nearly half of all expressed genes in the root show tissue-specific expression.

SourceDuke University·JournalScience·DateDec 11, 2003
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

New science at K-State attracts $4.2 million from National Science Foundation

Kansas State University has received $4.2 million from the National Science Foundation to support new science initiatives, including a project in ecological genomics that aims to understand how organisms respond to environmental changes caused by human activities. The project will use the tools of molecular genetics with ecology to inv...

SourceKansas State University·DateJul 9, 2003

Picky plants: Do they 'choose' the best fungal partner?

A study by University of Michigan doctoral student Miroslav Kummel found that plants associate with different fungi depending on light conditions, suggesting a choice-based mechanism for nutrient exchange. This discovery could have implications for the timber industry and our understanding of plant-fungus interactions.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·DateAug 6, 2001

Putting Down Your Roots: How Plants Know To Do It

Scientists at Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research discovered a plant gene called EIR1 that plays a critical role in root growth towards the earth in response to gravity. The findings may lead to new strategies for enhancing food production, particularly in arid climates.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalGenes & Development·DateJul 24, 1998
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.