Add BrightSurf on Google Email

How plants stop growing to survive stress

Researchers identified a mechanism allowing plants to rapidly slow growth in response to extreme stress. By limiting growth-related compounds, plants pause development and cope with stress. The finding has practical applications for developing more resilient crops.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 24, 2026
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.

Microwaves help turn sugar industry waste into high-performance biochar

A new study shows that microwave-assisted pyrolysis can convert sugarcane bagasse into highly porous biochar with exceptional surface properties. The process produces biochar with a surface area exceeding 1,150 square meters per gram, making it suitable for applications such as pollutant adsorption and energy storage.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 29, 2026

Smart hormone technologies could help sugarcane survive droughts and floods

A new review highlights how exogenous phytohormones can strengthen sugarcane's ability to cope with both drought and waterlogging. Emerging technologies like robotic systems and nanotechnology are being developed to deliver hormones precisely when and where they are needed.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·TypeLiterature review·DateOct 23, 2025

Pretreatment methods bring second-gen biofuels from oilcane closer to commercialization

Researchers at the Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation (CABBI) demonstrate industrial viability of hydrothermal pretreatment for producing second-generation biofuels from oilcane lignocellulose. The study showcases an efficient method for converting oilcane into bioethanol, reducing dependence on foreign oil.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment·JournalSustainable Energy & Fuels·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 3, 2025
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Bioprocessing method yields high-value products alongside biofuels

Researchers developed a sustainable process to recover valuable products from oilcane bagasse, generating multiple product streams. The process recovers anthocyanins and vegetative lipids for natural colorants and biofuel production, making the process more cost-effective and sustainable.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment·JournalBioresource Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 24, 2025

CABBI team designs efficient bioenergy crops that need less water to grow

Researchers at CABBI used genetic engineering to improve water use efficiency in climate-friendly C4 crops like sorghum and sugarcane, maximizing biomass production while minimizing water usage. The breakthrough could aid crops in mitigating drought stress and support the development of a sustainable bioeconomy.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment·JournalJournal of Experimental Botany·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 4, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

LC05-136: Pioneering sugarcane variety transforming China's sugar industry

The fifth-generation sugarcane variety LC05-136 has been cultivated across over 1.67 million hectares in China, showcasing its high yield and drought tolerance. Despite its achievements, challenges like sugarcane smut resistance remain, highlighting the need for continued improvements to ensure stable sugar production.

SourceMaximum Academic Press·JournalTropical Plants·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 19, 2024

Fine-tuning leaf angle with CRISPR improves sugarcane yield

Researchers used CRISPR to fine-tune sugarcane's leaf angle, capturing more sunlight and increasing biomass production. The study focused on the LIGULELESS1 gene, which plays a major role in determining leaf angle.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment·JournalPlant Biotechnology Journal·DateJun 10, 2024
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Review article shows key role of Brazil in research on sugarcane for bioenergy

The review highlights Brazil's importance in global sustainability efforts, with the country having twice as many articles on sugarcane as the US. Genetic engineering techniques need improvement to increase ethanol production while minimizing crop expansion. CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing is a promising approach for precise modifications.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalBioEnergy Research·DateNov 27, 2023

New pipeline makes valuable organic acid from plants — saving money and emissions

Researchers at CABBI developed an economical method for producing succinic acid, a key chemical in food, agricultural, and pharmaceutical products, using acid-tolerant yeast. The new pipeline eliminates costly downstream processing steps, significantly reducing costs and emissions.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 3, 2023

Researchers create formula for first synthetic sugarcane molasses with fully reproducible composition

Researchers have developed a standardized synthetic molasses with a fully known composition that can be used as a culture medium for yeast fermentation. This breakthrough enables scientists to study the influence of specific components and develop bioprocesses worldwide, facilitating comparative research and industrial applications.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 27, 2023
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Brazilian researchers develop method of purifying water contaminated by glyphosate

Researchers at São Paulo State University have developed a technique to remove glyphosate, a widely used herbicide, from contaminated water. By using functionalized cellulose fibers from sugarcane bagasse, they can effectively adsorb and remove glyphosate residues from an aqueous medium.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalPure and Applied Chemistry·DateSep 22, 2023

Refining surge protector in crops could boost yields

Researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln have identified new genes that regulate the surge protector in plants, which can help increase photosynthesis efficiency and boost corn yields. The discovery could lead to breeding plants better equipped to capitalize on yield-boosting sunlight.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalNew Phytologist·DateJun 5, 2023
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

CABBI researchers chart oilcane microbiome

A new study by CABBI researchers has identified the types of microbes associated with engineered oilcane, revealing diverse microbial associations that could increase oil yields for sustainable bioenergy production. The findings suggest that plant-microbial interactions play a key role in determining the composition of the microbiome.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment·JournalBiotechnology for Biofuels and Bioproducts·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 10, 2023

Wastewater to energy: new treatment process can improve biorefinery sustainability

Researchers at CABBI designed a new wastewater treatment process that simultaneously treats water and recovers biogas, reducing capital costs and energy usage. The process efficiently converts organic contaminants to biogas, achieving simultaneous energy recovery and wastewater treatment.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateMar 24, 2023

Shellac-based coating makes pulp materials suitable for food without use of petroleum based polymers or metals

Researchers have developed a shellac-based coating to improve the gas barrier properties of moulded pulp materials, making them suitable for food packaging. The coating, combined with nanofibrillated cellulose, provides superior water resistance and thermal stability, while preserving environmental sustainability.

SourceSociety of Chemical Industry·JournalPolymer International·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 7, 2023
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Speeding up sugar's conversion into fuel

University of Queensland researchers have found a way to more efficiently convert sugarcane into isobutanol, a chemical used in fuels, plastics, and food additives. The cell-free method produces at least 10 times the amount of isobutanol as traditional methods, offering higher yields and more control over the production process.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·DateJan 16, 2023

Reducing sugar consumption to achieve climate and sustainability goals

A new study suggests that reducing sugar consumption through sugar taxation policies can have significant environmental, social, and economic benefits. Redirecting existing sugar cropland to alternative uses like biofuel production could lead to emissions reductions of up to 54.3 MtCO2e per year.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 25, 2022
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Artificial intelligence accelerates search for markers of resistance to sugarcane yellow leaf disease

Researchers used machine learning and genomics to identify molecular markers of resistance to sugarcane yellow leaf disease in over 97 sugarcane genotypes. The study found that energy cane varieties with higher fiber content are more resistant to the disease, paving the way for commercial launches.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 28, 2021

Sweet success: CABBI demonstrates first precision breeding of sugarcane with CRISPR-Cas9

Recent innovations by University of Florida researchers at CABBI demonstrate the first successful precision breeding of sugarcane using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing. This technique allows for precise changes in genes and introduces superior versions, potentially increasing productivity and sustainability.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment·JournalFrontiers in Genome Editing·DateJul 12, 2021
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.

Are 'bacterial probiotics' a game-changer for the biofuels industry?

Scientists found that certain bacteria, like Lactobacillus amylovorus, can increase fermentation yields by up to three percent. This discovery suggests a new approach to industrial production, focusing on selecting beneficial bacteria rather than relying on broad-spectrum antibiotics or treatments.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 10, 2021

Scientists uncover the mysterious origin of canal grass in Panama

Researchers find that invasive canal grass in Panama originated from a sugarcane breeding program in Florida, where over 500 varieties were sent for testing. The plant's DNA matches those from Indonesia and suggests high ploidy levels, making it challenging to control its spread.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalBiological Invasions·DateNov 30, 2020

Exploring the sustainability of the Indian sugar industry

A national biofuel policy encouraging sugarcane juice production may make India's water and energy resources more sustainable. Sugarcane cultivation has expanded due to policies that incentivize production, reducing resources for micronutrient-rich foods.

SourceStanford's School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateAug 3, 2020

'Tequila' powered biofuels more efficient than corn or sugar

A team of researchers has found that agave-powered bioethanol is superior to corn and sugarcane in terms of water consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and ethanol output. The efficient process could also help produce ethanol for hand sanitizer, addressing the high demand during the COVID-19 pandemic.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalJournal of Cleaner Production·DateMar 31, 2020
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.

New tool facilitates genetic mapping of polyploid plants

A new genetic mapping system for polyploid species has been developed in Brazil, allowing researchers to analyze the genes of complex organisms like sugarcane, kiwi, and blueberry. The open-source software package, MAPpoly, can be downloaded free of charge and has already been adopted by researchers at seven institutions worldwide.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·DateNov 8, 2019
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 preprocessing methods affect the conversion efficiency of biomass energy production

A new study published in Bioresource Technology Reports examines the impact of biomass preprocessing on conversion efficiency. Researchers found that comminution and particle size play a significant role in determining energy expenditure, with miscanthus showing improved efficiency under certain conditions.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalBioresource Technology·DateOct 11, 2019

Turning up the heat for weed control

Studies examine the effects of temperature on itchgrass and divine nightshade seeds in sugarcane fields. Higher temperatures can kill weeds, but varying conditions are needed for optimal control, considering seed coat structure and soil insulation.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateSep 25, 2019

Ethanol fuels large-scale expansion of Brazil's farming land

A University of Queensland-led study models future ethanol demand scenarios, forecasting potential expansion of sugarcane farming land in Brazil to 5 million hectares by 2030. The high demand scenario could lead to doubling current ethanol demand and necessitate additional 5 million hectares of land for sugarcane crops.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalEnergy Policy·DateSep 17, 2019
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.

Software locates sugarcane genes of interest

Brazilian researchers developed a software program called Polyploid Gene Assembler (PGA) to map specific portions of plant DNA, saving at least two orders of magnitude compared to mapping the whole genome. The technique uses publicly available data from related grasses to locate genes of interest for plant breeders.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalDNA Research·DateMay 15, 2019

Researchers advance in the development of 'papaya sugarcane'

Scientists have identified genes involved in sugarcane root cell separation, a process that can be applied to other parts of the plant. The development of transgenic varieties with soft cell walls similar to papaya could increase sucrose extraction and reduce enzyme cocktails for ethanol production.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJournal of Experimental Botany·DateApr 2, 2019

Benefits of agricultural sustainability standards

The study models environmental impacts of adopting Bonsucro Voluntary Sustainability Standards, finding a potential reduction in sugarcane production area and water use. By focusing on 10% of current production area, most benefits can be achieved

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 21, 2019
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Success is sweet: Researchers unlock the mysteries of the sugarcane genome

The complete sugarcane genome sequence reveals insights into the crop's evolutionary history and potential for disease resistance. The sequence data also led to the discovery of genes involved in stress tolerance and improved breeding methods.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalNature Genetics·DateOct 8, 2018

Key gene to accelerate sugarcane growth is identified

Brazilian researchers have identified a key gene, ScGAI, that accelerates sugarcane growth by regulating developmental hormones such as ethylene and gibberellins. Silencing the gene in transgenic sugarcane lines resulted in increased culm volume and rapid internode elongation.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJournal of Experimental Botany·DateAug 3, 2018

The highly complex sugarcane genome has finally been sequenced

The sugarcane genome has been sequenced using a novel method that leverages colinearity with the sorghum genome, enabling molecular screening techniques for breeding and biomass production. The reference sequence obtained is of high quality, revolutionizing genomic and genetic approaches for sugarcane species.

SourceCirad·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 11, 2018

Sugarcane pest produces foam to protect itself from heat

Researchers discovered that the root spittlebug produces a thermal insulator-foam to maintain an optimal body temperature during development. The foam, composed of palmitic acid, stearic acid, proteins, and carbohydrates, protects nymphs from temperature fluctuations in the external environment.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 30, 2018
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.

Research shows how genetics can contribute for advances in 2G ethanol production

Researchers have identified key genes involved in enzymatic degradation of sugarcane biomass by three fungal species. The study, supported by FAPESP, provides insights into the genetic mechanisms controlling enzyme secretion and expression, paving the way for more efficient biomass breakdown and production of biofuels.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 12, 2018

To maximize sugarcane harvesting, use the right blade

A study by the University of Illinois found that using the right blade is crucial for maximizing sugarcane harvesting. The researchers discovered that an angled blade caused the greatest damage to sugarcane stems and roots, while a serrated-edged blade reduced stem damage overall.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·DateJan 17, 2018
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.

Brazilian ethanol can replace 13.7 percent of world's crude oil consumption

A study suggests that expanding sugarcane cultivation in Brazil for ethanol production could reduce global carbon dioxide emissions by up to 5.6% by 2045, while replacing up to 13.7% of world crude oil consumption. The expansion of sugarcane cultivation is proposed in areas not under environmental protection or reserved for food produc...

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalNature Climate Change·DateNov 28, 2017

Scientists: Expanding Brazilian sugarcane could dent global CO2 emissions

Scientists propose expanding sugarcane production in Brazil to reduce global carbon dioxide emissions. The idea involves converting hundreds of thousands of square miles into sugarcane fields while allowing for expansion of other agricultural crops and human needs.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Climate Change·DateOct 23, 2017

The mystery of the yellowing sugarcane

Researchers from UT Tyler and Sugar Research Australia used TACC supercomputers to analyze genetic data from affected and unaffected plants. They created a reference genome for sugarcane's transcriptome, allowing them to explore gene expression related to the disease.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·DateAug 8, 2017
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

New 3-D model predicts best planting practices for farmers

A new computer model predicts optimal planting designs for specific environments, reducing yield losses up to 10% with double-row spacing. The model incorporates biochemical and biophysical processes to simulate 3D plant growth, enabling farmers to make data-driven decisions.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalBioEnergy Research·DateJun 23, 2017

Study reveals how a hormone increases sucrose accumulation in sugarcane

Researchers discovered how chemical ripeners increase sucrose storage in sugarcane by stimulating ethylene production. This process enables plants to accumulate more sugar, leading to higher yields and improved profitability for plantation owners.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 7, 2017