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New clues could help scientists harness the power of photosynthesis

Researchers discovered a gene that enables plants to harness energy from the far-red-light spectrum, potentially increasing plant productivity. This breakthrough could lead to the development of more efficient crop plants and even artificial photosynthesis as an alternative energy source.

Arsenic accumulates in the nuclei of plants' cells

Researchers have discovered that arsenic accumulates in the nuclei of plants' cells at low concentrations, impairing photosynthesis. The toxic metalloid can cause genetic damage by replacing phosphorus in genes.

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

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Kaolin effectively controls whitefly in beans

Researchers found that foliar applications of kaolin at 2.5% and 5% controlled approximately 80% of the whitefly population in bean crops. Kaolin also improved plant physiology, reducing transpiration by 40% and increasing leaf chlorophyll content by 43%.

End-of-production LED lighting increases red pigmentation in lettuce

Researchers found that supplemental lighting with red and blue LEDs can increase anthocyanin synthesis and pigmentation of lettuce crops, leading to improved color and increased market value. This cost-effective practice allows growers to manipulate leaf color in 5-7 days without negatively affecting growth or morphology.

Pick a color, any color

A team of chemists has synthesized molecules that can absorb any color of sunlight, from oranges to near-infrared. By understanding how these pigments work, they aim to manipulate their light absorption at will.

Tufts scientists develop new early warning system for cholera epidemics

Researchers have established a new technique to predict seasonal cholera epidemics months in advance with greater accuracy, utilizing remote satellite imaging and measuring organic matter. The 'satellite water marker' index was found to be more accurate than previous methods, reducing error rates by up to 30%.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Salt-tolerant crops show higher capacity for carbon fixation

Tomato and watermelon crops show higher capacity for carbon fixation under saline conditions. In contrast, lettuce, melon, and pepper crops have lower photosynthetic rates and chlorophyll content, indicating reduced efficiency in CO2 accumulation.

Ocean's color affects hurricane paths

A study found that a decrease in chlorophyll concentration, leading to a change in ocean color, can reduce hurricane formation by 70% in the North Pacific. This reduction is due to changes in air circulation patterns and surface water temperature.

Chlorophylls effective against aflatoxin

A new study has found that chlorophyll and its derivative chlorophyllin are effective in limiting the absorption of aflatoxin in humans. The Phase 0 approach allows for the measurement of minute amounts of aflatoxin, revealing rapid absorption that is significantly limited after treatment with chlorophyll and chlorophyllin.

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.

First step to converting solar energy using 'artificial leaf'

Scientists at Leiden University have successfully developed an artificial leaf that can convert sunlight into fuel and clean energy. The breakthrough, which is the first step in creating an artificial photosynthesis system, involves modifying chlorophyll molecules to resemble the efficient light antennae of bacteria.

New technique enables assessment of drought performance

A new technique allows for a quantitative and precise determination of plant viability during drought stress using chlorophyll fluorescence. This method is non-invasive, easy to measure, and minimizes technical expertise, making it a valuable complement to existing methods.

Blue bananas

Ripe bananas exhibit bright blue luminescence when exposed to UV light, attributed to breakdown products of chlorophyll. The intensity of the glow decreases as ripening progresses.

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

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Berkeley researchers identify photosynthetic dimmer switch

Researchers identified pigment-binding protein CP29 as a valve regulating excess solar energy during photosynthesis. The study suggests that ambient pH levels can control the dimmer switch's opening and closing, with implications for designing artificial photosynthesis systems.

Researchers decode genetics of rare photosynthetic bacterium

The researchers' successful sequencing of the cyanobacterium's genome has revealed its genetic secrets, shedding light on how it produces chlorophyll d and absorbs far-red light. This discovery holds potential for plant research and could lead to the development of crops that can harness a wider range of light spectrum.

Bacterium sequenced makes rare form of chlorophyll

Scientists have sequenced the genome of a rare cyanobacterium that produces an even rarer form of chlorophyll, enabling it to harness near-infrared light. This breakthrough could lead to genetically altered plants that can store and generate solar energy, increasing photosynthesis efficiency.

Ripe fruit preferred

Researchers found that breakdown of chlorophyll in ripening fruits produces highly active antioxidants called nonfluorescing chlorophyll catabolytes (NCCs). These NCCs are effective against oxidative stress and may play a role in human health. The study suggests that consuming ripe fruits regularly can provide potential health benefits.

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

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Protein behind autumn color splendor identified

A Swedish research team has identified a protease that degrades the LHCII protein, which is responsible for the green color of leaves. This discovery sheds light on the plant's recycling process and how it prepares for winter.

NASA satellite data capture a big climate effect on tiny ocean life

Phytoplankton population and size can change dramatically due to El Niño and La Niña events, affecting ocean ecology and influencing the climate. These changes impact carbon storage in the ocean, which in turn helps stabilize carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere.

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

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Scientists propose new approach to estimating global ocean productivity

Researchers have developed a new method to estimate global ocean productivity by analyzing the amount of carbon in phytoplankton, using satellite data and ocean color. This approach may lead to significant revisions in estimates of ocean carbon absorption and new understanding of marine ecosystems.

Key molecule in plant photo-protection identified

Scientists have discovered that zeaxanthin, a carotenoid pigment, plays a crucial role in protecting plants from excessive solar energy. The study used ultrafast spectroscopic techniques to follow the movement of absorbed excitation energy and found that zeaxanthin interacts with chlorophyll molecules to dissipate excess energy.

Nutrient-poor oceans generate their food 'hot spots'

Researchers found that nutrient-poor ocean areas have 'hot spots' of high chlorophyll concentrations, likely due to concentrated floating organic particles. This phenomenon improves our understanding of marine ecosystem processes and has significant applications for fishing and tuna stock management.

Designing a better catalyst for 'artificial photosynthesis'

Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory have discovered an important intermediate step in the artificial photosynthesis process using robust transition metal complexes like rhenium. By studying these reactions over short and long timescales, they found that two energetic metal complexes are involved in activating one CO2 molecule.

Supplement reduces risk of aflatoxin-related liver cancer

A double-blind study conducted in China found that chlorophyllin supplements reduced DNA damage related to aflatoxin exposure in healthy adults. The study showed a 55% reduction in aflatoxin damage, which could lead to a lower risk of liver cancer.

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.