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Nanoplastics, absorbed by tree roots, can impair photosynthesis in both spruce and deciduous trees, leading to stress responses. Researchers found nanoplastics reduce photosynthesis efficiency by up to 33% in some species. Though short-term effects showed no impact on growth, the…

Researchershave developed optogenetic tobacco plants to study plant signaling pathways. Using light-activated ion channels, they discovered that membrane depolarization, not calcium influx, triggers key plant responses to stress, like drought. This breakthrough enables a deeper understanding of plant defense mechanisms,…

Scientists discovered how the pathogen Phytophthora infestans weakens plant immunity by targeting the chloroplast protein StFC-II in potatoes. The pathogen’s effector Pi22922 stabilizes StFC-II, disrupting chloroplast function and reducing the plant's immune response. This finding offers insights into enhancing crop…

A new framework for climate event attribution, combines qualitative physics, quantitative methods, and local knowledge to trace climate change's role in extreme events. This approach can guide the swift, ethical allocation of funds to developing nations facing climate-related loss and…

Researchers have uncovered the gene LcSVP2 as a key regulator of dormancy in lychee, an evergreen tree. This gene controls when buds rest and also represses flowering. Understanding LcSVP2's dual role could improve crop management, boosting lychee yields and sustainability…