Researchers have uncovered a genetic anomaly in tomato plants, revealing a “parallel universe” where sticky defense sugars, called acylsugars, are found in both leaves and roots. This discovery not only sheds light on plant evolution but also offers insights for developing natural pesticides.
Researchers have enhanced CRISPR, enabling precise insertion of large gene segments into higher plant DNA efficiently. By adding an exonuclease to CRISPR, they prevent DNA repair enzymes from interfering, increasing successful gene insertions. This method promises advanced plant breeding and targeted gene function studies.
Barley plants orchestrate their underground microbial entourage by secreting a tailored blend of sugars, shaping distinct communities around their roots. A. new study reveals how modern and traditional barley types summon unique microbial allies, highlighting potential for optimizing crop health through targeted microbiome management.
Researchers utilize AI to engineer plants combatting climate change. Deep learning software, SLEAP, analyzes plant traits, expediting the design of carbon-capturing plants. By optimizing root systems, plants draw more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Bioscientists contribute to a global study, creating a comprehensive “tree of life” for flowering plants, including crucial insights into the evolution of cruciferous plants. Drawing from extensive botanical collections and genetic analyses, researchers shed light on plant origins and relationships, aiding conservation efforts amidst climate change.
In Arabidopsis thaliana leaves, lipid droplets (LDs) are not just storage units but hubs for essential molecular functions. Research unveiled proteins crucial for intracellular movements and furan fatty acid biosynthesis within LDs, hinting at novel roles beyond mere lipid storage. This study sheds light on plant biology and lipid production technology.
Research spanning nearly nine decades reveals a decline in insect-pollinated plant species across the Netherlands. Analyzing datasets, scientists highlight the pivotal role of these plants in biodiversity and food security, with 75% of crops reliant on insect pollination. Urgent conservation measures are proposed to mitigate this trend, emphasizing the need for ongoing monitoring and intervention.
Researchers have developed sensors using carbon nanotubes to detect plant signaling molecules like hydrogen peroxide and salicylic acid. These sensors could serve as an early warning system for farmers, detecting stresses like heat, light, insect attacks, or bacterial infections in crops.
New study explores forests that experience “cold-airpooling,” a phenomenon where cold air at higher elevations drains down into lower-lying valleys, reversing the expected temperatures—warm at the bottom, cold at the top—that typically occurs in mountainous areas. That is, the air temperature drops with descent from mountain to valley.
Plants with multiple sets of chromosomes have advantages over their relatives with a double set. But why they often start out infertile was only partially understood. Biologists have now discovered a new reason for the initial difficulties.
