A Plant That "Cannot Die" Reveals Its Genetic Secrets
Events in the genome of Welwitschia have given it the ability to survive in an unforgiving desert for thousands of years. From a report: The longest-lived leaves in the plant kingdom can be found only in the harsh, hyperarid desert that crosses the b.....»»
Study reveals key role of plant-bacteria communication for assembly of a healthy plant microbiome
In an interdisciplinary study, researchers have discovered that symbiotic bacteria communicate with legume plants through specific molecules and that this communication influences which bacteria grow near the plant roots. The findings provide insight.....»»
Addressing hidden hunger in developing countries: Study investigates genetic information of millet
Millet, the grain, is having a moment. The United Nations declared 2023 the International Year of Millets. And last September, leaders at the G20 Summit in India were treated to a smorgasbord of dishes and desserts all made from millets......»»
Three sisters garden study finds balanced pollinator-plant network faces an uncertain future
The loss of even one wild bee species can disrupt the reproductive success of certain plants resulting in fewer vegetables, fruits and flowers, say York University researchers who studied how pollinators and plants rely on each other, specifically in.....»»
Uncertainty clouds UN talks on biopiracy treaty
UN talks to create a global treaty to combat biopiracy and the exploitation of genetic resources hung in the balance Thursday, a day before an agreement was due to be signed......»»
New "atlas" provides unprecedented insights on how genes function in early embryo development
Although the Human Genome Project announced the completed sequencing of 20,000 human genes more than 20 years ago, scientists are still working to grasp how fully formed beings emerge from basic genetic instructions......»»
Pineapple mint"s genetic blueprint: A comprehensive genome assembly
Mentha suaveolens, commonly known as pineapple mint, is valued for its distinct aroma and medicinal properties, which are attributed to its essential oils......»»
Birdsong and human voice built from same genetic blueprint
Humans have long been fascinated by bird song and the cacophony of other avian sounds—from coos and honks to quacks and peeps. But little is known about how the unique vocal organ of birds—the syrinx—varies from species to species or its deeper.....»»
Scientists discover primary wound signal that promotes plant regeneration
In a study published in Cell on May 22, researchers led by Prof. Li Chuanyou from the Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology (IGDB) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences report their discovery that REGENERATION FACTOR1 (REF1) is the primary loc.....»»
A fungus converts cellulose directly into a novel platform chemical
The fungus Talaromyces verruculosus can produce the chemical erythro-isocitric acid directly from cheap plant waste, thus making it interesting for industrial utilization......»»
Researchers show taller plant communities are more productive and sensitive to climate warming
Climate warming, a result of increasing greenhouse gas emissions, is causing significant shifts in the composition of plant species with different traits worldwide. These changes are particularly pronounced in colder or higher elevation regions, wher.....»»
Genetic mutation responsible for new coat pattern in cats in Finland identified
A team of geneticists and animal welfare specialists from the U.K. and one from the U.S. has identified the genetic mutation responsible for a newly discovered cat coat color pattern in Finland. In their study, published in the journal Animal Genetic.....»»
Flower or power? Campaigners fear lithium mine could kill rare plant
Delicate pink buds sway in the desert breeze, pregnant with yellow pompoms whose explosion will carpet the dusty corner of Nevada that is the only place on Earth where they exist......»»
Research improves multiplex mutagenesis to increase experimental efficiency in plant genome editing
CRISPR/Cas9 remains the most powerful tool to generate mutations in plant genomes. Studying the various combinations of mutations has significantly increased the scale of experimental setups, necessitating more space to grow numerous plants......»»
How yeasts manage to compensate for the genetic imbalance of extra chromosomes
Having extra chromosomes is typically an issue for an organism and can disrupt development or cause disease. But some cells benefit instead. For example, cancer cells or pathogenic yeasts can use extra chromosomes to escape treatment and become drug-.....»»
Study reveals cuddled cows who work as therapy animals show a strong preference for women compared to men
A new study, titled "Cow Cuddling: Cognitive Considerations in Bovine-Assisted Therapy" published in the Human-Animal Interactions journal, reveals that cows who are cuddled as therapy animals showed a strong preference for interactions with women wh.....»»
New research into the secrets of the forest: Finnish tree population is made up of families and neighborhoods
The trees in the forest are not just a random group. Fascinating facts reveal pine tree family relationships. The pollen that floats in the air can spread for hundreds of kilometers, but the offspring are usually found in the neighborhood......»»
Beach erosion will make Southern California coastal living five times more expensive by 2050, study predicts
Rising sea levels and urban development are accelerating coastal erosion at an alarming rate in Southern California with significant ripple effects on the region's economy, a USC study reveals......»»
Ancient DNA study reveals population history of Western Tibetan Plateau
According to a study published in Current Biology on May 22, the genetic components of the ancient populations in the western Tibetan Plateau are closest to ancient populations in the southern Tibetan Plateau, and their major genetic components have.....»»
Unlocking the secrets of supercritical fluids: Study offers insights into a hybrid state of matter
A study now published in Nature Communications brings remarkable insights into the enigmatic behavior of supercritical fluids, a hybrid state of matter occupying a unique space between liquids and gases, and arising in domains that go from the pharma.....»»
Researchers identify gene important to adaptation and determine roots are a key to drought-tolerant maize
An international study headed by the University of Bonn has now demonstrated the important role of the plant root system in maize, a crop that can grow successfully in very different local conditions......»»