Cacao plants" defense against toxic cadmium unveiled
Researchers from the University Grenoble Alpes (UGA), France, together with the ESRF, the European Synchrotron located in Grenoble, France, used ESRF's bright X-rays to unveil how cacao trees protect themselves from toxic metal cadmium. This knowledg.....»»
Orchid awakening: Unveiling the hormonal choreography behind flower development
Flower development in plants is a complex process influenced by various intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Hormones like gibberellin (GA) and abscisic acid (ABA) play pivotal roles in regulating this process. In many orchids, including the Chinese Cymb.....»»
Researchers discover MAPK20-ATG6 link in tomato pollen vitality
Pollen development in flowering plants is a complex process involving multiple genetic and physiological pathways. Previous studies have highlighted the importance of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in various plant developmental stages......»»
PFAS "forever" chemical laws need an overhaul—recent court rulings highlight the loopholes
As awareness of toxic, synthetic chemical pollution from per- and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS) increases, more legal settlements in billion dollar amounts are being made between chemical companies and public water suppliers, both in the US and E.....»»
Hidden mechanisms behind hermaphroditic plant self-incompatibility revealed
A new study presents an evolutionary-biophysical model that sheds new light on the evolution of the collaborative non-self recognition self-incompatibility, a genetic mechanism in plants that prevents self-fertilization and promotes cross-fertilizati.....»»
Heat and disease: The genetic tug-of-war in pepper immunity
Plants face simultaneous challenges from pathogens and environmental stresses, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. Pathogens trigger immune responses through specific receptors, while high temperatures activate heat tolerance mechanisms......»»
Secrets of salt drop stains unveiled: New research decodes chemical composition from simple photos
Imagine zooming in on a dried drop of salt solution—each pattern a unique masterpiece, reminiscent of abstract art, yet no larger than the size of a penny......»»
Researchers develop RNA-targeting technology for precisely manipulating parts of human genes
Researchers at the University of Toronto have harnessed a bacterial immune defense system, known as CRISPR, to efficiently and precisely control the process of RNA splicing. The technology opens the door to new applications, including systematically.....»»
Your wig could be poisoning you: Study finds pesticides and other toxic chemicals in synthetic hair in Nigeria
Well-groomed hair is a symbol of beauty for many black African women. Natural hair requires special care and attention, though, which can be time consuming. Wigs (human or synthetic hair), weave-ons and other artificial hair extensions offer women an.....»»
New study confirms forever chemicals are absorbed through human skin
A study of 17 commonly-used synthetic 'forever chemicals' has shown that these toxic substances can readily be absorbed through human skin......»»
Genetic switch in plants can turn simple spoon-shaped leaves into complex leaves with leaflets
The diversity of forms of living organisms is enormous. But how the individual cells together coordinate the formation of organs and tissues in complex organisms is still an open question......»»
Ethylene oxide emissions from two plants could have raised cancer risks for Illinois residents, report shows
People living near two Lake County industries could face significantly greater risks of developing certain cancers, according to a new federal study based on monitoring of ethylene oxide pollution in surrounding neighborhoods......»»
When will the next iOS 18 developer beta be released?
Apple released the first developer beta of iOS 18 on June 10, the same day it kicked off WWDC and unveiled all the new OS features coming later this year. It’s been nearly two weeks since that last beta, so when will iOS 18 beta 2 be released? H.....»»
Space instruments provide early warnings for solar flares
When a solar flare leaps out from around the sun, a small fleet of scientific instruments designed and built at the University of Colorado Boulder form a first line of defense—spotting these massive eruptions before any other instrument in space, t.....»»
Blooming through adversity: Roses" genetic defense against salinity stress
A cutting-edge study illuminates the intricate mechanisms of rose plants' resistance to salt stress, a critical issue for global agriculture. The research identifies the phenylpropane pathway, especially flavonoids, as key to this tolerance, offering.....»»
How a biocatalyst might boost the growth of microalgae
Living organisms consist to a large extent of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) compounds. These have to be taken in with food or, in the case of plants, produced through photosynthesis......»»
Inspired by nature: Synthetic nightshade molecule effective against leukemia cells
Nightshade plants produce a diverse array of compounds with therapeutic potential. Researchers at CeMM have now identified an artificial variant inspired by the Withanolides group that acts highly specifically against leukemia cells......»»
New tomato, potato family tree shows that fruit color and size evolved together
Fruits of Solanum plants, a group in the nightshade family, are incredibly diverse, ranging from sizable red tomatoes and purple eggplants to the poisonous green berries on potato plants. A new and improved family tree of this group, produced by an i.....»»
New iOS 18 API brings AirPods setup experience to third-party accessories
When Apple introduced in 2016, the company also unveiled a new, easy and intuitive way to pair wireless accessories to iPhone and iPad. Rather than having to go to Bluetooth settings and press buttons, the system identifies the accessory nearby and.....»»
Study finds plants store carbon for shorter periods than thought
The carbon stored globally by plants is shorter-lived and more vulnerable to climate change than previously thought, according to a new study......»»
Wild chimpanzees seek out medicinal plants to treat illness and injuries, study finds
Chimpanzees appear to consume plants with medicinal properties to treat their ailments, according to a study published on June 20 in the open-access journal PLOS ONE by Elodie Freymann from the University of Oxford, UK, and colleagues......»»