Genetic sequence for parasitic flowering plant Sapria
On January 22 in Current Biology, a team of Harvard-led researchers presented the most complete genome yet assembled of one of the major Rafflesiaceae lineages, Sapria himalayana......»»
Novel algorithms detect precursory scale increase to help forecast big quakes
Many people are aware that large earthquakes are often followed by a sequence of aftershocks as stresses are redistributed in the surrounding area. Many may not be aware that there are also sequences of earthquakes that occur before most large earthq.....»»
Rare bear meat at gathering gives 10 people a scare—and parasitic worms
These roundworms have the potential to invade your brain. If you're going to eat a bear, make sure it's not rare. You'd be forgiven for thinking that once the beast has been subd.....»»
One-third of European plant species could be in trouble due to declining seed disperser populations
A team of ecologists at the University of Coimbra, Aarhus University and the University of Bristol has found that approximately one-third of plant species in Europe are under threat of population reduction as the number of seed dispersals declines......»»
Plant stem cells: Understanding the biological mechanism of growth control
Researchers from the University of Freiburg have identified the HAN molecule as an important regulator that controls plant growth in conjunction with WOX5. Understanding this mechanism is relevant for breeding more resilient or higher-yielding crops......»»
New plant-based glitter shows no harm to soil organisms
Plastic pollution is everywhere. Each year, over 368 million metric tons of plastics are produced with over 13 million metric tons of it ending up in the soil where it can be toxic to wildlife......»»
AI decodes microbes" message in milk safety testing approach
By combining the genetic sequencing and analysis of the microbes in a milk sample with artificial intelligence (AI), researchers were able to detect anomalies in milk production, such as contamination or unauthorized additives. The new approach could.....»»
Magnetoelectric nanodiscs offer remote brain stimulation without implants or genetic modification
Novel magnetic nanodiscs could provide a much less invasive way of stimulating parts of the brain, paving the way for stimulation therapies without implants or genetic modification, MIT researchers report......»»
Researchers develop technique that enables breeding of genetically identical hybrid plants
When different varieties of one plant species are crossed with each other, their hybrid offspring are often more robust and grow more quickly than their parents. However, in the next generation, this effect disappears again......»»
Phytoplankton community shifts after wastewater treatment plant closure
A study by the UPV/EHU's Department of Plant Biology and Ecology has evaluated the response of Urdaibai estuary phytoplankton to the changes brought about after the closing-down of the Gernika wastewater treatment plant; a novel tool based on pigment.....»»
Advanced model predicts gene architecture via nucleosome position
DNA—the molecule that carries the genetic information of all living organisms—is packaged within cells in a complex manner that allows it to function efficiently. Nucleosomes facilitate DNA compaction and also play a crucial role in regulating ge.....»»
Red milkweed beetle genome offers evolutionary insights into plant-insect interactions
Studying the secrets of how the common red milkweed beetle can safely feed on a toxic plant helps illuminate the ecological, evolutionary and economic impact of insect-plant interactions from a genomic perspective......»»
Genetic tweaks show potential for making oats more nutritious and increasing shelf life
A recent study from McGill University proposes a way to enhance the nutritional value of oats by increasing their content of oleic acid, a type of healthy fat known for its cardiovascular heart benefits and potential to lower diabetes......»»
Increasing plant diversity in agriculture can promote soil carbon sequestration
A study carried out at the University of Helsinki demonstrates that boosting plant diversity in agriculture can increase plant biomass and improve plant–microbe interactions, both of which promote the storage of carbon in the soil......»»
Declines in plant resilience threaten carbon storage in the Arctic
Rapid warming has impacted the northern ecosystem so significantly that scientists are concerned the region's vegetation is losing the ability to recover from climate shocks, suggests a new study......»»
China has detained four employees from the world’s largest iPhone plant
China has detained four Taiwanese employees at Foxconn’s Zhengzhou plant, the largest iPhone production facility in the world, responsible for around 80% of global production. The employees were detained using powers the Chinese government last.....»»
Psychedelic Mushrooms Are Getting Much, Much Stronger
Cultivators are turning to genetic sequencing and cellular-manipulation techniques to breed highly potent mushrooms—leaving some unprepared psychonauts in distress......»»
Genetic mechanism unlocks a key secret behind disease infection in crops
Researchers have unraveled a key genetic mechanism behind the way pathogens infect crops, leading to new strategies for breeding resistant crop varieties against other pathogens carrying the same genetic mechanism......»»
Sludge sequencing: High-throughput single-cell method reveals novel species and genetic diversity
Activated sludge is essential for removing contaminants from wastewater, and understanding the diverse microbial communities it harbors has been a significant task. Traditional methods fail to capture the full spectrum of microbial interactions. Due.....»»
Can carbon credits help close coal plants?
A few dozen kilometers from the Philippine capital Manila sits a coal plant that some hope could be a model for how developing countries can quit the polluting fossil fuel......»»
Daily 5 report for Oct. 8: How does a flooded car catch fire? Here"s how
In a hurricane, often, a dealership is damaged. Or an auto parts plant gets shut down. Sometimes, an assembly plant goes offline. But in the aftermath of Helene, an unanticipated automotive story: cars that catch fire in a flood......»»