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......»»
Plant pathologists spearhead Fusarium head blight research on hemp
Extension faculty at the University of Kentucky (UK) Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment are advancing the fight against Fusarium head blight (FHB) in hemp. This disease, caused by multiple species of the Fusarium fungus, threa.....»»
Preserving nature"s genetic resources: Wild banana relatives of mainland Southeast Asia reveal hidden diversity
In a new study, researchers have uncovered a wealth of hidden diversity among wild banana species in mainland Southeast Asia. The discovery, which has been published in PLoS ONE, highlights the critical importance of conserving these genetic resource.....»»
Researchers determine how a protein contributes to human immune defense against RNA viruses
An international research team led by Prof. Dr. Janosch Hennig from the University of Bayreuth has discovered how the TRIM25 protein contributes to defense against RNA viruses whose genetic material is contained as ribonucleic acid (RNA)......»»
Arctic plant study suggests the rate of climate change threatens to exceed the adaptive capacity of species
A research group at the Finnish Museum of Natural History is investigating the adaptive potential of plant species amid a warming climate. Their recent study investigates the Siberian primrose, a plant species that occurs on the coasts of the Bothnia.....»»
Q&A: Using a new approach to shine a light on hidden plant microbes
Despite there being more microbes on Earth than stars in our galaxy, only a tiny fraction have been discovered. An approach called metagenomics—a type of DNA sequencing—may help scientists learn more about these elusive organisms, according to Pe.....»»
Can music help plants grow? Study suggests sound may boost plant-promoting fungus
Playing a monotonous sound stimulates the activity of a fungus that promotes plant growth, according to a study released on Wednesday, raising the possibility that playing music could benefit crops and gardens......»»
Research highlights global plant diversity "darkspots" where scientific efforts are urgently needed
An ambitious project led by scientists from the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, along with global partners, seeks to shed light on the planet's "plant diversity darkspots"—regions teeming with biodiversity but where geographic and taxonomic data remain.....»»
Researchers develop first banana plant resistant to TR4 and black sigatoka
Researchers have developed a banana plant that is resistant to both fusarium tropical race 4 (TR4) and black sigatoka, two of the most destructive diseases for bananas......»»
Scientists find plausible geological setting that may have sparked life on Earth
Researchers have discovered a plausible evolutionary setting in which nucleic acids—the fundamental genetic building blocks of life—could enable their own replication, possibly leading to life on Earth......»»
Pollination shifts in Caribbean after Hurricane Maria demonstrate ecological resilience
Most flowering plants depend on animals for pollination. In warm wet tropical regions, more than 90% of plant species are pollinated by animals. In Dominica, a Caribbean island country, researchers have identified a mutualistic relationship between t.....»»
Judge rebuffs citizen lawsuit against Gotion plant but leaves door open
Despite a complaint that “reads like a novel or a thesis,” the Illinois judge couldn't rule out the possibility that claims against the controversial Chinese-owned battery factory in Manteno could be proved......»»
Scientists fear underfunded Argentina research on verge of collapse
Argentine biochemist Alejandro Nadra worries that President Javier Milei's budget cuts will undo his scientific quest to unravel the cause of genetic diseases that disable and kill millions......»»
Breeder who tried to create enormous trophy sheep jailed in US
A man who tried to breed enormous hybrid sheep using genetic material from endangered animals so he could sell them to trophy hunting ranches has been sentenced to six months in prison, the US Department of Justice said Monday......»»
Study elucidates a mechanism for phosphorus cycling in subtropical forests
Phosphorus (P) is an important nutrient element in plant photosynthesis. However, the adsorption of mineral P via leaching and erosion leads to a decrease in P availability and consequently P deficiency......»»
For the first time since 1882, UK will have no coal-fired power plants
A combination of government policy and economics spells the end of UK's coal use. Enlarge / The Ratcliffe-on-Soar plant is set to shut down for good today. (credit: Ashley Cooper) On Monday, the UK will see the closure o.....»»
Farm waste can filter microplastics in surface runoff, prevent pollution
Using treated plant waste as a filter reduced the presence of harmful microplastics in agricultural runoff by more than 92%, according to a new study authored by a University of Mississippi research team......»»
Hunting down giant viruses that attack tiny algae
They were said to come from outer space, and there were even claims that they were actually bacteria and that they undermined the very definition of viruses. Giant viruses, nicknamed "giruses," contain enormous quantities of genetic material—up to.....»»
BYD seeks further easing of Mexico EV tariffs
BYD launched sales in Mexico last year via imports, and the company has since announced plans to build a local plant to push out up to 500,000 cars a year for the domestic market......»»
TSMC rejects ‘Podcasting Bro’ Sam Altman’s $7 trillion fab plan
During last winter's PR blitz, TSMC executives reportedly called OpenAI Sam Altman a "podcasting bro" and balked at his $7 trillion, 36 fab plant proposal......»»
Elon Musk is looking into Tesla"s German workers calling in sick
Handelsblatt reported that plant managers have paid visits to the homes of Tesla employees who have been on sick leave as workers report “extremely high workloads,” with management pressuring those who are out sick......»»