Leaf size and defensive traits found to modulate effects of soil fauna on litter decomposition
Leaf litter, as a multifunctional legacy of plants, plays an essential role in driving biogeochemical cycles, while providing important habitat and food resources for soil organisms. Litter traits and soil fauna play a crucial role in determining lit.....»»
Multidrug-resistant fungi found in commercial soil, compost, flower bulbs
Named a critical public health threat by WHO, Aspergillus fumigatus is potentially deadly to immunocompromised.....»»
Decoding apples: Nitrogen"s role in shaping fruit sugar content
Apple quality and yield are significantly affected by nitrogen levels in the soil, which influence various biochemical processes. Insufficient nitrogen can result in poor fruit quality, while excessive nitrogen leads to environmental pollution. Under.....»»
Farmland weeds can help combat pests
Leaving some weeds between crops can help to combat pests on agricultural land, according to a new study carried out by the University of Bonn. This step has particularly positive effects in combination with other measures: the cultivation of differe.....»»
Public health beliefs predict support for climate action, study shows
A paper published in the current issue of the Journal of Health Communication by Annenberg Public Policy Center (APPC) researchers finds evidence that holding science-consistent beliefs about the public health effects of climate change is an importan.....»»
Tea science: Gene discovery to boost mechanical harvesting
Researchers have made significant strides in understanding the genetic factors influencing tea plant leaf droopiness, a key determinant of mechanical harvest success. By identifying the CsEXL3 gene and its regulation by CsBES1.2, the study paves the.....»»
Best 75-inch TV deals: big screen from $490
If your home theater setup could use an upgrade -- or an up-size, perhaps -- then these 75-inch TV deals are the best place to start looking......»»
Geological archives may predict our climate future
By analyzing 56-million-year-old sediments, a UNIGE team has measured the increase in soil erosion caused by global warming, synonymous with major flooding......»»
Harvesting microbes for growth: A soybean success story in acidic soils
Acidic soils, characterized by low pH and poor phosphorus availability, pose significant challenges to leguminous plant growth and productivity. Traditional methods to improve soil phosphorus involve chemical fertilization, which can have environment.....»»
Developers can now create larger apps and games for iOS 18 and tvOS 18
Some users may not be familiar with this, but Apple sets size limits for iOS and tvOS apps, so that a single app can’t take up too much space. However, as apps and especially games get more advanced, they also get larger and require more storage. B.....»»
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......»»
Apple"s iPhone assembly automation goal has hit some bumps in the road
Thanks to automation, the Cupertino-based tech giant plans to reduce the number of workers assembling the iPhone by as much as half, but that could have disastrous effects on international labor markets.Apple already uses robots, like Daisy, in its d.....»»
We now have even more evidence against the “ecocide” theory of Easter Island
AI analysis of satellite imagery data is a new method for estimating population size. Enlarge / New research lends further credence to the "population crash" theory about Easter Island being just a myth. (credit: Arian Zwegers/CC.....»»
Study dissects histochemical localization and biosynthesis molecular mechanisms of Bletilla striata polysaccharides
The dry pseudobulb of the plant Bletilla striata Rchb. f. (Orchidaceae), spelled BaiJi in Chinese as an important traditional Chinese medicine, has the effects of astringent hemostasis, detumescence, and promotion of muscle growth......»»
New AI-driven tool improves root image segmentation
In a world striving for sustainability, understanding the hidden half of a living plant—the roots—is crucial. Roots are not just an anchor; they are a dynamic interface between the plant and soil, critical for water uptake, nutrient absorption, a.....»»
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.....»»
Radioactive drugs strike cancer with precision
Tumor-seeking radiopharmaceuticals promise targeted treatments with fewer side effects. Enlarge / Pharma interest and investment in radiotherapy drugs is heating up. (credit: Knowable Magazine) On a Wednesday morning in.....»»
New insights into how cell shape influences protein transport rates
When a cell spreads out or changes its shape to adapt to its environment, the transport rate of proteins between the nucleus and cytoplasm changes. Previously, scientists assumed this change was caused by a shift in the size of the nuclear envelope's.....»»
Insecticides contribute to drop in butterfly species across US MidWest: Study
Insecticide use is a major factor causing a decrease in the size and diversity of butterfly populations across the US Midwest, reports Braeden Van Deynze of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and colleagues in a study published June 20 in.....»»
Transcriptomic insights into Chinese cabbage"s unique morphology
Understanding the genetic mechanisms behind leaf development is crucial for improving crop yields and resilience. In Chinese cabbage, the formation of leafy heads involves complex gene interactions that determine leaf shape and orientation. Despite p.....»»
Researchers reveal effects of climate change on above- and belowground biomass distribution on Tibetan plateau
Global warming has significantly altered plant growth patterns on the Tibetan Plateau (TP) over the past three decades. Plants adjust their growth trajectories in response to climate change, prioritizing leaf and stem growth or root extension to bett.....»»