Paper made from banana plants stymies potato pest
Wrapping potato seeds in biodegradable paper made from unusable parts of banana plants reduces the infestation and harmful effects of a nasty plant pathogen—a worm called the potato cyst nematode—and sharply increases potato size and yields......»»
Upstream and downstream: River study highlights cross-country inequities
A new research commentary led by Griffith University researchers highlights inequities between downstream and upstream countries that share the same watershed. The paper, "The Global Biodiversity Framework can be leveraged to better manage transbound.....»»
Deriving mammalian DNA methylation predictors for maximum life span, gestation time and age at sexual maturity
A research team has found that there are epigenetic predictors of species life span and other traits in mammals. In their paper published in the journal Science Advances, the group describes how they analyzed data held in a database created by the Ma.....»»
Success follows failure less often than expected, study finds
The platitude that failure leads to success may be both inaccurate and damaging to society, according to a paper published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology, titled "The Exaggerated Benefits of Failure.".....»»
DNA in the feces of snow leopards shows alpine cats eat plants
Cats may not know Scarborough Fair, but felids such as alpine cats—both in the wild and in captivity—do eat plants despite their classification as carnivores. In particular, Panthera uncia—or snow leopards—seem to have a preference for a spec.....»»
Regulation of secondary metabolite accumulation in medicinal plants
Medicinal plants are important economic crops and of great value in the health care industry. The rapid growth of market demand has led to a shortage of Chinese medicinal crops and an annual increase in prices. Secondary metabolites (SMs), as the mai.....»»
Engineered nanocomplexes achieve systemic gene silencing in crops
Gene silencing in plants has faced significant challenges, primarily due to the difficulty of transporting RNA molecules across plant cell membranes and achieving systemic effects. Traditional genetic engineering methods are time-consuming and often.....»»
Researchers discover Earth and space share the same turbulence
In a paper published in Geophysical Research Letters, researchers have discovered that the turbulence in the thermosphere exhibits the same physical laws as the wind in the lower atmosphere. Furthermore, wind in the thermosphere predominantly rotates.....»»
Researchers develop a roadmap for the development of information technology based on 2D materials
In a significant stride forward for the semiconductor industry, a new review paper from the "Shuang-Qing Forum" offers a comprehensive overview of the advancements and strategic roadmap for two-dimensional (2D) materials......»»
Shrinking statures, growing insights: Unraveling the genetic underpinnings of dwarfism in squash
In the quest to bolster crop yields and fortify plants against environmental stressors, the delicate interplay of phytohormones stands as a keystone. Yet, our grasp of these genetic levers, particularly those dictating plant stature and resilience to.....»»
New insights into how cyanobacterial proteins cycle carbon in changing conditions
The products of photosynthesis are easy to point out. Plants, algae and cyanobacteria create the air we breathe and the fuel for food webs as they turn carbon dioxide and water into oxygen and sugars. How photosynthesis works, though, is much harder.....»»
Enhancing forest productivity through improved phosphorus use
A research team has reviewed the mechanisms of inorganic phosphorus (Pi) uptake, transport, and signaling in woody plants based on the backbone of model and crop plants. Their findings emphasize the importance of Pi in photosynthesis, respiration, an.....»»
Researchers engineer new approach for controlling thermal emission
The University of Manchester's National Graphene Institute has spearheaded an international team to engineer a novel approach for controlling thermal emission, detailed in a paper published in Science. This breakthrough offers new design strategies b.....»»
Desert hero unveiled: Cissus quadrangularis genome decodes drought survival tactics
As water scarcity looms as a major threat to global ecosystems and food production, the quest to understand how plants like Cissus quadrangularis conquer arid landscapes is more critical than ever. The genetic blueprint of such species could hold the.....»»
Unlocking banana disease resistance: Key enzymes identified for phytoalexin synthesis
Bananas are a vital crop globally, but their yields are threatened by various diseases, particularly banana fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum. Traditional control methods, including chemical pesticides, pose environmental risks and are not a.....»»
New dating technique more accurately estimates time differences between Paleolithic hearth fires
A team of archaeologists affiliated with multiple institutions in Spain has used a new dating technique to more accurately estimate time differences between Paleolithic Age hearth fires. In their paper published in the journal Nature, the group descr.....»»
Increasing tropical cyclone frequency may have deadly consequences for seabird populations
The increase in tropical cyclone frequency and intensity due to climate change could lead to dramatic declines in seabird populations, suggests a paper published in Communications Earth & Environment. The authors' conclusion is based on the impact of.....»»
Apple promises fewer years of iPhone security updates than Samsung and Google on paper, but reality is a different story
Historically, Apple has been hesitant to commit to solid timelines of how long it will support its devices with security and software updates. Now, thanks to a particular UK legal requirement, that has changed. And what the company is promising on pa.....»»
Researchers harness drones and AI to monitor invasive stink bugs
Researchers in Italy have unveiled the first successful application of commercial drones combined with artificial intelligence (AI) to monitor the invasive agricultural pest, Halyomorpha halys, commonly known as the brown marmorated stink bug. This r.....»»
Fountain of youth for plants: E3 ligase"s role in leaf longevity
A recent study uncovers the intricate molecular mechanisms that regulate leaf senescence in apple plants, focusing on the crucial role of the E3 ligase enzyme, MdPUB23, and its interaction with the ABI5 protein. This research provides valuable insigh.....»»
Safer, cheaper, more flexible battery invented for wearable tech
Researchers have developed a safer, cheaper, better performing and more flexible battery option for wearable devices. A paper describing the "recipe" for their new battery type was published in the journal Nano Research Energy on June 3......»»