Microbes that live in tree bark are sucking greenhouse gases from the atmosphere, making trees an even more critical part of combating climate change than scientists previously thought, according to a study published today in Nature.
Baby oysters rely on natural acoustic cues to settle in specific environments, but new research from the University of Adelaide reveals that noise from human activity is interfering with this critical process.
A cutting-edge study revolutionizes coastal wetland mapping by integrating unmanned aerial systems with light detection and ranging (LiDAR) and multispectral sensors. This innovative approach provides detailed elevation data and vegetation analysis, enabling highly accurate classifications of diverse wetland types. The research advances conservation by offering a scalable, efficient, and cost-effective method that is instrumental in climate change mitigation strategies and informs policy-making for coastal resilience.
Creating fertilizers from organic waste can help reduce the consumption of fossil fuels and promote sustainable production. Two studies from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign explore the use of a fungal treatment to convert wastewater into fertilizer for agricultural crops.
WCS Papua New Guinea, lead national NGO partner on the expedition, lauds the continued attention on and ambition for Papua New Guinea’s coastal seas, particularly in light of recent major MPA commitments made by local communities who will be visited during the course of the expedition
Led by the University of Utah, a meta-analysis of existing research shows exposure to nature, even as little as 10 minutes, could benefit those with diagnosed mental illness.
University of Utah biologists discover that multiple species of Myrmelachista ants have independently evolved the same specialized relationship with understory trees of Neotropical rainforests.
To advance scientific understanding of mercury exposure in biota from around the world, an esteemed group of almost 200 scientists from more than 30 countries collaborated on producing 18 peer-reviewed papers that form a Special Issue of Ecotoxicology titled Assessing Global Environmental Mercury Exposure in Biota and Potential Impacts on Biodiversity.
In a remarkable twist of evolutionary adaptation, the rare Tibetan cypress, Cupressus gigantea, has shown unexpected genetic resilience. Despite facing the brink of extinction due to climate change and habitat loss, the species has experienced a significant reduction in harmful genetic mutations.
A landmark study has successfully decoded the complete ginseng genome, unveiling the genetic mechanisms that govern saponin biosynthesis. This detailed genetic map illuminates the evolutionary and metabolic pathways of Panax ginseng, a staple in traditional medicine.
A pioneering study has unlocked the potential of hydrogen nanobubbles to significantly augment the antioxidant content in tomatoes. This innovative irrigation technique not only fortifies the fruit with higher concentrations of health-boosting compounds but also opens new avenues for enhancing the nutritional value of agricultural produce.
Scientists have illuminated the role of heterotrimeric G protein α-subunits in cucumber's development, a breakthrough in our comprehension of plant organ formation. This insight into the CLAVATA (CLV) signaling cascade may lead to innovative approaches in crop cultivation, promising advancements in both nutritional value and agricultural output.
The "FruitWatch" initiative, a groundbreaking citizen science project, has significantly enhanced the accuracy of predicting flowering times for fruit trees across Great Britain. This improvement is vital for the agricultural sector, enabling better planning for pest management and pollinator support, which are crucial for maintaining optimal fruit yield and quality.
Delving into the nuances of plant nutrition, researchers have discovered that the form of nitrogen intake profoundly affects the efficiency of photosynthesis in plants. This pivotal finding sheds light on how plants process and utilize nitrogen, offering critical insights for enhancing crop productivity and optimizing nitrogen use in agriculture.
By harnessing the power of machine learning, researchers have constructed a framework for analyzing what factors most significantly contribute to a species’ genetic diversity.
Unraveling the genetic underpinnings of stone fruits, a pivotal study explores the genomic landscape of apricot, peach, plum, and mei. It uncovers the signatures of selection pressures driving their domestication and adaptation, revealing a rich tapestry of genetic diversity and evolutionary convergence that shapes the traits we value in these crops.
Unlocking the genetic secrets of mulberry anthocyanin content, a study illuminates the regulatory mechanisms that dictate fruit color and nutritional quality.
A pivotal study has successfully sequenced and assembled the chromosome-level genome of chieh-qua, a cucurbit crop with significant economic and cultural importance in Asia. The high-quality genome assembly provides a comprehensive genetic blueprint, revealing the crop's genetic diversity and evolutionary history.
A transformative study has pinpointed the CpMYB62 transcription factor as a key determinant in the sex differentiation of Cucurbita pepo flowers. This gene mutation, which impedes the female floral transition, may be partially reversed by ethylene, indicating its critical role in ethylene-mediated sex determination pathways.