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UrduScientists have identified a natural compound, (Z)-3-hexenyl butyrate (HB), that can induce stomatal closure in plants, a defense mechanism to conserve water and protect against pathogens. This discovery could lead to more sustainable agricultural practices by enhancing crop resilience to environmental stresses without the need for synthetic pesticides.
Tag: Environmental Methods
Boron shortage: the silent inhibitor of tomato yield and quality
Boron, a crucial nutrient for plants, is essential for tomato growth and development. Yet, how tomatoes respond to boron deficiency has remained largely unclear. This study sheds light on the physiological and molecular changes tomatoes undergo when faced with boron scarcity. The findings reveal critical mechanisms that could lead to new strategies for boosting crop resilience and improving productivity in agriculture.
The apple’s battle plan: unraveling the molecular response to fungal infections
A new study reveals critical insights into how apple trees respond to Glomerella leaf spot (GLS), a severe fungal disease impacting apple yields. Focusing on the regulatory roles of valine–glutamine (VQ) and WRKY proteins in plant defense, the research offers promising pathways for breeding disease-resistant apple varieties.
From winter’s rest to spring’s bloom: PmDAM6 gene steers plant bud dormancy
This pivotal study explores the genetic orchestration of bud dormancy in woody perennials, a survival strategy crucial for enduring harsh climates. It focuses on the PmDAM6 gene, revealing its regulatory effects on lipid metabolism and phytohormone dynamics within dormant meristems, which dictate the plant’s seasonal transition from rest to growth.
From kale to carotenoid powerhouse: a breakthrough in plant nutrition
A recent study has identified a crucial regulatory mechanism in Chinese kale, potentially revolutionizing its nutritional profile. By manipulating the BoaBZR1.1 transcription factor, researchers significantly enhanced carotenoid levels, crucial antioxidants for human health. This advancement opens pathways for improving vegetable nutrition through genetic engineering.
New study suggests culling animals who ‘don’t belong’ can be a flawed nature conservation practice
New research published today in the journal Science has concluded that eradicating animals on the basis that they are not native in order to protect plant species, can be a flawed practice costing millions of dollars, and resulting in the slaughter of millions of healthy wild animals.
Gut bacteria can process dietary fiber into an anti-allergy weapon, finds new study
The intricate relationship that exists between humans and the gut microbiome has become a hot research topic, and scientists are constantly uncovering new reasons why a healthy diet can lead to a healthier life.
Microgreens made to order: Italian scientists have tailored iodine and potassium content of radishes, peas, rocket and chard
In a significant development for personalised nutrition, researchers in Italy have cultivated microgreens with bespoke nutritional profiles to serve individual dietary requirements.
The use of biofuels may reduce black smoke emissions of cars by 90%
The UMA participates in an international study with the Future Power Systems Group of the University of Birmingham (UK) that investigates how to reduce pollutant emissions from vehicles without affecting engine performance.
Detecting hepatitis viruses in wastewater
In addition to collecting water samples from the Rhine-Herne canal and the Emscher river over the course of a year, Fiona Rau had access to further wastewater samples from 21 sewage treatment plants in NRW.
Improved wind speed forecasts can help urban power generation, according to new Concordia research
Navid Shirzadi uses deep learning models that hybridize existing forecasting models
Wildfires threaten environmental gains in climate-crucial Amazon
Despite steps toward decreasing deforestation, uncontrolled wildfires are threatening environmental gains in Brazilian Amazonia, one of the world’s most critical carbon sinks and a region of high biological and cultural diversity.
Study shows little improvement in mandated disaster plans, despite required updates
Hurricanes, floods, heat waves and other disasters are striking the United States with increased severity and frequency, and since 2000 the Federal Disaster Mitigation Act has required states and local jurisdictions to have plans in place to reduce damages from such events.
Study finds secondhand smoke may be source of lead exposure in children
Lead exposure has long been a known health risk, especially for young children. Research has found that even at low levels, chronic exposure to lead can cause damage to the brain and other organs and cause problems with cognitive and motor skills.
Over one million acres of tribal land submerged by dams in the US
Dam constructions have flooded over 1.13 million acres of tribal land in the US contributing to the historic and ongoing struggle against land dispossession for Indigenous peoples in the United States.
Polystyrene upcycling
Polystyrene, the main material in plastic tableware and insulating materials, is a widely used polymer but is currently difficult to recycle. Reporting in the journal Angewandte Chemie, a team of US researchers have now developed a thermochemical approach, making it possible to recover valuable chemicals from polystyrene waste in a simple two-step process.
Developer dollars not enough to save species
Financial payments made by land developers to offset their impacts on threatened species may fall short, according to University of Queensland-led research.
Shoshone-Bannock Tribes, Idaho National Laboratory Begin Irrigation Modernization Case Study
Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is partnering with the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes to modernize the Fort Hall, Idaho-based irrigation system.
Exposure to “forever chemicals” during pregnancy linked to increased risk of obesity in kids
The risks of exposure to “forever chemicals” start even before birth, a new study confirms, potentially setting up children for future health issues.
A reconstruction of prehistoric temperatures for some of the oldest archaeological sites in North America
Scientists often look to the past for clues about how Earth’s landscapes might shift under a changing climate, and for insight into the migrations of human communities through time.
Tackling counterfeit seeds with “unclonable” labels
A team of MIT researchers has come up with a kind of tiny, biodegradable tag that can be applied directly to the seeds themselves, and that provides a unique randomly created code that cannot be duplicated.
Study shows how biodiversity of coral reefs around the world changes with depth
Researchers show that mesophotic coral reefs function much differently than their shallower counterparts and are unlikely to offer a refuge for shallow water fishes trying to escape climate-change driven warming on the ocean’s surface.
Living near a “food swamp” may increase stroke risk among adults 50 and older
Adults ages 50 and older who lived near dense fast food and unhealthy food environments known as “food swamps” had a higher risk of stroke compared to those who lived in areas with fewer retail and fast food choices, according to preliminary research to be presented at the American Stroke Association’s International Stroke Conference 2023.
Frequent visits to green space linked to lower use of certain prescription meds
Frequent visits to urban green spaces, such as parks and community gardens in Finland, rather than the amount, or views of them from home, may be linked to lower use of certain prescription meds, suggests research published online in Occupational & Environmental Medicine.
Reef fish must relearn the “rules of engagement” after coral bleaching
Mass coral bleaching events are making it harder for some species of reef fish to identify competitors, new research reveals.
Leveraging machine learning to help predict ship exhaust gas emissions
Ships are a major means of commercial transport, contributing to 80% of global goods and energy trade. However, they emit exhaust gases—from the engines when they are sailing, and from the engines and boiler when they dock in ports.
“Robust” amendments to insurance law and international environmental law needed to allow carbon capture, utilisation and storage
“Robust” amendments to insurance law and international environmental law are needed to allow carbon capture, utilisation and storage to take place legally so the technology can be used in the fight against global warming, a new study says.
Daylong wastewater samples yield surprises
Testing the contents of a simple sample of wastewater can reveal a lot about what it carries, but fails to tell the whole story, according to Rice University engineers.
Extremely hot and cold days linked to cardiovascular deaths
Extremely hot and cold temperatures both increased the risk of death among people with cardiovascular diseases, such as ischemic heart disease (heart problems caused by narrowed heart arteries), stroke, heart failure and arrhythmia, according to new research published today in the American Heart Association’s flagship journal Circulation.