Plant Biology

Bill Gates wants to hack photosynthesis

2019-11-18

What: “Tuning up photosynthesis” a hybrid scientific-explainer-slash-music-video created by the Gates Foundation to popularize the idea plants can be engineered in ways that improve upon nature. Who: This work is being pioneered by RIPE—the Realizing Increased...

Researcher Spotlight: Katy Heath, Ph.D.

2019-11-12

With the Researcher Spotlight, the Microbial Systems Initiative aims to introduce its readers to the breadth and diversity of research interests and potential growth opportunities on the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign campus. Katy Heath,...

Fire-spawned forest fungi hide out in other organisms, study finds

2019-10-25

Fire-loving fungi are among the first organisms to appear on the forest floor after a fire, followed closely by mosses and lichens.

Study provides framework for one billion years of green plant evolution

2019-10-23

Gene sequences for more than 1100 plant species have been released by an international consortium of nearly 200 plant scientists, the culmination of a nine-year research project.

Study finds rising ozone a hidden threat to corn

2019-10-01

A new study reveals genetic differences that influence how corn responds to higher concentrations of ground-level ozone.

Pineapple genome sequences hint at plant domestication in single step

2019-09-30

man by computer screen showing a pineapple

As their Latin name indicates, pineapples are truly “excellent fruits”—and thanks to a freshly completed genome sequencing project, researchers have gained a new understanding of how human agriculture has shaped the evolution of this and other crops.

Andrew Leakey discusses climate change with CNN

2019-09-24

Climate change is already having a negative impact on our food supply.

Gene found that could play role in improving photosynthesis

2019-09-20

A single protein has been identified to play a role in improving photosynthesis under high concentrations of atmospheric carbon dioxide, according to a study published in in silico Plants. The protein, known as Gm-GATA2, is predicted to overcome limitations imposed by photosynthetic...

Trelease Woods: Mapping a centuries-old forest (video)

2019-08-30

Trelease Woods, a centuries-old forest on the cusp of Champaign-Urbana, offers lessons to students and professors alike at the University of Illinois. A fragment of a once much larger forest around the city of Urbana, the woods contain trees that are 400 years old and tell a story of the history of...

Improved model could help scientists better predict crop yield, climate change effects

2019-08-01

A new computer model incorporates how microscopic, mouth-like pores on leaves (pictured) may open in response to light—an advance that could help scientists create virtual plants to predict how higher temperatures and rising levels of carbon dioxide will affect food crops.

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