Plant Sciences
- All
- News
- Videos
-
Microplastics Choking Plant Life Could Put 400 Million People At Risk of Starvation In 20 Years: Study
A study finds that microplastics are damaging the photosynthesis of plants, threatening global food security and increasing the risk of starvation for millions.
-
Private Venus Mission Plans to Retrieve Cloud Samples for Life Research
A privately-led space mission is being developed to retrieve and analyse cloud samples from Venus. Scientists believe the planet’s sulfuric acid clouds might sustain organic molecules necessary for life. The mission, named Morning Star, involves deploying probes to collect mist from Venus' atmosphere. The collected samples would be returned to Ea...
-
New Fossils Suggest Land Life Bounced Back Faster Than Expected After End-Permian Mass Extinction
Fossil findings from the Heshanggou Formation in North China indicate that land ecosystems recovered faster than expected following the end-Permian extinction. While previous estimates suggested a prolonged uninhabitable phase, new research shows riparian zones may have stabilised within a shorter timeframe. Burrowing activity and plant regrowth su...
-
Bacteria-Based Cellulose Bandage Speeds Up Plant Healing and Growth
A bacteria-based cellulose bandage has been found to enhance plant healing and regeneration. Studies show that wounds treated with these patches heal faster, with over 80 percent recovery in a week compared to less than 20 percent in untreated plants. The cellulose also speeds up root and leaf development in plant cuttings. Researchers attribute th...
-
7,000-Year-Old Arrow Poison Found in South Africa, Shows Ancient Hunting Skills
A 7,000-year-old antelope femur found in a South African cave has been identified as the earliest evidence of a multi-component arrow poison. Researchers discovered toxic compounds, including digitoxin and strophanthidin, revealing ancient humans’ advanced knowledge of plant toxins. The study suggests long-distance trade or travel for these ingre...
-
Compact Neutrino Detector Successfully Identifies Antineutrinos at Nuclear Reactor
A new study reveals that a small neutrino detector, weighing less than three kilograms, has successfully detected antineutrinos at the Leibstadt Nuclear Power Plant in Switzerland. Over a 119-day experiment, the device recorded around 400 antineutrinos, matching theoretical predictions. Researchers believe this breakthrough could enhance nuclear mo...
-
Chinese Astronauts Successfully Generate Oxygen and Rocket Fuel Through Artificial Photosynthesis in Space
Chinese astronauts aboard the Tiangong space station have made a significant breakthrough by successfully producing oxygen and rocket fuel through artificial photosynthesis. Using carbon dioxide and water, the process mimics the natural photosynthesis found in plants, with the potential to produce methane or formic acid with minor adjustments. Unli...
-
What Happened to the Apollo Flags Left on the Moon?
The flags planted by Apollo astronauts on the moon are likely in poor condition due to harsh lunar conditions. Exposure to intense sunlight and micrometeoroid impacts likely caused the degradation of the flags. Although they may be brittle and faded, these flags remain powerful symbols of the achievements of the Apollo missions. Experts have specul...
-
Photosynthetic Machinery from Plants Operates Within Hamster Cells, Claims New Study
Researchers introduced red algal chloroplasts into animal cells, achieving 48 hours of photosynthesis activity. Led by Sachihiro Matsunaga, the study used advanced methods for chloroplast integration. Though challenges remain, this breakthrough could lead to photosynthesizing materials for carbon capture and biotechnology
-
Parasite Manipulates Plant Cells to Attract Insects for Its Transmission
A bacterial parasite influences plant cell behaviour to attract insects and secure its transmission. Research reveals how the SAP54 protein manipulates plant defences, encouraging female insects to choose plants with male leafhoppers. This adaptation ensures the parasite’s life cycle continues by promoting reproduction and feeding in infected pla...
-
ISRO's Time-Lapse Video Shows How Plants Grow In Space
The Indian Space Research Organisation released a time-lapse video showing the successful germination of cowpea seeds aboard the PSLV-C60 mission.
-
ISRO Cowpea Seeds Successfully Germinate in Space: Everything You Need to Know
ISRO marked a significant achievement with the successful germination of cowpea seeds in space, conducted as part of the CROPS experiment by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC). Launched aboard the PSLV-C60 POEM-4 platform, the experiment aimed to study plant growth in microgravity, a key factor for future space missions. The seeds sprouted wit...
-
JUNO Neutrino Detector Nears Completion, Set to Begin Operations in 2025
The Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO), located 700 metres below ground in China, is set to begin operations in summer 2025. Designed as the world’s largest neutrino detector, JUNO aims to determine the heaviest among the three neutrino types. The core of the detector consists of a 35-metre-wide acrylic sphere containing 20,000 metr...
-
New Species Discovered in Peru’s Alto Mayo Region, Including Blob-Headed Catfish
A recent biodiversity survey in Peru’s Alto Mayo region led to the discovery of 27 new species, including a unique blob-headed bristlemouth armored catfish. The survey, conducted by Conservation International, uncovered new mammals, amphibians, fish, butterflies, and plants, emphasizing the area’s ecological importance. Researchers used innovat...
-
From Super-Earth To Anti-HIV Drug: Top 10 Science Breakthroughs In 2024
In a groundbreaking achievement, Australian scientists have made a significant discovery that boosts oil production in plants, paving the way for the development of sustainable biofuels, including eco-friendly aviation fuel.
-
Microplastics Choking Plant Life Could Put 400 Million People At Risk of Starvation In 20 Years: Study
A study finds that microplastics are damaging the photosynthesis of plants, threatening global food security and increasing the risk of starvation for millions.
-
Private Venus Mission Plans to Retrieve Cloud Samples for Life Research
A privately-led space mission is being developed to retrieve and analyse cloud samples from Venus. Scientists believe the planet’s sulfuric acid clouds might sustain organic molecules necessary for life. The mission, named Morning Star, involves deploying probes to collect mist from Venus' atmosphere. The collected samples would be returned to Ea...
-
New Fossils Suggest Land Life Bounced Back Faster Than Expected After End-Permian Mass Extinction
Fossil findings from the Heshanggou Formation in North China indicate that land ecosystems recovered faster than expected following the end-Permian extinction. While previous estimates suggested a prolonged uninhabitable phase, new research shows riparian zones may have stabilised within a shorter timeframe. Burrowing activity and plant regrowth su...
-
Bacteria-Based Cellulose Bandage Speeds Up Plant Healing and Growth
A bacteria-based cellulose bandage has been found to enhance plant healing and regeneration. Studies show that wounds treated with these patches heal faster, with over 80 percent recovery in a week compared to less than 20 percent in untreated plants. The cellulose also speeds up root and leaf development in plant cuttings. Researchers attribute th...
-
7,000-Year-Old Arrow Poison Found in South Africa, Shows Ancient Hunting Skills
A 7,000-year-old antelope femur found in a South African cave has been identified as the earliest evidence of a multi-component arrow poison. Researchers discovered toxic compounds, including digitoxin and strophanthidin, revealing ancient humans’ advanced knowledge of plant toxins. The study suggests long-distance trade or travel for these ingre...
-
Compact Neutrino Detector Successfully Identifies Antineutrinos at Nuclear Reactor
A new study reveals that a small neutrino detector, weighing less than three kilograms, has successfully detected antineutrinos at the Leibstadt Nuclear Power Plant in Switzerland. Over a 119-day experiment, the device recorded around 400 antineutrinos, matching theoretical predictions. Researchers believe this breakthrough could enhance nuclear mo...
-
Chinese Astronauts Successfully Generate Oxygen and Rocket Fuel Through Artificial Photosynthesis in Space
Chinese astronauts aboard the Tiangong space station have made a significant breakthrough by successfully producing oxygen and rocket fuel through artificial photosynthesis. Using carbon dioxide and water, the process mimics the natural photosynthesis found in plants, with the potential to produce methane or formic acid with minor adjustments. Unli...
-
What Happened to the Apollo Flags Left on the Moon?
The flags planted by Apollo astronauts on the moon are likely in poor condition due to harsh lunar conditions. Exposure to intense sunlight and micrometeoroid impacts likely caused the degradation of the flags. Although they may be brittle and faded, these flags remain powerful symbols of the achievements of the Apollo missions. Experts have specul...
-
Photosynthetic Machinery from Plants Operates Within Hamster Cells, Claims New Study
Researchers introduced red algal chloroplasts into animal cells, achieving 48 hours of photosynthesis activity. Led by Sachihiro Matsunaga, the study used advanced methods for chloroplast integration. Though challenges remain, this breakthrough could lead to photosynthesizing materials for carbon capture and biotechnology
-
Parasite Manipulates Plant Cells to Attract Insects for Its Transmission
A bacterial parasite influences plant cell behaviour to attract insects and secure its transmission. Research reveals how the SAP54 protein manipulates plant defences, encouraging female insects to choose plants with male leafhoppers. This adaptation ensures the parasite’s life cycle continues by promoting reproduction and feeding in infected pla...
-
ISRO's Time-Lapse Video Shows How Plants Grow In Space
The Indian Space Research Organisation released a time-lapse video showing the successful germination of cowpea seeds aboard the PSLV-C60 mission.
-
ISRO Cowpea Seeds Successfully Germinate in Space: Everything You Need to Know
ISRO marked a significant achievement with the successful germination of cowpea seeds in space, conducted as part of the CROPS experiment by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC). Launched aboard the PSLV-C60 POEM-4 platform, the experiment aimed to study plant growth in microgravity, a key factor for future space missions. The seeds sprouted wit...
-
JUNO Neutrino Detector Nears Completion, Set to Begin Operations in 2025
The Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO), located 700 metres below ground in China, is set to begin operations in summer 2025. Designed as the world’s largest neutrino detector, JUNO aims to determine the heaviest among the three neutrino types. The core of the detector consists of a 35-metre-wide acrylic sphere containing 20,000 metr...
-
New Species Discovered in Peru’s Alto Mayo Region, Including Blob-Headed Catfish
A recent biodiversity survey in Peru’s Alto Mayo region led to the discovery of 27 new species, including a unique blob-headed bristlemouth armored catfish. The survey, conducted by Conservation International, uncovered new mammals, amphibians, fish, butterflies, and plants, emphasizing the area’s ecological importance. Researchers used innovat...
-
From Super-Earth To Anti-HIV Drug: Top 10 Science Breakthroughs In 2024
In a groundbreaking achievement, Australian scientists have made a significant discovery that boosts oil production in plants, paving the way for the development of sustainable biofuels, including eco-friendly aviation fuel.
