Gnetum edule

<p>A study from the University of Southern Denmark is shedding new light on the potential therapeutic benefits of psilocybin, the active compound found in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/psilocybin-can-treat-depression-by-restructuring-the-brain/">psychedelic mushrooms</a>. The researchers have found that "microdosing" psilocybin may have a beneficial effect on mental disorders.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focus-of-the-study-nbsp">Focus of the study&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The study explored the effects of psilocybin microdosing on rats, offering promising insights into its possible advantages for human mental health.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Led by Professor Mikael Palner and PhD student Kat Kiilerich, the research focused on administering repeated low doses of psilocybin to rats, significantly lower than the amounts commonly used in therapeutic contexts.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-self-medication-technique-nbsp">Self-medication technique&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Microdosing has recently gained traction as a popular self-medication technique.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Microdosing is a phenomenon popularized within performance culture, notably in areas like Silicon Valley, California, and has subsequently spread through stories and anecdotes on the internet as a form of self-medication for various challenges," explained Professor Palner.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-psilocybin-microdosing">Psilocybin microdosing </h2>



<p>The results of the study suggest that rats can tolerate repeated psilocybin microdosing without signs of anxiety, reduced pleasure (anhedonia), or altered locomotor activity.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The low doses of psilocybin also increased the rats' resilience to stress, reduced their compulsive behaviors, and notably enhanced connectivity to their brain's thalamus region. This part of the brain plays a crucial role in decision-making and managing concerns.</p>



<p>"The change in connectivity to the thalamus may contribute to our enhanced resilience to stress factors and could explain why so many people report positive effects on their well-being from small doses of psychedelic mushrooms," explained the researchers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-innovative-treatment-approaches-nbsp">Innovative treatment approaches&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The findings offer a scientific foundation for the potential benefits of psilocybin microdosing as a therapeutic intervention. This opens avenues for further research and the development of innovative treatment approaches for various mental disorders.</p>



<p>"The increased anxiety and stress in society currently have placed a strong focus on microdosing, leading to a surge in the trade of mushrooms. Countries such as the Netherlands, Australia, the USA, and Canada have either legalized or are in the process of legalizing psilocybin for therapeutic treatment" said Professor Palner.</p>



<p>"It is, therefore, crucial that we understand the effects and side effects of these substances, which are already widely used by people around the world."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mental-health-and-performance-enhancement">Mental health and performance enhancement</h2>



<p>Inspired by the surge in self-improvement practices in Silicon Valley, Professor Palner has dedicated years to researching the beneficial impacts of microdosing psychedelics on mental health and performance enhancement.</p>



<p>"Some books were published that popularized the concept of using small doses of psychedelics to address both mental issues and enhance performance. This motivated me to launch the project I've been devoted to for the past six years," said Professor Palner.</p>



<p>"Now, we can determine the appropriate dosage in rats, enabling us to investigate the effects of microdosing, which could significantly advance our understanding of the brain and mental challenges. This benefits both the field of science and society at large."</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41380-023-02280-z"><em>Nature - Molecular Psychiatry</em></a>.</p>



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Psilocybin microdosing may improve mental health by boosting stress resilience

A study from the University of Southern Denmark is shedding...

<p>Emerging diseases are a significant threat to the global tree population. Diseases have become major contributors to tree mortality in both <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/northern-forests-are-being-transformed-by-global-warming/">forests</a> and urban landscapes worldwide, as highlighted in a new study by Dr. Andrew Gougherty, a research landscape ecologist at the <a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">USDA Forest Service</a>. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-finding-new-hosts">Finding new hosts</h2>



<p>Emerging infectious diseases are not only continually being introduced but are also incessantly seeking new hosts, thereby posing a risk to an increasing number of tree species.</p>



<p>The danger of emerging diseases is underscored by their ability to cause unprecedented levels of mortality when they encounter novel hosts, as noted in the research.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rising-mortality-from-tree-diseases">Rising mortality from tree diseases</h2>



<p>These diseases may wreak havoc in their native ranges, leading to previously unseen mortality rates among <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/a-beginners-guide-to-tree-identification/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tree</a> populations. While not all emerging diseases ultimately prove fatal to their hosts, many exert profound impacts that can significantly damage host populations.</p>



<p>Illustrating the gravity of the situation, the study cites historical examples of disease-driven tree population declines. Notably, the 20th century witnessed the devastating impact of chestnut blight. This infamous disease virtually eradicated the chestnut from its overstory position within its native Appalachian Mountains range.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The affliction of sudden oak death in California, ash dieback in Europe, and butternut canker in the eastern United States are other notable examples. Each of these diseases harbors the potential to wipe out host tree populations and induce irrevocable changes in their respective ecosystems.</p>



<p>“The continued emergence and accumulation of new diseases increases the likelihood of a particularly detrimental one emerging, and harming host tree populations,” said Dr. Gougherty.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focus-of-the-study-nbsp">Focus of the study&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The research was focused on identifying regions experiencing rapid accumulations of tree diseases and pinpointing the tree species most adversely affected by these emerging threats.</p>



<p>Dr. Gougherty analyzed over 900 new disease reports involving 284 tree species across 88 countries. “The ‘big data’ approach used in this study helps to characterize the growing threat posed by emergent infectious diseases and how this threat is unequally distributed regionally and by host species."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-alarming-rates-of-emerging-diseases-nbsp">Alarming rates of emerging diseases&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Significantly, Dr. Gougherty's findings reveal an alarming acceleration in the number of emerging diseases over the past two decades.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This surge highlights the urgent need for comprehensive research and effective management strategies to safeguard tree populations from the burgeoning threat posed by infectious diseases.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The accumulation is apparent both where tree species are native and where they are not native, and the number of new disease emergences globally were found to double every ~11 years,” said Dr. Gougherty.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-most-affected-species">Most affected species</h2>



<p>The study revealed that pines have accumulated the most new diseases, followed by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/oak-trees-use-carbohydrate-reserves-to-survive-insect-invasions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">oaks</a> and eucalypts. </p>



<p>"Of the tree genera assessed, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-gives-pine-trees-fresh-scent/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pinus</a> had by far the most new diseases reported over the last several decades, likely reflecting both its large native range in the Northern Hemisphere and its wide use in forestry globally," explained Dr. Gougherty.</p>



<p>Overall, the greatest total accumulation of new diseases was found in Europe, followed by North America and Asia. The study also revealed that most hosts tend to accumulate more diseases in their native ranges than their non-native ranges.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-of-these-tree-diseases">Implications of these tree diseases</h2>



<p>“Unfortunately, there is little evidence of saturation in emergent tree disease accumulation. Global trends show little sign of slowing, suggesting the impact of newly emerged diseases is likely to continue to compound and threaten <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fungal-networks-that-help-trees-communicate-determine-the-nature-of-forests/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tree</a> populations globally and into the future,” said Dr.  Gougherty. </p>



<p>“Climate change is likely also playing a role, both by creating more favorable conditions for pathogens and by stressing host plants.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-tree-diseases">More about tree diseases</h2>



<p>As global temperatures rise and ecosystems undergo dramatic shifts, our trees face an increasing array of threats. As discussed above, emerging tree diseases are becoming a major concern for ecologists, foresters, and conservationists alike. While we have historically battled tree ailments, the recent upsurge in unfamiliar pathogens poses unique challenges.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ash-dieback-hymenoscyphus-fraxineus">Ash Dieback (Hymenoscyphus fraxineus)</h3>



<p>Originating from Asia, Ash Dieback first emerged in Europe in the 1990s and has since spread rapidly. It's a fungal disease affecting ash trees, leading to leaf loss, crown dieback, and often the death of the tree. Afflicted trees display distinct dark lesions on their stems and branches. This disease poses a significant threat, especially to European ash populations.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sudden-oak-death-phytophthora-ramorum">Sudden Oak Death (Phytophthora ramorum)</h3>



<p>First detected in the 1990s in California, Sudden Oak Death affects various species, especially oak trees. It causes dark spots on leaves, cankers on the tree's bark, and in severe cases, tree death. Beyond oaks, the pathogen can affect other plants, acting as a reservoir for the disease and complicating containment efforts.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-red-bay-ambrosia-beetle-and-laurel-wilt">Red Bay Ambrosia Beetle and Laurel Wilt</h3>



<p>The Red Bay Ambrosia Beetle, native to Southeast Asia, carries the fungus Raffaelea lauricola, responsible for Laurel Wilt. Identified in the U.S. in 2002, this disease primarily impacts the Lauraceae family, which includes the avocado tree. The fungus blocks water transport in the tree, leading to wilting and death.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-emerald-ash-borer-agrilus-planipennis">Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis)</h3>



<p>While not a disease in the traditional sense, this invasive beetle from East Asia is worth mentioning due to its destructive nature. Since its discovery in North America in 2002, it has decimated millions of ash trees by boring under the bark and feeding on the tree's inner bark, disrupting the tree's ability to transport water and nutrients.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-responding-to-the-challenge">Responding to the challenge</h3>



<p>Reacting to these emerging diseases requires a multi-pronged approach. It's imperative to:</p>



<p>Raise Awareness: The public, especially those living near forests or with trees on their property, need to be aware of the symptoms and report suspicious tree health.</p>



<p>Fund Research: Developing resistant tree varieties and effective treatments necessitates robust research efforts.</p>



<p>Strengthen Border Checks: Many tree diseases spread through global trade. Enhanced inspection of imported plants can mitigate the introduction of new pathogens.</p>



<p>Encourage Responsible Gardening: Gardeners can play a significant role by not moving plants from affected areas and by adopting disease-resistant tree varieties.</p>



<p>In summary, our global forests are under siege from a host of emerging diseases. Combating this growing threat will require concerted efforts from scientists, policymakers, and the public. The health of our trees is not just an ecological concern, but it also has profound implications for our economy, culture, and well-being.</p>



<p>The research is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/neobiota.87.103525" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>NeoBiota</em></a>.</p>



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Emerging diseases threaten trees globally, and the trend is escalating

Emerging diseases are a significant threat to the global tree...

<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/woody-vines-amplify-the-effects-of-lightning-in-tropical-forests/">Tropical forests</a> are no longer the world's major global carbon sinks, as previously believed. Instead, boreal and temperate forests have taken up this role, according to an international research team coordinated by the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) and INRAE.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focus-of-the-study-nbsp">Focus of the study&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Using a novel analysis technique for satellite images, the researchers meticulously mapped yearly fluctuations in global forest biomass over a span of a decade, from 2010 to 2019.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The results showed that tropical forests, although expansive and ancient, are now almost carbon-neutral due to the degradation brought about by deforestation, fires, and droughts.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-biomass-and-carbon-sequestration">Biomass and carbon sequestration</h2>



<p>A surge in plant biomass signifies a boost in carbon sequestration, a key process in counteracting the climate crisis.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The balance of this biomass carbon hinges on a delicate equilibrium between gains from plant growth and forest expansion and losses stemming from deforestation, natural disturbances, and other factors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Keeping track of these stocks is crucial for deciphering and forecasting climate change impacts, as well as assessing human-induced ecosystem modifications.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-satellite-imaging">Satellite imaging</h2>



<p>The Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity (SMOS) satellite, leveraging the L-band vegetation optical depth (L-VOD) techniques, was instrumental in estimating the above-ground carbon stocks at a global scale.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, challenges like radio interference from human activities and L-VOD's sensitivity to vegetative water content posed hindrances. The team's solution was an innovative double filter to offset these effects.</p>



<p>By employing this novel method and analyzing above-ground biomass data, the researchers were able to determine the overall biomass. </p>



<p>They meticulously calculated the spatial and temporal distribution of total biomass carbon from 2010 to 2019, creating detailed maps that charted the annual changes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-carbon-stock-insights">Carbon stock insights</h2>



<p>The study revealed that terrestrial biomass carbon stocks experienced a surge of roughly 500 million tons of carbon annually from 2010 to 2019. </p>



<p>Surprisingly, it was the boreal and temperate forests that emerged as the prime contributors to this carbon sink, overshadowing tropical forests which have transformed into minor carbon sources due to deforestation and recurrent droughts.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Old-growth tropical forests, where trees often surpass 140 years in age, are barely breaking even in terms of carbon. In contrast, the younger and middle-aged trees of the temperate and boreal forests, aged between less than 50 to 140 years, are proving to be the carbon champions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-implications-nbsp">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



<p>This revelation challenges the established prediction models that painted old-growth forests as significant carbon sinks, neglecting the nuances of forest demography and the debilitating effects of deforestation on tropical forests.</p>



<p>The study emphasizes the importance of considering forest degradation and age dynamics in predicting future carbon sinks.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41561-023-01274-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Geoscience</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Boreal and temperate forests have emerged as the main carbon sinks 

Tropical forests are no longer the world's major global carbon...

<p>A new study led by the University of South Carolina (USC) has found that distinct variations in the attributes of wildflowers, depending on their respective <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pollinators-are-not-just-attracted-to-plants-by-scent-but-also-by-humidity/">pollinators</a>, are driven by a small number of key genetic differences.</p>



<p>Wildflowers exhibit unique sets of characteristics - termed “pollination syndromes” - that have evolved to cater to specific animal pollinators, such as insects or birds.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-penstemons">Penstemons</h2>



<p>While most species within the Penstemon genus present wide, blue flowers, serving as landing spots for bees, evolution has led some species to develop narrow, red, tubular flowers, catering to hummingbird pollination.</p>



<p>The North American wildflower genus&nbsp;<em>Penstemon</em>&nbsp;displays remarkable floral syndrome convergence, with at least 20 separate lineages that have evolved from ancestral bee pollination syndrome (wide blue-purple flowers that present a landing platform for bees and small amounts of nectar) to hummingbird pollination syndrome (bright red narrowly tubular flowers offering copious nectar).&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focus-of-the-study-nbsp">Focus of the study&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Related taxa that differ in floral syndrome offer an attractive opportunity to examine the genomic basis of complex trait divergence,” the authors explained.</p>



<p>The objective of this research was to explore how these distinctive pollination syndromes are preserved genetically.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-research-was-conducted-nbsp">How the research was conducted&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The team sequenced the DNA of 229 plants from three related species of the Penstemon genus: <em>P. neomexicanus</em> and <em>P. virgatus</em>, which are bee-pollinated, and <em>P. barbatus</em>, adapted to hummingbird pollination.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-the-researchers-learned-nbsp">What the researchers learned&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Despite the stark differences in floral attributes, the experts found a relatively small number of genetic differences between <em>P. barbatus</em> and its bee-pollinated relatives.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Moreover, plants from the same geographical vicinity exhibited greater genetic similarity compared to those from varied locations, regardless of the species. These findings suggest that a genetic blending occurs between wildflowers adapted to both bee and hummingbird pollination.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-varied-pollinators-nbsp">Varied pollinators&nbsp;</h2>



<p>However, the researchers identified 21 sites that showcased consistent differences among species with varied pollinators. These sites are dispersed throughout the genome, suggesting an increased likelihood of the disruption of complementary floral traits by recombination, resulting in hybrids with diminished success.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Interestingly, three of these identified genetic variances were located proximal to genomic regions that determine flower color, width, and nectar volume - traits distinctive to different pollination syndromes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nbsp-flower-traits">&nbsp;Flower traits</h2>



<p>The study provides evidence of occasional hybridization between neighboring bee- and hummingbird-pollinated Penstemon species, alongside an intense selection pressure to retain flower traits adapted to each type of pollinator.</p>



<p>“Although bee- vs. hummingbird-pollinated species are easily distinguished in the field, based on unmistakable differences in flowers and the overall stature of the plant, a surprisingly small number of genetic regions distinguish these different species at the genetic level,” concluded Carolyn Wessinger, an assistant professor of Evolution and Plant Biology at USC.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pbio.3002294" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>PLoS Biology</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Just a few genetic differences tailor flowers to specific pollinators

A new study led by the University of South Carolina...

<p>Climate change is a pressing global concern that is pushing various plant and animal species towards the brink of extinction. A new study from <a href="https://www.ucla.edu/">UCLA</a> is focused on the survival of redwoods and oaks that thrive on California’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-activity-impacts-97-percent-of-the-worlds-coastline/">coastline</a> and coastal mountains.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-climate-crisis-nbsp">The climate crisis&nbsp;</h2>



<p>California's iconic redwoods and oaks face increasing challenges due to alterations in temperatures and rainfall patterns that are associated with human-caused climate change. Many of these species are currently teetering on the edge of their endurance limits.</p>



<p>Identifying suitable new habitats will soon become a matter of life or death for some California native species, noted study senior author Professor Lawren Sack. But if those trees could talk, where would they say they wanted to live?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decoding-the-language-of-plants">Decoding the language of plants</h2>



<p>Professor Sack and his team of UCLA biologists sought answers within the plants themselves.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Their research unraveled a "language" embedded in the leaves and woody stems of plants, indicating their optimal habitats.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This discovery holds promise for conservationists to better locate new regions for plant relocation and provide more effective protection for their existing habitats.</p>



<p>Traditionally, determining the best environment for plants was primarily based on their current habitats. This approach often falls short, especially in places like California where agriculture, industrialization, and urbanization have reshaped the natural habitats.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In addition, climate change further complicates the relocation of these species.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-scientific-model">New scientific model</h2>



<p>The study, which is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/1365-2435.14422"><em>Functional Ecology</em></a>, used a statistical model to estimate the preferred climatic conditions for various plant species.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This estimation is derived from several plant parameters, such as height, leaf composition, wilting point, and wood density.</p>



<p>The model does not just reveal what conditions the plant can tolerate, but pinpoints the climate it prefers. This can provide vital information about how well-matched a plant is with its native environment.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-a-plant-prefers-to-live">Where a plant prefers to live</h2>



<p>“Plant species can directly reveal to us their climate preference and their vulnerability to potential climate change in the ‘language’ of their leaves and wood,” said Professor Sack.</p>



<p>“Now that we know this, if you give us a leaf and a piece of wood, we can give a good scientific prediction of where the plant prefers to live."</p>



<p>“We are tuning in to what the plants are telling us about their preferences, in the language of their tissues and physiology, aiming to help them survive escalating climate challenges.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focus-of-the-study">Focus of the study</h2>



<p>Professor Sack collaborated with UCLA postdoctoral scholar Camila Medeiros and an international team of researchers.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The team analyzed 10 distinct leaf and wood traits from more than 100 species in a range of environments mostly within the University of California Natural Reserve System.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-variety-of-ecosystems-nbsp">Variety of ecosystems&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The variety of ecosystems that were analyzed included desert, coastal sage scrub, chaparral, montane wet forest, mixed riparian woodland and mixed conifer broadleaf forest. These types of ecosystems cover about 70% of California’s land area.</p>



<p>“The correspondence of leaf and wood traits with species’ climates is striking,” said Medeiros.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For example, species native to warmer, drier climates tend to be shorter in stature, with thicker and denser leaves and lower wilting points - traits that enable them to continue photosynthesis when water is scarce and to grow faster when water is more readily available.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-physiology-and-climate-nbsp">Plant physiology and climate&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“The reflection of species’ preferred climate in their wood and leaves evidently arose from millennia of evolution that matched plant physiology to climate across California,” said Medeiros.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We also found that many plants in the ecosystems we sampled were occupying locations that differed in climate from what we estimated to be their optimal niche."&nbsp;</p>



<p>"As climate change ensues, we think this will tend to aggravate the sensitivity of many species, including common trees like the California buckeye and shrubs like the purple sage and California lilacs.”</p>



<p>The study is the first of its kind to determine whether plants’ functional traits can be used to accurately predict their climate preferences.</p>



<p>“Some previous studies analyzed individual approaches one by one, but our study was new in simultaneously applying all of them, and this gave us unprecedented predictive power,” said Medeiros.</p>



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Plants have a way of telling us what climate they can survive in

Climate change is a pressing global concern that is pushing...

<p>A team of marine biologists led by the <a href="https://www.gu.se/en">University of Gothenburg</a> and the <a href="https://www.kth.se/en">KTH Royal Institute of Technology</a> has recently predicted that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/preparing-for-ocean-acidification-a-silent-killer-of-climate-change/">ocean acidification</a> will nearly triple by the end of this century.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This significant environmental shift could affect vital marine life such as fleshy seaweeds, which play a crucial role in promoting biodiversity across over a third of the world’s coastlines.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fate-of-seaweeds">Fate of seaweeds</h2>



<p>The experts investigated the potential fate of seaweeds in oceans that are undergoing rapid acidification. They exposed a common fleshy seaweed species to the acidification levels anticipated by 2100.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The analyses revealed that this increased acidification altered the seaweed’s chemical balance, weakened its structure and tissues, and decreased its likelihood of survival.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unprecedented-changes">Unprecedented changes</h2>



<p>“Climate change is resulting in unprecedented changes in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems through the emission of greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide,” the authors wrote. “Almost a third of that CO2 is taken up by the ocean, which has profound effects on seaweeds.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-ocean-acidification">Future ocean acidification</h2>



<p>To simulate the conditions of future ocean acidification, the researchers cultivated <em>Fucus vesiculosus</em>, a common brown fleshy algae, in water enriched with dissolved CO2 for a span of 90 days.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The concentration of carbon dioxide was adjusted to mirror the levels of acidification projected for the year 2100, which is almost threefold the current levels of acidification in the oceans.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-structural-changes-nbsp">Structural changes&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Throughout the experiment, both the visible growth and microscopic structural changes of the seaweed were closely observed.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The researchers measured how well the seaweed performed photosynthesis, analyzed its chemical composition, evaluated its thallus strength, and monitored its response to mechanical stress by mimicking waves to assess its vulnerability to damage or detachment in the ocean (a metric called “drag”).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mixed-results">Mixed results</h2>



<p>Comparison of these findings with data from <em>F. vesiculosus</em> grown in non-acidified water led to mixed results.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The seaweed cultivated in acidified water surprisingly demonstrated greater growth, more efficient photosynthesis, and no significant rise in drag.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, such seaweed had reduced thallus strength, less compact tissues, a more porous overall structure, and diminished levels of calcium and magnesium - essential elements contributing to the strength and flexibility of a plant’s structure.&nbsp;</p>



<p>As a result, seaweeds in acidified water seemed to be more susceptible to breakage and had a higher mortality rate.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-implications-nbsp">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“Negative effects of ocean acidification on the tissue structure and breaking strength of seaweeds like <em>F. vesiculosus</em> could have drastic effects on coastal ecosystems,” the scientists explained.</p>



<p>“Such changes could lead to an overall decrease in seaweed coverage, with corresponding negative effects on organisms that depend on these habitats for food and shelter.”</p>



<p>Further studies are needed to explore whether the repercussions of ocean acidification are consistent across all fleshy seaweed species.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“If this proves to be a general mechanism affecting fleshy seaweeds, the expectation is that ocean acidification will have critical structuring effects on rocky-shore ecosystems given how widely distributed and fundamental brown seaweeds are across one-third of the coastlines of the world,” the authors concluded.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2023.07.056"><em>Current Biology</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Ocean acidification endangers ecologically important seaweed

A team of marine biologists led by the University of...

Farmer,Plantation,Checking,Quality,By,Tablet,Agriculture,Modern,Technology,Concept.

<p>Researchers have ushered in a new era in plant science by creating a technology that brings the once-fictitious idea of human-plant communication to reality. This recently developed technology enables humans to ‘talk’ to plants and receive communication back from them, using light-based messaging. This incredible breakthrough was achieved by a team of scientists from the <a href="https://www.slcu.cam.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sainsbury Laboratory Cambridge University</a> (SLCU) </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-initiating-plant-defense-mechanisms">Initiating plant defense mechanisms</h2>



<p>The experiments conducted by Alexander Jones’ research team at the university involved using light as a messenger to talk to plants. The light activates the natural defense mechanisms in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tobacco-and-zinnia-can-thrive-in-polluted-land/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tobacco plants</a> (<em>Nicotiana benthamiana</em>), showcasing that light can be a stimulus triggering plants’ immune responses. </p>



<p>This implies that light, a universal medium of communication for humans, can now serve as a bridge for interspecies interaction between humans and plants.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-highlighter-created-to-talk-to-plants">Highlighter: Created to talk to plants</h2>



<p>Before this discovery, the <a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Cambridge</a> team engineered fluorescent light-based biosensors that could visually communicate real-time cellular activities in plants, revealing dynamics of critical plant hormones and how plants react to environmental stresses, effectively allowing plants to ‘talk’ to humans.</p>



<p>The latest development, Highlighter, is a tool documented in <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosbiology/article?id=10.1371/journal.pbio.3002303" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLOS Biology</a> that uses specific light conditions to activate the expression of a target gene in plants, allowing humans to trigger defense mechanisms in plants. </p>



<p>Dr. Jones explains, “If we could warn plants of an impending disease outbreak or pest attack, plants could then activate their natural defense mechanisms to prevent widespread damage.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-addressing-agricultural-challenges">Addressing agricultural challenges</h2>



<p>This innovation holds promise for revolutionizing agricultural practices and humanity's relationship with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-pass-down-memories-to-help-offspring-survive/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants</a>. It could allow warning plants about approaching extreme weather events or pest attacks, enabling them to adjust growth patterns, conserve water, or activate defense mechanisms. </p>



<p>This advanced communication with plants can lead to more sustainable and efficient farming practices, reducing dependency on chemicals.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-science-of-optogenetics">Science of optogenetics</h2>



<p>Bo Larsen, the engineer behind Highlighter, has incorporated a light-controlled gene expression system or optogenetics system from a prokaryotic system into a eukaryotic system tailored for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fibonacci-spirals-an-unexpected-twist-in-plant-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants</a>. </p>



<p>Optogenetics uses light stimuli to control specific processes, enabling scientists to control biomolecular processes at a cellular level. It has revolutionized several fields, including neuroscience, by isolating the functions of individual neurons. </p>



<p>However, applying optogenetics to plants has been challenging due to plants' inherent abundance of photoreceptors and their need for a wide spectrum of light for growth.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-development-of-highlighter">Development of Highlighter</h2>



<p>In the creation of Highlighter, collaboration with experts like J. Clark Lagarias from <a href="https://www.ucdavis.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Davis</a> and others from the <a href="https://www.npl.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Physical Laboratory</a> was crucial to overcome challenges and to refine the technology. The system developed is minimally invasive, using light signals for activation and inactivation, unaffected by the usual light-dark cycling in growth chambers.</p>



<p>This technology has already demonstrated control over plant immunity, pigment production, and a yellow fluorescent protein. Dr. Jones emphasized that “Highlighter is an important step forward in the development of optogenetics tools in plants,” and it opens new avenues for crop improvement and research in plant biology.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-talking-to-plants-what-the-future-holds">Talking to plants -- what the future holds</h2>



<p>The ramifications of this development are profound. A growing toolbox for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-distribute-enormous-amounts-of-co2-to-mycorrhizal-fungi/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants</a>, with diverse optical properties, not only answers fundamental plant biology questions but also unlocks potential opportunities for crop improvement. </p>



<p>Dr. Jones visualizes a future where different light conditions could trigger various responses, such as immune response or precise timing of specific traits like flowering or ripening, in plants.</p>



<p>The innovations emerging from the Sainsbury Laboratory Cambridge University are propelling us into a future where humans and plants coexist in a symbiotic relationship of mutual communication and understanding, optimizing agricultural practices and revealing unexplored facets of plant biology. </p>



<p>This breakthrough in human-plant communication signifies a monumental leap in our quest for harmonious coexistence with the plant kingdom, pointing towards a future where sustainable and efficient farming becomes a global reality.</p>



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New invention enables humans to 'talk' to plants using light

Researchers have ushered in a new era in plant science...

Gnetum edule

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