“Pet poisonous” – Toxic parts: bark, leaves, seeds	

Taxus cuspidata cuspidata

Carbon,Dioxide,Or,Co2,Is,Colorless,Gas.,Which,Inhaling,This

<p>A new study brings a glimmer of hope in the battle against climate change. The research suggests that the Earth's plants could absorb more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-did-ancient-plants-affect-atmospheric-co2-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">atmospheric CO2</a> caused by human activities than previously thought. </p>



<p>This exciting revelation was conducted by the <a href="https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/hie" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment</a> at Western Sydney University and led by Dr. Jürgen Knauer. It comes from advanced ecological modeling techniques, offering a more optimistic outlook on the planet's capacity to combat carbon emissions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-plants-and-co2-interact">How plants and CO2 interact</h2>



<p>Despite these encouraging findings, the environmental scientists behind the study warn against any laxity in global efforts to reduce <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-plants-continue-offsetting-our-carbon-emissions-in-a-warming-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon emissions</a>. </p>



<p>"Plants take up a substantial amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) every year, thereby slowing down the detrimental effects of climate change, but the extent to which they will continue this CO2 uptake into the future has been uncertain,” Dr. Knauer explains. </p>



<p>Knauer continued, “What we found is that a well-established climate model that is used to feed into global climate predictions made by the likes of the <a href="https://www.ipcc.ch/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IPCC</a> predicts stronger and sustained carbon uptake until the end of the 21<sup>st</sup>&nbsp;century when it accounts for the impact of some critical physiological processes that govern how plants conduct photosynthesis."</p>



<p>The research underlines the importance of not only <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/us-cities-are-about-to-get-a-lot-greener-with-1-billion-for-tree-planting/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planting more trees</a> but also conserving existing vegetation. However, it emphasizes that this is not a standalone solution but one of the many steps needed to tackle climate change.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enhancing-climate-models">Enhancing climate models</h2>



<p>The study delves into the complexities of how plants conduct <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/key-to-life-on-earth-photosynthesis-begins-on-the-quantum-level-with-a-single-photon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">photosynthesis</a>. </p>



<p>"We accounted for aspects like how efficiently carbon dioxide can move through the interior of the leaf, how plants adjust to changes in temperatures, and how plants most economically distribute nutrients in their canopy," explained Dr. Knauer.</p>



<p>Knauer went on to explain that, "These are three really important mechanisms that affect a plant’s ability to ‘fix’ carbon, yet they are commonly ignored in most global models."</p>



<p>This enhanced understanding has allowed for more accurate predictions of vegetation's carbon uptake capabilities, which is critical in the fight against climate change.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-photosynthesis-nature-s-climate-mitigator">Photosynthesis: Nature's climate mitigator</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-have-finally-decoded-the-process-of-photosynthesis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Photosynthesis</a>, the process by which plants convert CO2 into sugars for growth and metabolism, plays a crucial role in mitigating climate change. The study highlights the increasing land carbon sink observed over recent decades, largely driven by increased CO2 uptake by vegetation. </p>



<p>However, the long-term effects of climate change on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-greening-affects-carbon-uptake-by-plants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vegetation carbon uptake</a>, especially under extreme conditions like droughts and heatwaves, remain a concern.</p>



<p>The research team tested various models under a high-emission climate scenario, assessing global climate change until the end of the 21st century. Models ranged in complexity and the extent to which they accounted for critical plant physiological processes. </p>



<p>The results consistently showed that more complex models, incorporating current understanding of plant physiology, projected stronger increases in global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deserts-as-carbon-sinks-study-reveals-potential-for-greening-arid-regions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vegetation carbon uptake</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-modeling-plants-and-co2">Climate modeling, plants, and CO2</h2>



<p>Silvia Caldararu is an Assistant Professor at Trinity’s <a href="https://naturalscience.tcd.ie/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">School of Natural Sciences</a> and a contributor to the study. She contextualizes the findings, saying, "Because the majority of terrestrial biosphere models used to assess the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/boreal-and-temperate-forests-have-emerged-as-the-main-carbon-sinks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global carbon sink</a> are located at the lower end of this complexity range, accounting only partially for these mechanisms or ignoring them altogether, it is likely that we are currently underestimating climate change effects on vegetation as well as its resilience to changes in climate."</p>



<p>Caldararu continued, "We often think about climate models as being all about physics, but biology plays a huge role and it is something that we really need to account for."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-nature-based-solutions">Implications for nature-based solutions</h2>



<p>The study suggests that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nature-based-solutions-city-greening-reduces-carbon-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nature-based solutions</a> to climate change, such as reforestation and afforestation, could be more impactful and sustainable than previously thought.</p>



<p>According to Silvia Caldararu, “These kinds of predictions have implications for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tropical-savannas-have-a-hidden-weapon-against-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nature-based solutions</a> to climate change such as reforestation and afforestation and how much carbon such initiatives can take up."</p>



<p>The team's findings suggest these approaches could have a larger impact in mitigating climate change and over a longer time period than we thought.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Caldararu cautions, however, that these measures cannot replace the urgent need to reduce emissions across all sectors. “Simply <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/initiatives-to-plant-billions-of-trees-threatened-by-seedling-undersupply/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planting trees</a> will not solve all our problems.&nbsp;We absolutely need to cut down emissions from all sectors. Trees alone cannot offer humanity a get out of jail free card,”&nbsp;says Caldararu.</p>



<p>In summary, this research marks a significant step in understanding the role of vegetation in mitigating climate change. It provides an optimistic perspective on the planet's ability to absorb CO2 but simultaneously serves as a reminder that this is not a panacea. </p>



<p>Concerted efforts in emission reductions, alongside nature-based solutions, remain paramount in addressing the global climate crisis.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adh9444" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Science</em> <em>Advances</em></a>.</p>



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Plants are absorbing more human-produced carbon dioxide than expected

A new study brings a glimmer of hope in the...

<p>Researchers at <a href="https://nau.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Northern Arizona University</a> have shared new details about the resilience of coast redwoods, particularly their recovery from severe <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/canadian-fires-have-released-a-billion-tons-of-carbon-dioxide/">fires</a>. </p>



<p>The study was focused on the CZU Lightning Complex Fire, a devastating event in August of 2020. In California's Big Basin State Park, the fire burned thousands of acres of redwoods - including some that were over 1,500 years old.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-resilient-redwoods-nbsp">Resilient redwoods&nbsp;</h2>



<p>A team from NAU’s Center for Ecosystem Science and Society (Ecoss) and the School of Informatics, Computing, and Cyber Systems (SICCS) meticulously examined the aftermath of the CZU Lightning Complex Fire.</p>



<p>The researchers found that many of the trees that were initially believed to be dead were actually far from it. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-remarkable-survival-strategy-nbsp">Remarkable survival strategy&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The redwoods, known for storing massive amounts of carbon, had utilized these reserves to fuel new growth. Remarkably, new leaves sprouted from buried buds, dormant for centuries, signaling the start of the forest's regeneration.</p>



<p>This incredible discovery opens up questions about the survival strategies of other long-lived plants and their adaptation to severe environmental stresses.</p>



<p>“It remains to be determined if redwood’s old reserves and ancient cell lines are an exception in the plant kingdom or an exceptional example of an insurance strategy common to long-lived plants,” said study co-author Professor George Koch.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ancient-carbon-reserves-nbsp">Ancient carbon reserves&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The researchers used computer modeling to analyze the age of the carbon reserves in these ancient trees. The results were astonishing: some trees used carbon reserves that were decades or perhaps even a century old.</p>



<p>The team’s updated models showed that the redwoods’ reserves included carbon captured 50 to 100 years ago.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>“As far as we know, these are some of the oldest carbon reserves ever measured,” said study lead author Professor Drew Peltier.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Sugars photosynthesized perhaps 100 years ago were used to grow new leaves in 2021. Although coast redwood is clearly a superlative species, it is likely that other long-lived trees also harbor carbon reserves that are much older than previously recognized.”</p>



<p>“This study was really exciting for us because we used measurements at the atomic level - counting the amount of carbon-14 relative to carbon-12 - to understand what these sprouts, which start as tiny green shoots, are telling us about the growth strategy of these enormous trees, among the largest living organisms on earth,” said study co-author Professor Andrew Richardson.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forest-recovery">Forest recovery</h2>



<p>Despite the optimism, the study also brings to light the harsh reality of forest recovery. Many redwoods and other tree species in Big Basin did not survive the fire. </p>



<p>The researchers noted that, although the coast redwood demonstrates exceptional resprouting capabilities, it might take centuries for the Big Basin forest ecosystem to fully recover.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41477-023-01581-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Plants</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Rising from the ashes: How some redwoods recover from fire

Researchers at Northern Arizona University have shared new details about...

<p>In an era where sustainable agriculture and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-solutions-for-the-climate-and-biodiversity-crisis/">biodiversity</a> are critical, a new study from India has demonstrated the power of integrating flowers into farming practices. </p>



<p>The study shows that floral interventions can enhance bee populations and biodiversity while boosting crop yields and benefiting the environment.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The research was conducted in South India by a team from the University of Reading and the M S Swaminathan Research Foundation.</p>



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



<p>The study was focused on the Moringa crop, which is known for its high nutritional value. Moringa is mainly cultivated in South India.</p>



<p>The researchers noted that Moringa plays a major role in the rural economy. "The moringa global market was worth USD 5.5 billion in 2018 and projected to increase to USD 10 billion by 2025."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-background-of-the-research-nbsp">Background of the research&nbsp;</h2>



<p>"Pollination is one of the most important ecosystem services provided by nature, which is crucial for global food security and human nutritional health," wrote the study authors.</p>



<p>"About 75% of the food crops around the globe benefit from pollination by animal pollinators; this figure increases in the tropics, where ~94% of tropical crops benefit from animal pollinators."&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Despite the advances in agricultural technology, the increasing pressure on farming to meet human food and energy needs over the last century has resulted in a rise of intensive but environmentally detrimental farming."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-floral-interventions-nbsp">Floral interventions&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The researchers set out to investigate the effectiveness of floral interventions in boosting pollination across 24 moringa orchards.</p>



<p>"We hypothesise that moringa fields with floral interventions have a greater abundance and diversity of flower visitors on crop compared with the moringa fields without such floral interventions," wrote the study authors.</p>



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



<p>Working with farmers, they planted marigold flowers and red gram crops alongside Moringa trees. This strategy led to a significant increase in the abundance and diversity of flower-visiting insects, particularly bees.</p>



<p>"Planting wildflowers on agricultural land is a tried and tested method seen in many arable fields and orchards in the UK and across Europe. This farming technique is known to boost insect pollinator numbers," said Dr. Deepa Senapathi from the University of Reading.</p>



<p>“We worked with farmers in South India to design the best co-flowering crops and boost the numbers of native bees and other insect pollinators visiting the moringa orchards.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-remarkable-results">Remarkable results</h2>



<p>The researchers found that orchards with co-flowering crops experienced a 50% increase in flower visitor numbers and a 33% boost in diversity compared to those without these crops. This led to larger Moringa pods and a 30% increase in harvestable fruits.</p>



<p>“Greater yields and higher quality fruit will translate to a healthier and better food supply for smallholder communities," said Dr. Senapathi.</p>



<p>"The farming communities can also use the red gram as a protein source in their diets and receive extra income from selling the marigold flowers.”&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>India, with its vast array of economically and nutritionally valuable crops like mango and moringa, stands to benefit immensely from improved pollination services. However, intensive farming and habitat loss have severely impacted biodiversity, including native pollinators.</p>



<p>Smallholder farmers, who rely on native pollinators, are often the most affected by these ecological challenges. The research demonstrates how they can enhance yields while adopting more sustainable land management practices.</p>



<p>The study is part of the TROPICAL project, funded by the UKRI’s Global Challenges Research Fund. This project aims to apply UK-based research to tropical regions where crops depend heavily on pollinators.</p>



<p>The study is published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/1365-2664.14532" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Journal of Applied Ecology</em></a>.</p>



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Floral interventions on farms boost pollinators and crop yields

In an era where sustainable agriculture and biodiversity are critical,...

Vegan,Lentil,Burgers,With,Kale,And,Tomato,Sauce,On,A

<p>A recent analysis from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pcrm.org/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine</a> highlights the benefits of replacing animal products with plant-based foods.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This analysis, which expands on a previous study by the same committee, emphasizes the significant impact of plant-based diets on weight loss, cholesterol, fat intake, and fiber intake in overweight adults.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-insights-on-plant-based-foods">Key insights on plant-based foods</h2>



<p>The most significant finding is that both healthy and unhealthy plant-based foods contribute to weight loss when they replace animal products in the diet.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This conclusion is significant because it underscores the potential of a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-based-diets-are-proven-better-for-human-and-environmental-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant-based</a> diet, regardless of the specific type of plant-based foods consumed, in managing weight and improving overall health.</p>



<p>“While a low-fat vegan diet rich in fruits, vegetables, grains, and beans is the gold standard for weight loss and improved health, the good news is that a plant-based diet that eliminates <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/high-meat-diets-have-four-times-the-environmental-impacts-of-vegan-diets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animal products</a> and minimizes the consumption of oil can help with weight loss in people who are overweight,” said study co-author Dr. Hana Kahleova, director of clinical research at the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-study-was-conducted">How the study was conducted</h2>



<p>This analysis is a secondary examination of a prior study that involved 244 overweight adults. The participants were divided into two groups. One group followed a low-fat <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/vegan-diet-reduces-arthritis-pain-and-inflammation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vegan diet</a>, and the other made no changes to their diet. Notably, the study imposed no restrictions on calorie intake, and the researchers did not give participants specific instructions on diet quality.</p>



<p>The study authors used three different indexes to assess plant-based diet adherence: the plant-based diet index (PDI), the healthful plant-based diet index (hPDI), and the unhealthful plant-based diet index (uPDI).&nbsp;</p>



<p>The PDI measures general adherence to a plant-based diet, the hPDI emphasizes fruits, vegetables, grains, and beans, while the uPDI includes more refined grains and fruit juices. Higher scores on these indexes correlate with greater consumption of plant-based foods and reduced consumption of animal products.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-based-foods-show-promising-results">Plant-based foods show promising results</h2>



<p>The results revealed that after 16 weeks, participants on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-the-environmental-impacts-of-various-diets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vegan diet</a> showed increased scores in all three indexes. This increase significantly correlated with participants losing an average of about 13 pounds, mainly from reduced fat mass and visceral fat.</p>



<p>Factors contributing to this weight loss included increased consumption of whole grains and legumes, and reduced consumption of meat, vegetable oil, and sweets. The control group showed no change in their index scores.</p>



<p>Overall, the analysis provides strong evidence that eating plant-based foods is effective for weight management and health improvement, regardless of the specific type of plant-based foods consumed. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-plant-based-foods-for-weight-loss">Best plant-based foods for weight loss</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/is-a-plant-based-diet-healthy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Plant-based</a> foods are excellent for weight loss as they're typically lower in calories and higher in fiber and nutrients. Here's a description of some effective plant-based foods for weight loss:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-legumes">Legumes</h3>



<p>Beans, lentils, and peas are great sources of protein and fiber, which can keep you feeling full and satisfied. They're also low in fat and calories.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-whole-grains">Whole grains</h3>



<p>Foods like quinoa, brown rice, barley, and whole wheat are rich in fiber. They take longer to digest, which helps in maintaining steady blood sugar levels and keeping you full longer.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-leafy-greens">Leafy greens</h3>



<p>Spinach, kale, collards, and other greens are incredibly low in calories but high in fiber and essential nutrients. They add bulk to meals without adding many calories.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nuts-and-seeds">Nuts and seeds</h3>



<p>While higher in calories, nuts and seeds like almonds, chia seeds, and flaxseeds provide healthy fats, protein, and fiber. They should be eaten in moderation.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fruits">Fruits</h3>



<p>Berries, apples, pears, and other fruits are high in fiber and natural sugars, satisfying sweet cravings in a healthier way. They're also full of vitamins and antioxidants.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vegetables">Vegetables</h3>



<p>Non-starchy vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, and bell peppers are low in calories but high in fiber and nutrients, making them perfect for weight loss diets.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tofu-and-yempeh">Tofu and yempeh</h3>



<p>These soy-based products are high in protein and fiber, yet low in calories. They can be great meat substitutes in various dishes.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-avocado">Avocado</h3>



<p>Rich in healthy fats and fiber, avocados can help you feel full and satisfied. However, they are calorie-dense, so portion control is key.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mushrooms">Mushrooms</h3>



<p>Low in calories and high in flavor, mushrooms can be a satisfying substitute for meat in many dishes.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-herbs-and-spices">Herbs and spices</h3>



<p>Using herbs and spices like turmeric, ginger, and garlic can add flavor without calories, helping to make plant-based meals more satisfying and enjoyable.</p>



<p>The study is published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41430-023-01371-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>European Journal of Clinical Nutrition</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Plant-based foods are great for weight loss, regardless of the type

A recent analysis from the&nbsp;Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine highlights...

<p>The escalating crisis of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-deforestation-crisis-how-can-we-stop-massive-forest-losses/">deforestation</a> in Mexico, primarily fueled by the US’ soaring demand for avocados, is a concern that <a href="https://cri.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Climate Rights International</a> (CRI) squarely attributes to the inaction of both US and Mexican federal governments, as well as local authorities in Michoacán and Jalisco. </p>



<p>Despite having the capacity to intervene, these governmental bodies have failed to take effective measures, according to CRI.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-corruption">Corruption</h2>



<p>In a recent <a href="https://cri.org/reports/unholy-guacamole/">report</a> CRI identifies two key issues at the heart of local environmental authorities’ failure: corruption and violence. In Michoacán, for instance, the State Prosecutor’s Office’s unit tasked with investigating avocado-related deforestation is reportedly plagued by corruption.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This situation allows those responsible for deforestation to operate with impunity, mocking the powerlessness of the forest commission, as per a forest official’s statement.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-violence-and-threats">Violence and threats</h2>



<p>Additionally, any resistance to avocado growers is often met with violence or threats, effectively silencing both governmental authorities and local communities who have tried to hold these growers accountable. The situation is further complicated as criminal syndicates vie for a share in this lucrative industry, valued at billions of dollars annually.</p>



<p>The consequences of such resistance can be severe, with instances of kidnapping and even murder of community group members reported.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-drastic-measures-nbsp">Drastic measures&nbsp;</h2>



<p>CRI criticizes the US government for its role, highlighting that it “routinely certifies illegally deforested orchards to export to US consumers.” This lack of adequate action from the authorities meant to safeguard the land and communities has led some locals to take drastic measures.</p>



<p>In Cherán, Michoacán, frustrated residents ousted the local government in 2011 due to rampant illegal logging and violence, establishing their own governance and police force to enforce anti-deforestation laws. Michoacán eventually acknowledged the authority of this self-established government.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-avocado-imports-nbsp">Avocado imports&nbsp;</h2>



<p>CRI emphasizes that localized responses alone are insufficient to tackle such pervasive problems. In its report, CRI outlines several recommendations, including a call for both the Mexican and US governments to enforce deforestation and avocado cultivation laws effectively. One key proposal is for the US to ban the import of avocados cultivated on illegally deforested land.</p>



<p>Despite these recommendations, as recently as last year, the US sanctioned avocado imports from Jalisco without implementing deforestation safeguards.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deteriorating-situation">Deteriorating situation</h2>



<p>CRI warns that if decisive action is not taken soon, the situation will continue to deteriorate, especially given the ever-increasing American appetite for avocados.</p>



<p>“Urgently enacting and implementing such regulations and policies is essential to averting climate catastrophe, and to protecting the rights of populations where the commodities are produced,” officials from CRI concluded.</p>



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America's demand for avocados linked to escalating crisis in Mexico

The escalating crisis of deforestation in Mexico, primarily fueled by...

<p>Scientists at the <a href="https://www.bath.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bath</a> have achieved a breakthrough by harnessing the "super power" of a tropical <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/honey-bees-are-very-loyal-to-their-flower-patches/">flower</a>, potentially revolutionizing the pharmaceutical industry's approach to drug development. </p>



<p>The research, inspired by nature, focuses on creating more stable and effective drugs using a technique derived from Oldenlandia affinis, a small purple flower.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seeking-more-effective-drugs">Seeking more effective drugs</h2>



<p>Traditionally, drug treatments target disease-related proteins to block their activity, either alleviating symptoms or curing the disease. However, the conventional method using small molecules has limitations, especially in blocking protein interactions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The pharmaceutical industry is now exploring the use of small proteins called peptides, which could lead to improved drug discovery.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-drug-candidates-nbsp">New drug candidates&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The challenge with peptides and proteins as drug candidates is their structural vulnerability. They tend to unravel, are sensitive to high temperatures, and have difficulty penetrating cells, where many significant drug targets reside.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The University of Bath team has developed a novel solution to these issues. The technique involves creating "cyclic" proteins and peptides by joining their start and end points. This process enhances their stability against heat and chemicals and facilitates easier cell penetration.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>The experts utilized the enzyme OaAEP1 from Oldenlandia affinis, modifying it and integrating it into bacterial cells for mass production. This process simultaneously joins the proteins' ends in a single step.</p>



<p>While plants can naturally cyclicize proteins, it's a slow and low-yielding process. Chemical cyclization is an alternative but involves multiple steps and toxic solvents.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-insights">Key insights</h2>



<p>The bacterial system introduced by the Bath team is a significant improvement. This approach offers higher yields, uses sustainable biologically-friendly reagents, and simplifies the process, making it cheaper and greener.</p>



<p>To demonstrate their method's efficacy, the researchers applied their bacterial OaAEP1 technology to a protein called DHFR. They found that linking its head and tail ends increased its temperature resistance while maintaining its normal function.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-significance">Study significance</h2>



<p>Professor Jody Mason from the University of Bath’s Department of Life Sciences highlighted the significance of this discovery.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Proteins and peptides are generally quite sensitive to heat, but cyclisation makes them much more robust," said Professor Mason. “The Oldenlandia plant naturally makes cyclic proteins as part of a defence mechanism to deter predators."</p>



<p>“So we’ve harnessed this flower super power by modifying OaAEP1 and combining it with existing bacterial protein-producing technology to create a really powerful tool that will help the drug discovery industry.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exciting-potential-applications-nbsp">Exciting potential applications&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Dr. Simon Tang, a research associate in the University of Bath Department of Life Sciences, explained that proteins and peptides are very promising as drug candidates, but a significant bottleneck for the development of new therapeutic treatments is producing enough of the stuff to reach patients without incurring an astronomical cost.</p>



<p>“Our new process lets the bacteria do all the work – the result is it’s also cleaner and greener, and because it has fewer steps, it is a lot simpler to do," said Dr. Tang.</p>



<p>“We’re really excited about the potential applications of this, not only for the pharmaceutical industry but other industries such as the food industry, detergent industry, in biotechnology, and in bioenergy production.”</p>



<p>The researchers have filed a patent for the technique. The study is published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/jacsau.3c00591" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Journal of the American Chemical Society Gold</em></a>.</p>



<p>Image Credit: Peter Warren</p>



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'Super power' of a tropical flower will improve drug discovery

Scientists at the University of Bath have achieved a breakthrough...

<p>Scientists have uncovered a crucial connection between ocean oxygen levels and one of the most catastrophic marine <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-predict-a-new-mass-extinction-that-will-wipe-out-humans-and-all-mammals/">extinction events</a> in Earth’s history.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The research not only illuminates our understanding of past global changes but also issues a stark warning about the current fragility of marine ecosystems.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-triassic-jurassic-mass-extinction">Triassic–Jurassic mass extinction</h2>



<p>The study was focused on the Triassic–Jurassic mass extinction, which occurred approximately 200 million years ago. This event is among the Earth's major mass extinctions, periods characterized by significant global ecosystem collapses and widespread species extinctions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Historically, these events have been closely associated with global environmental disturbances, frequently resulting in reduced oxygen levels (anoxia) in oceanic waters.</p>



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



<p>A common hypothesis has been that greater extents of ocean deoxygenation would naturally lead to larger scale extinctions. However, the current study challenges this assumption by demonstrating that the level of euxinia (an extreme form of deoxygenation) during the Triassic–Jurassic extinction was similar to what we observe today.</p>



<p>The research team, including experts from Royal Holloway (UK), <a href="https://www.tcd.ie/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trinity College Dublin</a> (Ireland), and Utrecht University (Netherlands), analyzed chemical data extracted from ancient mudstone deposits in Northern Ireland and Germany.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-critical-insights-nbsp">Critical insights&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The results of the analysis highlight the role of anoxia in the marine extinctions during this period. The study also reveals a surprising limitation in the global extent of extreme deoxygenation at the time.</p>



<p>The experts found a correlation between increased extinction rates and spikes in deoxygenation across shallow marine environments along European continental margins.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cautionary-tale-nbsp">Cautionary tale&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Upon further investigation, the team determined that the global extent of extreme deoxygenation was rather limited, and similar to the present day.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The research serves as a cautionary tale about the current state of our oceans, suggesting that they may be more vulnerable than previously thought.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study of past global change events is invaluable in understanding the consequences of modern climate change, as well as in predicting and possibly mitigating future ecosystem tipping points.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cascading-impacts">Cascading impacts</h2>



<p>“Scientists have long suspected that ocean deoxygenation plays an important role in the disturbance of marine ecosystems, which can lead to the extinction of species in marine environments," said study co-author Professor Micha Ruhl.</p>



<p>"The study of past time intervals of extreme environmental change indeed shows this to be the case, which teaches us important lessons about potential tipping points in local, as well as global ecosystems in response to climatic forcing."</p>



<p>“Crucially however, the current findings show that even when the global extent of deoxygenation is similar to the present day, the local development of anoxic conditions and subsequent locally increased extinction rates can cascade in widespread or global ecosystem collapse and extinctions, even in areas where deoxygenation did not occur."&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-assessing-ecosystem-stability-nbsp">Assessing ecosystem stability&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Professor Ruhl said the research shows that global marine ecosystems become vulnerable, even when only local environments along the edges of the continents are disturbed.</p>



<p>"Understanding such processes is of paramount importance for assessing present day ecosystem stability, and associated food supply, especially in a world where marine deoxygenation is projected to significantly increase in response to global warming and increased nutrient run-off from continents.”</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41561-023-01303-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Geoscience</em></a></p>



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Today's ocean oxygen levels may have cascading impacts

Scientists have uncovered a crucial connection between ocean oxygen levels...

Taxus cuspidata cuspidata

Description

Taxonomic tree: