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This past November, 33 new breaking news stories were posted on the GPC website including...
Scientists identify mechanism that controls leaf growth and shape
In autumn, it is not only the colours that catch the eye, but also the different sizes and shapes of leaves. But what makes leaves of different plants differ so much in their shapes? Scientists have now discovered how a protein called LMI1 can control leaf growth and shape.
In New Phytologist: Plants find ways to survive no matter the terrain
Researchers have discovered that a fascinating plant employs two mechanisms to survive, no matter where it grows. New research, published in New Phytologist, looked at Aethionema arabicum, also known as “stone cress”, and found the plant is unique in its seed and fruit dispersal strategies.
Small Genetic Differences Turn Plants into Better Teams
Diverse communities of plants and animals typically perform better than monocultures. However, the mechanisms that are responsible for this have so far been a mystery to science. Biologists have now been able to identify the genetic cause of these effects. Their findings might help to improve crop yield.
Plant Hormone Makes Space Farming a Possibility
With scarce nutrients and weak gravity, growing potatoes on the Moon or on other planets seems unimaginable. But the plant hormone strigolactone could make it possible, plant biologists have shown. The hormone supports the symbiosis between fungi and plant roots, thus encouraging plants’ growth – even under the challenging conditions found in space.
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