New research from the Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte (Brazil), sheds new light on the evolution of land plants, and specifically in one of the mechanisms underlying plant terrestrialization (the...
Tag - algae
Michela Osnato
What does chlorophyll leave behind after a billion years?
Scientists have identified one of the earliest multicellular algae. Their new method could help unlock much more information from Precambrian fossils.
Alun Salt
Plant blindness eradicated *
Side-view of the human eye, viewed approximately 90 degrees temporal, illustrating how the iris and pupil appear rotated towards the viewer due to the optical properties of the cornea, by Paul Savage Plant blindness...
Nigel Chaffey
Three kinds of algae? Blooming marvellous news!
Bloom: From food to fuel, the epic story of how algae can save our world by Ruth Kassinger 2019. Elliott & Thompson. As a Botanist, especially one who has taught an undergraduate module on marine biology for over 12...
Algal research that has its ups and downs…
Every so often you chance upon a scientific study that makes you think “What? That’s new or worthy of study (and publication…)?” I had that reaction when I saw the paper entitled, “Photosynthesis and circadian rhythms...
The first footholds for land plants may have been much smaller than imagined
A polysaccharide found in the cell walls of land plants has now been found outside the cell. This chemical, Xyloglucan, could be one of clues as to how plants moved onto land.
Anna Atkins Photographic Pioneer
For International Women’s Day 2018, we celebrate the life and work of Anna Atkins, a pioneer of photography. She pushed the technology of her day to its limit, breaking new ground and created cyanotypes that remain...
Anna Jacob
International Women’s Day 2017: “Diversity makes my job enjoyable”
For International Women's Day 2017, we asked plant biologist Dr Zoë Popper to write about a typical day in her working life. Here, she reflects on the importance of diversity in her job.
Zoë Popper
Phytohormone profiles and metabolism in cyanobacteria and algae
The majority of available data on phytohormone profiles and metabolism concerns vascular plants. Žižková et al. monitor the mechanisms by which two main groups of phytohormones, cytokinins and auxins, control...
botanyone
Tree rings stop cell division in plants
This week Nigel Chaffey finds he has a vision problem that needs more than a trip to the optician.
What colour is Greenland?
The changing colour of Greenland could have consequences for the rest of the planet.
Diurnal changes in algal xanthophyll cycle and H2O2 concentration
High light activates the xanthophyll cycle and increases the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), but the interrelationships between these parameters is poorly understood. Using...
Adapting to life on land
This study examines pectins to understand the changes in cell wall structure associated with the transition from algae to land-plants.
AJ Cann
The trees have it…
Tons of alternative tree uses! Trees, helping to make the world an even more amazing place.
