https://phys.org/ en-us Latest news from Boyce Thompson Institute Watermelon is a quintessential summertime fruit, evoking images of warm, sunny afternoons and cookouts with friends and family. You can easily picture its striped, green rind and pink flesh, imagine the delicate crunch as you bite into a slice, and almost taste the sweet juice bursting onto your tongue. What you likely don't consider is the biological basis of traits like fruit color, texture, and sweetness—the genetics that have undergone millions of years of selection, both in nature and through intentional breeding, to give you that exact experience. https://phys.org/news/2026-05-watermelon-super-pangenome-paves-precision.html Molecular & Computational biology Tue, 05 May 2026 17:10:02 EDT news697215961 An international team of researchers has uncovered a remarkable molecular trick used by a unique group of land plants, one that could eventually be engineered into crops like wheat and rice to dramatically boost how efficiently they convert sunlight into food. The study was published in Science. https://phys.org/news/2026-03-odd-turbocharge-crop-yields.html Molecular & Computational biology Thu, 05 Mar 2026 14:00:05 EST news691923482 Cucumber is an economically important crop worldwide, ranking as the third most-produced vegetable after tomatoes and onions. Yet breeding improved varieties—plants that are more resilient, produce better-shaped fruit, or are less prone to hollowness—remains an enormous challenge. https://phys.org/news/2026-02-cucumber-genetic-reveals-variants.html Plants & Animals Tue, 10 Feb 2026 12:40:01 EST news689945110 For 450 million years, plants and soil fungi have been trading partners. The fungi weave through plant roots, delivering phosphorus and other soil minerals in exchange for sugars and fats produced by the plant through photosynthesis. This ancient collaboration supports roughly 80% of Earth's plant species—including corn, wheat, and other crops that feed billions of people. https://phys.org/news/2026-01-scientists-illuminate-ancient-fungus-partnership.html Molecular & Computational biology Thu, 22 Jan 2026 09:04:43 EST news688295042 Goldenberries taste like a cross between pineapple and mango, pack the nutritional punch of a superfood, and are increasingly popular in U.S. grocery stores. But the plants that produce these bright yellow-orange fruits grow wild and unruly—reaching heights that make large-scale farming impractical. https://phys.org/news/2025-12-gene-compact-goldenberry-suitable-large.html Plants & Animals Sat, 06 Dec 2025 09:10:03 EST news684154880 The notorious pathogen that caused the Irish Potato Famine in the 1840s is still a major threat to potato and tomato crops worldwide. This oomycete water mold, Phytophthora infestans, can devastate entire fields, posing a constant threat to global food security. For decades, farmers have relied on fungicides like mefenoxam to manage the disease. But P. infestans is a cunning adversary. https://phys.org/news/2025-09-dynamic-defense-deadly-disease.html Molecular & Computational biology Wed, 10 Sep 2025 10:40:07 EDT news676719162 The sweet potato feeds millions worldwide, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, where its natural resilience to climate extremes makes it crucial for food security. But this humble root vegetable has guarded its genetic secrets for decades. Now, scientists have finally decoded its complex genome, revealing an intricate origin story and providing powerful tools to help improve this vital crop. https://phys.org/news/2025-08-decoding-sweet-potato-dna-reveals.html Plants & Animals Fri, 08 Aug 2025 08:00:01 EDT news673796581 Looking around, you might not realize it, but corn is everywhere. In one form or another, it's in the cereals in your cupboard, the cosmetics and medicines in your bathroom, the kibble in your pet's food bowl, and the gas tank of your car. https://phys.org/news/2025-05-accessible-method-maize-bioengineering-doors.html Biotechnology Thu, 01 May 2025 13:01:04 EDT news665323262 In the microscopic battlefield of plant-microbe interactions, plants are constantly fighting off invading bacteria. New research reveals just how clever these bacterial invaders can be. https://phys.org/news/2025-04-bacteria-sneaky-chemistry-disable-defenses.html Cell & Microbiology Mon, 21 Apr 2025 11:25:03 EDT news664453501 Our gut is a bustling hub of activity, home to trillions of microbes that work together with our bodies to keep us healthy. A recent study explores one fascinating aspect of this partnership: how gut bacteria team up with the host body to regulate bile acids, essential molecules that control digestion, cholesterol levels, and fat metabolism. https://phys.org/news/2025-01-gut-bacteria-chemical-war-body.html Molecular & Computational biology Mon, 13 Jan 2025 09:35:31 EST news655983325 Over 450 million years ago, plants began the epic transition from water to dry land. Among the first pioneers were the ancestors of humble hornworts, a group of small, unassuming plants that have persisted to this day. New research reveals insights into the genetic blueprints of hornworts, uncovering fascinating details about plant evolution and the early days of life on land. https://phys.org/news/2025-01-hornwort-genomes-clues-conquered.html Plants & Animals Mon, 06 Jan 2025 13:21:04 EST news655392062 Scientists have long sought ways to help plants turn more carbon dioxide (CO₂) into biomass, which could boost crop yields and even combat climate change. Recent research suggests that a group of unique, often overlooked plants called hornworts may hold the key. https://phys.org/news/2025-01-tiny-reveal-big-potential-boosting.html Evolution Mon, 06 Jan 2025 11:30:12 EST news655385402 Sweet potatoes are an agricultural powerhouse that feeds millions globally. However, their complex genetics make it challenging for breeders to understand and improve traits like yield, disease resistance, and nutritional content. A new study reveals insights into the significance of leveraging "allele dosages" in sweet potato breeding practices. https://phys.org/news/2024-12-sweet-potato-genetics-allele-dosage.html Molecular & Computational biology Thu, 12 Dec 2024 11:06:41 EST news653223997 As climate change accelerates, scientists are sounding the alarm about its potentially devastating impact on the world's food supply. In a paper published by Trends in Plant Science, an international team of researchers warns that without rapid changes to how we develop climate-resilient crops, we could face widespread food shortages leading to famine, mass migration, and global instability. https://phys.org/news/2024-12-climate-threatens-global-food-scientists.html Agriculture Thu, 05 Dec 2024 16:49:21 EST news652639758 Apples rank among the world's most valuable fruit crops, with production spanning more than 100 countries. Some apple trees naturally develop into what farmers call "spur-type" varieties—compact trees that are more productive and easier to maintain. But the genetic mechanisms underlying this coveted trait have remained elusive—until now. https://phys.org/news/2024-11-fuji-apple-genetic-mechanisms-high.html Molecular & Computational biology Mon, 25 Nov 2024 12:10:00 EST news651758997 Along Colombia's Pacific coast, a small shellfish called piangua has been a crucial part of local communities for generations. This humble mollusk is a vital source of income and nutrition for many coastal residents. As a regional resource that can be sustainably utilized, it represents a bioeconomic opportunity and is an example for other regions. But now, scientists are raising the alarm about its future. https://phys.org/news/2024-11-bioeconomy-colombia-dna-analysis-vital.html Ecology Tue, 19 Nov 2024 16:06:51 EST news651254806 Roses are one of the world's most beloved and widely cultivated ornamental plants, captivating hearts and adorning gardens for centuries. Despite their popularity, the genetic origins and breeding history of modern roses have remained mostly unknown. A new study has revealed fascinating insights into how the modern rose developed from its ancestors, providing valuable information for cultivating more resilient and breathtaking varieties. https://phys.org/news/2024-10-genetic-mysteries-modern-roses-insights.html Plants & Animals Tue, 15 Oct 2024 12:03:04 EDT news648212582 Maize (corn) is one of the most important staple crops in the world and has been extensively studied. Yet, many aspects of the genetic mechanisms regulating its growth and development remain unexplored. https://phys.org/news/2024-09-unexpected-protein-maize-growth-defense.html Molecular & Computational biology Tue, 17 Sep 2024 12:58:48 EDT news645796725 Viruses are master parasites that have adapted to infect many host species. Some viruses even use multiple hosts to spread their infections—such as arboviruses that use insects to move their infections to mammalian hosts like humans. Understanding how they move through insects could lead to new ways to block their transmission. https://phys.org/news/2024-09-viruses-insects-transmission-diseases.html Cell & Microbiology Tue, 10 Sep 2024 15:04:04 EDT news645199442 In the world of academic science, hiring new faculty members typically follows a predictable pattern: candidates apply individually and are evaluated primarily on their personal achievements. What if there was a way to build more collaborative, diverse teams of scientists from the very start? That's exactly what the Boyce Thompson Institute (BTI) set out to do with their innovative "cluster hire" approach. https://phys.org/news/2024-08-faculty-cluster-hire-collaboration-gender.html Economics & Business Fri, 09 Aug 2024 13:48:02 EDT news642430073 As our climate changes and soil salinity increases in many agricultural areas, finding crops that can thrive in these challenging conditions is crucial. Cultivated tomatoes, while delicious, often struggle in salty soils. Their wild cousins, however, have evolved to survive in diverse and often harsh environments. https://phys.org/news/2024-08-secrets-salt-stress-tolerance-wild.html Plants & Animals Thu, 08 Aug 2024 09:29:48 EDT news642328184 Cotton is woven into the very fabric of our lives, from soft T-shirts to comfortable jeans and cozy bedsheets. It's the world's leading renewable textile fiber and the backbone of a global industry worth billions. https://phys.org/news/2024-07-genes-jeans-genetic-insights-drought.html Plants & Animals Mon, 29 Jul 2024 15:50:45 EDT news641487042 Imagine a small fruit that tastes like a cross between a tomato and a pineapple, wrapped in its own natural paper lantern. That's the groundcherry (Physalis grisea)—a little-known relative of tomatoes that's been quietly growing in gardens and small farms across North America for centuries. Now, this humble fruit is getting a 21st-century upgrade thanks to some cutting-edge genetic research. https://phys.org/news/2024-07-groundcherry-genetic-garden-curiosity-agricultural.html Biotechnology Thu, 18 Jul 2024 15:01:30 EDT news640533688 A new study challenges the common theory that the devastating potato blight pathogen Phytophthora infestans originated in Mexico. Researchers meticulously reconstructed its global migration history and found it likely originated in the South American Andes before spreading globally. This research provides significant insights into the pathogen's evolutionary journey, which is crucial for developing better disease management strategies worldwide. https://phys.org/news/2024-07-unraveling-global-potato-blight-pathogen.html Agriculture Mon, 01 Jul 2024 12:58:54 EDT news639057532 Phenotyping, which involves assessing observable plant characteristics, is crucial for understanding plant development and response to environmental stresses. Traditional methods are often cumbersome, costly, and destructive, limiting research scope and scale. A new system of affordable, mobile, and high-throughput phenotyping tools is making the technology accessible to a wider range of users. https://phys.org/news/2024-06-democratizing-effective-solution-advanced-phenotyping.html Plants & Animals Wed, 05 Jun 2024 17:39:03 EDT news636827941 Plants and the animals that eat them have evolved together in fascinating ways, creating a dynamic interplay of survival strategies. Many plants have developed physical and chemical defenses to fend off herbivores. A well-known strategy in flowering plants is to produce nectar to attract "ant bodyguards." Recent research explores the evolution of this same defense strategy in ferns. https://phys.org/news/2024-05-evolution-ferns-sweet-defense-strategy.html Plants & Animals Thu, 30 May 2024 15:30:03 EDT news636301801 Maize is one of the world's most widely grown crops and is essential to global food security. But like other plants, its growth and productivity can be limited by the slow activity of Rubisco, the enzyme responsible for carbon assimilation during photosynthesis. https://phys.org/news/2024-05-transgenic-rubisco-factors-photosynthesis-chilling.html Agriculture Tue, 28 May 2024 16:46:49 EDT news636133605 In a fascinating dive into the past, a team of researchers from the Boyce Thompson Institute (BTI) and USDA has uncovered intriguing details about the origins and spread of the bottle gourd, one of the oldest domesticated crops. https://phys.org/news/2024-03-oceans-millennia-decoding-history-bottle.html Plants & Animals Wed, 20 Mar 2024 16:23:31 EDT news630170501 Imagine you find the dried-up remains of a once green and lush philodendron on your bookshelf and realize you can't remember the last time you watered your houseplants. You soak the soil with water, hoping you can breathe life back into its desiccated husk, but it is futile. The plant has been too dehydrated for too long, and irreparable damage has been done. https://phys.org/news/2024-02-drying-dying-scarcity-coping-mechanisms.html Plants & Animals Wed, 28 Feb 2024 14:19:04 EST news628352341 Mounting evidence suggests that the secret to understanding human health and combating metabolic diseases lies hidden within the microscopic world of our gut bacteria. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-02-bridging-diet-microbes-metabolism-implications.html Medical research Tue, 20 Feb 2024 11:47:04 EST news627652022