🌱 TWiB September 20, 2021
I've started taking down the meadow (or front lawn) this week, which drives home the turning of the seasons. It's been a mixed success this year, with it becoming dominated by yarrow. On the plus side, I've seen a frog hiding in there, and the local hedgehogs have been happy to go hunting in it. I plan to try again next year, but with significantly more yellow rattle planted, to keep down the grass.
I doubt I'll be ready to write up what I've done this week, as work is busy at the moment. In any event, there will be another compilation of the stories shared by people following @BotanyOne on Twitter with you the same time next week.
Until then, take care.
Alun (webmaster@botany.one)
In Botany One
Evaluating salt tolerance mechanisms in two Tunisian barley landraces — www.botany.one Can investigation of landraces provide us with a better understanding of traits that could be used to improve crop salinity tolerance?
Bees, honey and Agave in the northern sierra of La Barca, Jalisco — www.botany.one You may have tried tequila or mezcal. But have you ever wondered what is happening in the fields where the Agave plants grow?
Dr Ward and the case of the globe-trotting plants… — www.botany.one The wealth of some of the 19th century powers can be traced to a piece of botanical equipment.
Intra-clonal differences in leaf physiology after fire in Cornus drummondii — www.botany.one Do we need to account for intra-clonal differences in response to disturbance to accurately parameterize models of clonal shrub encroachment?
How will plant communities respond to climate change? — www.botany.one Functional-structural plant modelling is the key to predicting how plant communities will respond to climate change.
News & Views
Record number of environmental activists murdered 227 people were killed around the world in 2020, the highest number recorded for a second consecutive year, the report from Global Witness said.
Publishers Integrate Preprints Into Their Workflows — scholarlykitchen.sspnet.org The number of preprint servers has increased substantially in the last five years and now stands at no less than sixty. More than thirty new servers have appeared in the past five years. These servers are diverse, focusing on subdisciplines, or specific geographies, or specific languages, and have varying degrees of penetration and technical sophistication. Existing publishing services and workflows are now being reimagined to accommodate preprints.
Biology must generate ideas as well as data Data should be a means to knowledge, not an end in themselves.
Here's How Much Food Contributes to Climate Change - Scientific American — www.scientificamerican.com Animal-based foods produce about twice the emissions of plant-based ones, a new comprehensive study finds
Desertification is turning the Earth barren – but a solution is still within reach The expansion of drylands is leaving entire countries facing famine. It’s time to change the way we think about agriculture
10 ways to be more sustainable in your garden Make a difference to the environment with these easy tasks
Avocados and vanilla among dozens of wild crop relatives facing extinction Study finds agriculture and pesticide use threaten relatives of world’s most important crops, considered crucial to food security
Scientists on Social Media: Darrion Nguyen (aka lab_shenanigans) Darrion Nguyen has always loved making short videos. Whilst working late at night as a research technician at Baylor College of Medicine, he started recording fun clips for his friends about science and working in the lab, and posting them on Facebook and TikTok under the handle lab_shenanigans. To Darrion's surprise the videos soon gained a mass following,
Grasslands have key role to play in saving the planet They are essential for trapping carbon, and world leaders must commit to protecting them, write a group of conservationists
Unique insight into the interior of the Arabidopsis photosynthesis machine For the first time, Umeå researchers have, with the help of cryogenic electron microscopy, succeeded in producing a high-resolution image of photosystem II – the central complex of photosynthesis – of the model plant Arabidopsis. The enormous complex is responsible for the vital oxygen production in photosynthesis that once made life possible on our planet. The study is published in Scientific Reports.
Australian wildfires caused twice as much CO2 as previously estimated — www.independent.co.uk Vast clouds of dust and ash emitted by fires fuelled enormous algal blooms in Southern Ocean
World’s largest tree wrapped in fire-resistant blanket as California blaze creeps closer Efforts underway to protect General Sherman and other giant trees from wildfires threatening Sequoia national park
Biologists Rethink the Logic Behind Cells’ Molecular Signals | Quanta Magazine — www.quantamagazine.org The molecular signaling systems of complex cells are nothing like simple electronic circuits. The logic governing their operation is riotously complex — but it has advantages.
Scientific Papers
Understanding Grass Invasion, Fire Severity, and Acacia koa Regeneration for Forest Restoration in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park — www.mdpi.com
Hamilton et al. studied the 2018 Keauhou Ranch Fire in Hawaiʻi to investigate three questions: (1) at what level of precision can pre-fire grass cover be accurately estimated from oblique aerial photos? (2) how are post-fire A. koa regeneration densities affected by fire severity? and (3) how are post-fire A. koa regeneration densities affected by pre-fire grass cover and its interaction with fire severity? They collected burn severity and post-fire regeneration data from 30 transects stratified across mid-elevation woodland, montane woodland, and montane shrubland communities.
Precise plant genome editing using base editors and prime editors This Review provides a timely overview of the current status of base editors and prime editors in plants, covering both technological developments and biological applications.
Lessons on textile history and fibre durability from a 4,000-year-old Egyptian flax yarn — www.nature.com
Melelli et al. examine the morphological, ultrastructural and mechanical characteristics of a yarn from an Egyptian mortuary linen dating from the early Middle Kingdom (Eleventh Dynasty, ca. 2033–1963 BCE) and compare them with a modern flax yarn to assess the quality and durability of ancient flax fibres and relate these to their processing methods.
A guide to machine learning for biologists
Greener et al. describe how different techniques may be suited to specific types of biological data, and also discuss some best practices and points to consider when one is embarking on experiments involving machine learning. Some emerging directions in machine learning methodology are also discussed.
Transposable elements drive reorganisation of 3D chromatin during early embryogenesis
Kruse et al. demonstrate that the Murine Endogenous Retroviral Element (MuERV-L/MERVL) family of transposable elements drives the 3D reorganisation of the genome in the early mouse embryo. By generating Hi-C data in 2-cell-like cells, they show that MERLV elements promote the formation of insulating domain boundaries through-out the genome in vivo and in vitro.
A histone variant condenses flowering plant sperm via chromatin phase separation
Buttress et al. show that a histone variant, H2B.8, mediates sperm chromatin and nuclear condensation in Arabidopsis thaliana. Loss of H2B.8 causes enlarged sperm nuclei with dispersed chromatin, whereas ectopic expression in somatic cells produces smaller nuclei with aggregated chromatin, demonstrating that H2B.8 is sufficient for chromatin condensation.
Epigenome plasticity in plants | Nature Reviews Genetics — www.nature.com
In this Review, Lloyd and Lister discuss epigenome dynamics and variation within plants during development and in response to environmental changes, including stress, as well as between plants. They review known or potential functions of such plasticity and emphasize the importance of investigating the causality of epigenomic changes. Finally, they discuss emerging technologies that may underpin future research into plant epigenome plasticity.
“Pollen tube shower” in Bertolonia (Melastomataceae): a new delayed selfing mechanism in flowers with poricidal anthers — academic.oup.com
Autonomous selfing is rare in Melastomataceae, a megadiverse family with most species featuring poricidal anthers and herkogamy. However, previous studies suggested that some Bertolonia spp. were capable of autonomous selfing. Salles Passos et al. investigated the existence of autonomous selfing in the group and, considering its specialized floral morphology, the mechanisms involved in this process
Transcriptional, hormonal, and metabolic changes in susceptible grape berries under powdery mildew infection Grapevine (Vitis vinifera) berries are extremely sensitive to infection by the biotrophic pathogen Erysiphe necator, causing powdery mildew disease with deleterious effects on grape and wine quality. The combined analysis of the transcriptome and metabolome associated with this common fungal infection has not been previously carried out in any fruit. In order to identify the molecular, hormonal, and metabolic mechanisms associated with infection, healthy and naturally infected V. vinifera cv. Carignan berries were collected at two developmental stages: late green (EL33) and early véraison (EL35). RNA sequencing combined with GC–electron impact ionization time-of-flight MS, GC–electron impact ionization/quadrupole MS, and LC–tandem MS analyses revealed that powdery mildew-susceptible grape berries were able to activate defensive mechanisms with the involvement of salicylic acid and jasmonates and to accumulate defense-associated metabolites (e.g. phenylpropanoids, fatty acids).
Rich and Bountiful Harvest: Key Discoveries in Plant Cell Biology In this review, seven senior plant cell biologists reflect on the development of this research field in the past decades, including the foundational contributions that their teams have made to our rich, current insights into cell biology. Topics covered include signaling and cell morphogenesis, membrane trafficking, cytokinesis, cytoskeletal regulation, and cell wall biology. In addition, these scientists illustrate the pathways to discovery in this exciting research field.
Super-resolution imaging illuminates new dynamic behaviors of cellulose synthase
Confocal imaging has shown that CELLULOSE SYNTHASE (CESA) particles move through the plasma membrane as they synthesize cellulose. However, the resolution limit of confocal microscopy circumscribes what can be discovered about these tiny biosynthetic machines. Duncombe et al. applied Structured Illumination Microscopy (SIM), which improves resolution two-fold over confocal or widefield imaging, to explore the dynamic behaviors of CESA particles in living plant cells.
Careers
Can kelp forests adapt and mitigate climate stressors? The scholarship supporting this project provides: a living allowance stipend of $28,597 per annum (2021 rate, indexed annually) for 3.5 years; a relocation allowance of up to $2,000; a tuition fee scholarship for up to 4 years (successful domestic applicants will be awarded an RTP Fees Offset and successful international applicants will be awarded a University of Tasmania Fees Offset)
Scientist I (Molecular Biology)
Primary responsibility with sequencing-based DNA detection assay and shared responsibility in RNA/DNA quantification assay for Bayer.
Biodiversity & Ecology Officer
Looking to work in an outstanding and ecologically diverse landscape ? The post holder will be part of a multi-disciplinary award winning Green Infrastructure team. You will provide expert biodiversity and ecological advice, for planning applications, development proposals and planning policy, as well as inputting into HRA’s, appeals and public inquiries to ensure that Monmouth County Council meets its statutory obligations in respect of conserving biodiversity, protected species, statutory designated sites and other nature conservation matters.
Associate in Research The Associate in Research will serve as a lab manager and participate in field and laboratory research on genetic adaptation and population demography in a weedy plant. We are looking for an intellectually curious lab member who wants experience in research and involvement in the field of Evolutionary Ecology.
Ecologist job in Leatherhead To organise and carry out ecological surveys and assist with environmental impact assessments on the M25 DBFO. Lead on identification and execution of Biodiversity Net gain calculations. To develop, implement and monitor environmental improvement schemes. Provide mentoring to Assistant Ecologist. To collaborate with our multi-disciplinary teams to provide ecological advice to designers and contractors on site.
Postdoctoral Researcher The Banfield Lab investigates the molecular basis of plant-microbe interactions. Specifically, we are interested in (i) the structure and function of host translocated pathogen effector proteins, how they interact with host cell molecules to perturb activity for the benefit of the pathogen, and (ii) the structure and function of intracellular plant immune receptors (NLRs).
Project Officer - Uganda TIPAs We are seeking a highly motivated and organised individual to assist with the identification and documentation of Tropical Important Plant Areas (TIPAs) in Uganda.Â
Senior Editor job with Journal of Horticultural Science & Biotechnology The Trustees for The Journal of Horticultural Science & Biotechnology are seeking to recruit a Senior Editor. We seek a well-established academic with a reputation for excellence in research and communication. The Senior Editor is responsible for the editing and editorial policy of the Journal, managing manuscripts through submission to publication in partnership with staff of the Publishers, Taylor & Francis.
Assistant Professor The Department of Molecular Biosciences at the University of Texas at Austin invites applications for tenure-track faculty positions at the Assistant Professor level, subject to the availability of funding. The Department has a large number of faculty that span many disciplines, and a broad range of research areas will be considered including biochemistry, cancer biology, cell biology, developmental biology, microbiology and infectious disease, molecular biology and genetics, plant biology, structural biology (in particular cryo-electron microscopy and cryo-electron tomography), and synthetic and systems biology.Â
Research Plant Physiologist This position is located in the Sugarbeet and Potato Research Unit in Fargo, ND. with the mission to improve the quality and profitability of sugarbeet and potato production.
Postdoc in Biophysics of Photosynthesis Are you a postdoc candidate with a fundamental interest in photosynthetic light acclimation in plants? Do you have a background in protein biochemistry, fluorescence microscopy and/or biophysics? Would you like to work together in a multi-disciplinary team of researchers? We have a vacancy for a postdoc position on investigating light acclimation of plants with the use of advanced optical microscopy and mass spectrometry.
Editorial Assistant - Production (New Phytologist) Due to team expansion we are seeking an enthusiastic and proactive individual to join the New Phytologist Central Office team as an Editorial Assistant. You will provide administrative support in the publication of the journals New Phytologist and Plants, People, Planet, with primary focus on production processes for New Phytologist.
Postdoctoral Fellow - Computational Analysis of Environmental Microbiome Data We are seeking highly motivated computational biologists to join the research group of Peer Bork within the Structural and Computational Biology Unit as a postdoctoral fellow. This bioinformatics group works on a wide range of topics with a current focus on microbiome analysis in ecosystems like the human gut and the ocean.
Science Director - Research Professor for the VIB-UGent Plant Systems Biology Research Center (PSB) VIB and Ghent University are launching an international search for a Science Director - Research Professor for the VIB- Ghent University Plant Systems Biology Research Center (PSB)
Precision Agriculture Specialist Job in Melbourne Warakirri Asset Management is a boutique asset manager, with a focus on specialist investment vehicles to meet the needs of charities, superannuation and individual investors across Australian, global and emerging market equities, cash, Australian agriculture, currency management and US real estate.Â
Associate Lecturer in Biology We are seeking enthusiastic academics to assist the Level 1 Director of Teaching in Biology to coordinate large first year biology courses, organise and deliver improved contextualised workshops and practical components for cohorts from general and specialist degrees, and extend the biology offerings across the Faculty. These continuing teaching specialist positions will be located predominantly at the North Terrace campus of the University of Adelaide but the appointees may be required to teach at our other campuses (Waite and Roseworthy).
Scientist, Maize We are looking for a dynamic, self-motivated and proactive Maize Scientist to join our fast-growing team at Inari Ghent, who is committed and passionate about developing 21st century solutions to address global food challenges. As a Maize Scientist, you will play a central role in developing and managing our maize lead discovery activities, as well as the genetic design of future corn products. You will be responsible for designing, implementing, hands-on executing, and coordinating tasks and scientific projects with a focus on maize.Â
Assistant/Associate/Full Professor - Plant Evolutionary Biology/Director of the University and Jepson Herbaria The Department of Integrative Biology and the University and Jepson Herbaria at the University of California, Berkeley invite applications for a tenure-track (assistant rank) or tenured (associate or full rank) professor in Plant Evolutionary Biology. This position includes appointment as Director of the University and Jepson Herbaria, with the largest herbarium collection in the western US, 14 affiliated faculty curators, ten staff members, an active public outreach program, and a number of ongoing institutional research and informatics projects.
BSPP Plant Pandemic Study Awards In 2020 the society made four awards to review plant disease pandemics – final reports written in 2020 can be viewed here. This year we will make four further awards, each of £2000, with a deadline of 24 September 2021 for submission of proposals. You have to have been a member of the society for at least two years to apply and already have a PhD or Masters degree. We particularly encourage early career researchers to apply. A proposal can include up to two people, one of whom will be the designated lead.
Junior Group Leader in Plant or Animal Genetics/Epigenetics The Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG) is currently seeking a Junior Group Leader in the area of plant or animal genetics. We look for Junior applicants to start an independent Research Group at CRAG.
Senior Research Associate/ Research Associate in Plant Molecular Biology Applications are invited for a postdoctoral research position in plant molecular biology at the Lancaster photosynthesis research team under the supervision of Prof Elizabete Carmo-Silva. This position is part of the project CAPITALISE, funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 programme, which aims to identify naturally occurring genetic variation in photosynthetic traits to increase photosynthetic efficiency in the target crops barley, maize and tomato.
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