Tag Archives: plants

Chemical toxicity study of some Algerian medicinal plants

About 65 to 80% of the world’s population use traditional medicine for their primary health WHO according to the WHO report. However, the use of herbal medicines has come under scrutiny due to their perceived long-term toxicity

RNA-mediated epigenetic inheritance

The central dogma of molecular biology, which is still largely considered one of the most core fundamental concepts in the field, states that DNA is transcribed to RNA, which is then translated into protein. Although this statement

Understanding the many languages of RNA

The influence of DNA base modifications such as cytosine methylation in gene regulation is well established. These DNA modifications can act as epigenetic, non-nucleotide changes, modifications that ultimately shape the phenotype of the organism. Recently, a new

Early plant development under stress relies on RNA splicing

Plants are unable to move away from harmful environmental conditions that affect their well-being and that ultimately compromise their growth and thereby crop production. To cope with a constantly changing environment, they have evolved unique and elaborate

Nitrogen limitation of CO2 fertilization: relief from fungal partners

New research shows that the stimulatory effect of atmospheric CO2 on plants depends on soil nitrogen and on the microbes that can help plants get it. It’s common knowledge in horticulture that pumping extra carbon dioxide into

Catch the metabolomic fingerprint of a complex natural product and predict its quality!

This is the first work published so far, that shows the application of a comprehensive metabolomic fingerprint analysis to assure the production’s quality of complex natural products, especially those based on medicinal plants. Natural products as medicinal

Diversity and function of bacteria living inside a plant relevant for soil remediation of metals

Salt marshes are among the most productive ecosystems on Earth and are sometimes subjected to pollution. The vegetation in this type of environment is, as a consequence, highly specialized to endure its surroundings. For over four decades,

Plants versus pathogens: detection and deception

Novel research has unveiled more about the deception tactics used by plants in their continuous battle against attacks from disease-causing pathogens. These findings could help in breeding better crops to reduce losses and produce more food. In

Safely basking in the sun: Some plants apply sunscreen only when they need it

Many of us are routinely advised by our dermatologists to put on our sunscreen before we go outside and to even add more sunscreen in the middle of the day when the sun’s UV rays are most

How do mistletoes use water in leafless hosts?

Mistletoes are parasitic plants that penetrate the bark of the hosts’ branches through a modified root, connecting to their host sap (xylem) from which they access all the water and nutrients they need to survive. The mechanism