Botany One
268 episodes - English - Latest episode: 3 days ago -These are computer-generated readings of posts on Botany One. The aim is to help improve accessibility by being able to embed audio versions of a report into a blog post. But you can subscribe to this as a podcast too.
The audio versions may be slightly altered as some things in print don't make sense in audio, like references to figures.
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Episodes
Symphony of Insights: Transforming Crop Simulation with Sound and Music
April 23, 2024 17:46 - 6 minutes - 5.97 MBRevolutionizing scientific communication and insight through auditory and visual representations You can read this post online at https://botany.one/2024/04/symphony-of-insights-transforming-crop-simulation-with-sound-and-music You can read the original research at https://doi.org/10.1093/insilicoplants/diad023
Harnessing the Power of Synthetic Data for Deep Learning Image Analysis
April 12, 2024 17:09 - 5 minutes - 4.82 MBThe Synavis framework provides a solution to overcome data scarcity for training deep learning biological image analysis models. You can read this post online at https://botany.one/2024/04/harnessing-the-power-of-synthetic-data-for-deep-learning-image-analysis You can read the original research at https://doi.org/10.1093/insilicoplants/diad022
A Comparative Analysis for Predicting Wheat Yield in Rainfed Areas of Morocco
April 08, 2024 19:46 - 6 minutes - 6.4 MBA new study comparing crop yield prediction models reveals insights into the effectiveness of different modeling in the face of climate change. You can read this post online at https://botany.one/2024/04/a-comparative-analysis-for-predicting-wheat-yield-in-rainfed-areas-of-morocco You can read the original research at https://doi.org/10.1093/insilicoplants/diad020
Exploring the synergy of canopy architecture and nitrogen partitioning
January 20, 2024 15:57 - 7 minutes - 6.59 MBModels uncover how plants coordinate architectural characteristics and photosynthetic nitrogen allocation to optimize photosynthesis. You can read this post online at https://botany.one/2024/01/exploring-the-synergy-of-canopy-architecture-and-nitrogen-partitioning You can read the original research at https://doi.org/10.1093/insilicoplants/diad014
Towards Super-High Yielding Rice: A Novel Approach to Optimize Grain Filling
December 11, 2023 21:18 - 7 minutes - 6.59 MBA novel systems model, in conjunction with genetic algorithms, identify ideotypes with high yield potential. You can read this post online at https://botany.one/2023/12/towards-super-high-yielding-rice-a-novel-approach-to-optimize-grain-filling You can read the original research at https://doi.org/10.1093/insilicoplants/diad011
Climate-Proof Wheat: Insights on Key Traits for Yield Stability in a Dynamic Environment
December 07, 2023 15:40 - 5 minutes - 5.46 MBAssessing the impact of traits on wheat yield and stability under climate change. You can read this post online at https://botany.one/2023/12/climate-proof-wheat-insights-on-key-traits-for-yield-stability-in-a-dynamic-environment You can read the original research at https://doi.org/10.1093/insilicoplants/diad013
Exploring the Influence of Phloem Resistance on Root System Architecture
November 27, 2023 17:15 - 4 minutes - 3.95 MBStudies model the local influence of phloem resistance on taproot and lateral root growth. Read the post: https://botany.one/2023/11/exploring-the-influence-of-phloem-resistance-on-root-system-architecture Read the article: https://doi.org/10.1093/insilicoplants/diad012
Increasing yield prediction accuracy
November 08, 2023 20:05 - 5 minutes - 4.73 MBResearchers find combining multiple types of models improves crop yield predictions, outperforming single models. You can read this post online at https://botany.one/2023/11/increasing-yield-prediction-accuracy You can read the original research at https://doi.org/10.1093/insilicoplants/diad015
Weathering the Storm: Understanding Maize Lodging Resistance
November 02, 2023 18:14 - 3 minutes - 3.28 MBA new model identifies the morphological features that determine stalk bending strength. You can read this post online at https://botany.one/2023/11/weathering-the-storm-understanding-maize-lodging-resistance You can read the original research at https://doi.org/10.1093/insilicoplants/diad010
Introducing the new CPlantBox
September 20, 2023 18:28 - 4 minutes - 4.28 MBComputational model may help unravel the complex processes of drought tolerance. You can read this post online at https://botany.one/2023/09/introducing-the-new-cplantbox You can read the original research at https://doi.org/10.1093/insilicoplants/diad009
Using Genomic Prediction to Improve Ecophysiological Crop Models
August 21, 2023 13:17 - 6 minutes - 6.06 MBA guide to combining ecophysiological and genomic models. You can read this post online at https://botany.one/2023/07/using-genomic-prediction-to-improve-ecophysiological-crop-models You can read the original research at https://doi.org/10.1093/insilicoplants/diad007
Five Root Models Compete in Benchmarking Challenge
August 14, 2023 18:43 - 10 minutes - 9.17 MBAssessing the reliability of root water uptake simulations You can read this post online at https://botany.one/2023/08/five-root-models-compete-in-benchmarking-challenge/ You can read the original research at https://doi.org/10.1093/insilicoplants/diad005
SIMPLACE: The Next Generation Platform for Agricultural Systems Analysis
June 05, 2023 16:29 - 4 minutes - 4.53 MBSIMPLACE offers a flexible and transparent approach to developing customized crop models You can read this post online at https://botany.one/2023/06/simplace-the-next-generation-platform-for-agricultural-systems-analysis You can read the original research at https://doi.org/10.1093/insilicoplants/diad006
Introducing Carlos Andrés Ordóñez Parra, our new Science Editor
April 12, 2023 19:12 - 2 minutes - 5.84 MBYou can read this post at https://botany.one/2023/04/introducing-carlos-andres-ordonez-parra-our-new-science-editor/
South African Succulents Predict Weather to Maximise Pollination Success
April 11, 2023 14:57 - 4 minutes - 10.3 MBBulbine frutescens keeps track of temperatures so it’s ready for passing pollinators. You can read the blog post at https://botany.one/2023/04/south-african-succulents-predict-weather-to-maximise-pollination-success/ You can read the original research at https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/1365-2435.14282
How Do Grapevine Leaves Adapt to Light? New Research Sheds Light on Plant Anatomy
April 03, 2023 14:00 - 4 minutes - 10.2 MBResearchers have developed a new theoretical framework to understand how grapevine leaves adjust their structure and function under varying light conditions, revealing that thicker, less porous leaves with specific cell shapes are key to maximizing photosynthesis in high light environments. You can read the story at https://botany.one/2023/04/how-do-grapevine-leaves-adapt-to-light-new-research-sheds-light-on-plant-anatomy/ You can read the original research at https://academic.oup.com/aobp...
Citizen Science Boosts Models of Rare Plant Distribution
March 31, 2023 08:30 - 4 minutes - 11.4 MB“Didn’t expect that, did ya?!” Mason Heberling You can read the story at https://botany.one/2023/03/citizen-science-boosts-models-of-rare-plant-distribution/ You can read the original research at https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ecs2.4419
Improving Urban Green Spaces Can Increase Inequality
March 30, 2023 14:00 - 5 minutes - 13.2 MBA new study suggests that increasing urban green spaces and street trees may unintentionally worsen inequality, as they can lead to neighbourhoods being infested by hipsters and property developers. Story: https://botany.one/2023/03/improving-urban-green-spaces-can-increase-inequality/ Research: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13549839.2023.2184784
Researchers uncover how an enzyme helps a sundew digest its victim’s DNA
March 30, 2023 08:30 - 6 minutes - 13.8 MBResearchers have uncovered the unique structure and function of the S1-type nuclease enzyme DAN1 in the Lance-leaved sundew, Drosera adelae, which aids the carnivorous plant in breaking down prey for nutrient absorption. You can read the article at https://botany.one/2023/03/researchers-uncover-how-an-enzyme-helps-a-sundew-digest-its-victims-dna/ You can read the original research at https://academic.oup.com/aob/article/131/2/335/6956342
Environmental DNA Technique Sheds New Light on Pollinator Monitoring
March 29, 2023 14:30 - 7 minutes - 17.5 MBA study reveals how environmental DNA can help monitor and conserve our vital pollinators. You can read the story at https://botany.one/2023/03/environmental-dna-technique-sheds-new-light-on-pollinator-monitoring/ You can read the original research at https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/edn3.399
Study Develops Herbicide-Resistant Super Basmati Rice Using CRISPR-Cas9
March 29, 2023 08:30 - 4 minutes - 9.54 MBThe new strain of rice could help farmers save labour and water resources while combating weed infestations. You can read the story at: https://botany.one/2023/03/study-develops-herbicide-resistant-super-basmati-rice-using-crispr-cas9/ You can read the original research at https://academic.oup.com/aobpla/article/15/2/plac059/6986705
Thinning Chinese Pine Plantations Could Be a Solution for Improved Plant Diversity and Forest Regeneration
March 28, 2023 14:00 - 5 minutes - 11.7 MBThe best way to rejuvenate forests is to let in a little light – but not too much. You can read the story at https://botany.one/2023/03/thinning-chinese-pine-plantations-could-be-a-solution-for-improved-plant-diversity-and-forest-regeneration/ You can read the original research at https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2197562023000209
Orchid Mimics Aphids to Lure Pollinators in Intricate Trap Flower Scheme
March 28, 2023 08:30 - 4 minutes - 9.91 MBWhat appears to be a place of safety becomes a maze, as an orchid manipulates its visitor. You can read the story at https://botany.one/2023/03/orchid-mimics-aphids-to-lure-pollinators-in-intricate-trap-flower-scheme/ You can read the original research at https://academic.oup.com/aob/article/131/2/275/6883959
Ceropegia gerrardii smells of pain to attract ‘blood’ drinking flies
March 27, 2023 14:00 - 5 minutes - 11.9 MBNew research uncovers how this South African plant tricks kleptoparasitic flies into pollination by imitating wounded honey bees. You can read the blog post at https://botany.one/2023/03/emceropegia-gerrardii-em-smells-of-pain-to-attract-blood-drinking-flies/ You can read the original research at https://nph.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/nph.18888
What drives cambium development?
March 27, 2023 07:59 - 4 minutes - 4.45 MBUsing a mathematical model to test a proposed cambial cell division feedback loop. You can read this post online at https://botany.one/2023/03/what-drives-cambium-development You can read the original research at https://doi.org/10.1093/insilicoplants/diad003
Unique Evolutionary Histories in Marginal Habitats of the Atlantic Forest Uncovered
March 24, 2023 12:07 - 5 minutes - 12.1 MBMarginal habitats, previously thought to be subsets of the rain forest, have distinct evolutionary paths, challenging our understanding of the Atlantic Forest’s diversity. You can read the story at https://botany.one/2023/03/unique-evolutionary-histories-in-marginal-habitats-of-the-atlantic-forest-uncovered/ You can read the original research at https://academic.oup.com/aob/article/131/2/261/6682811
Daisy’s Intricate Fly Decoy Attracts Pollinators with Ingenious Gene Repurposing
March 23, 2023 15:15 - 5 minutes - 12.7 MBA flower has found a shortcut to attracting males through sexual deception. You can read the story at https://botany.one/2023/03/daisys-intricate-fly-decoy-attracts-pollinators-with-ingenious-gene-repurposing/ You can read the original research at https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2023.03.003
MIT Researchers Develop Silk-Based “Unclonable” Tags to Combat Counterfeit Seeds
March 23, 2023 15:06 - 5 minutes - 12.5 MBNew system harnesses randomness and provides a unique code that cannot be duplicated, bringing hope to farmers plagued by fake seeds. You can read the story at https://botany.one/2023/03/mit-researchers-develop-silk-based-unclonable-tags-to-combat-counterfeit-seeds/ You can read the original research at https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adf1978
Unlocking the secret to breeding high yielding protein-rich wheat
March 21, 2023 19:03 - 5 minutes - 5.48 MBModels enable the optimization of multiple trait trade-offs. You can read this post online at https://botany.one/2023/03/unlocking-the-secret-to-breeding-high-yielding-protein-rich-wheat You can read the original research at https://doi.org/10.1093/insilicoplants/diad002
A Bounty of Wasted Pollen and Nectar Poses New Questions for Pollinator Conservation
March 20, 2023 18:08 - 4 minutes - 9.17 MBA study finds that almost 60% of nectar produced by ivy in autumn goes uncollected by pollinators. You can read the blog post at https://botany.one/2023/03/a-bounty-of-wasted-pollen-and-nectar-poses-new-questions-for-pollinator-conservation/ You can read the original research at https://resjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/een.13231
Botanical genomics to boost sustainable agriculture: the case of faba bean
March 17, 2023 15:44 - 5 minutes - 12.9 MBSince the release of the first plant genome in 2000, the field of next-generation sequencing applied to botanical species has bloomed and expanded from model organism (Arabidopsis thaliana) to crops, thus becoming a powerful tool to guide progress towards a more sustainable agriculture. Read the blog post at https://botany.one/2023/03/botanical-genomics-to-boost-sustainable-agriculture-the-case-of-faba-bean/
Feral Crops: The Untapped Potential to Boost Food Security Amid Climate Change
March 16, 2023 21:00 - 5 minutes - 12.9 MBScientists are exploring a new way to improve food security in the face of climate change by studying "feral crops" - wild plants that have escaped cultivation and continue to thrive without human intervention. You can read the blog post at https://botany.one/2023/03/feral-crops-the-untapped-potential-to-boost-food-security-amid-climate-change/ You can read the original article at https://nph.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/ppp3.10367
Clonal Plants Use Smart Connections to Boost Resistance Against Hungry Insects
March 15, 2023 11:14 - 5 minutes - 12.2 MBPlants that can reproduce by cloning themselves can share resources and signals to resist herbivores. Clones can change the structure of their leaves according to herbivore stress through the connections between them. You can read the blog post at https://botany.one/2023/03/clonal-plants-use-smart-connections-to-boost-resistance-against-hungry-insects/ You can read the original research at https://academic.oup.com/aobpla/article/15/2/plac062/6894554
Seeds of Hope Sit Unused in Storage
March 14, 2023 11:07 - 5 minutes - 13.7 MBLimited funding and resources are preventing seed banks from fully using their seed collections to conserve endangered plants. Read the blog post at https://botany.one/2023/03/seeds-of-hope-sit-unused-in-storage/ Read the research at https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0006320723000915
How Native Plants Team Up to Repel Invaders
March 13, 2023 10:12 - 6 minutes - 14.3 MBNative plants that suffer when black mustard invades their patch do much better when a neighbour helps. You can read the blog post at https://botany.one/2023/03/how-native-plants-team-up-to-repel-invaders/ You can read the original research at https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11258-023-01304-6
Nanoplastics threaten plants’ ability to clean up industrial waste
March 10, 2023 11:04 - 4 minutes - 11.3 MBWater Hyacinths can help clean up polluted water when grown in artificial wetlands, but nanoplastic pollution could dramatically reduce their efficiency. Read the blog post at https://botany.one/2023/03/nanoplastics-threaten-plants-ability-to-clean-up-industrial-waste/ Read the original research at https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0304389423004223
From flowering-related genes to your plate: the science behind optimizing radish yield
March 09, 2023 13:08 - 3 minutes - 8.22 MBScientists have discovered that the reason why some radish plants take longer to flower than others is that different copies of certain genes that control flowering time, can interact in complicated ways with each other, leading to differences in plant blooms. You can read the blog post at https://botany.one/2023/03/from-flowering-related-genes-to-your-plate-the-science-behind-optimizing-radish-yield/ You can read the original research at https://academic.oup.com/aobpla/article/15/2/plac06...
A celebration of Women who revolutionized the History of Botany: 9 incredible stories for International Women's Day
March 08, 2023 19:16 - 7 minutes - 17.4 MBTo celebrate International Women’s Day, Botany One highlights nine historical figures who made great contributions to Botany – from the first pioneering plant illustrators and species collectors to recent Nobel prize winners. With their talent and hard work, these brilliant women participated in adventurous botanical expeditions, launched courageous initiatives for biodiversity conservation and paved the way to tremendous scientific advances (not only in Botany). You can read the blog post ...
Ecologists spark hope of protecting western American forests from the worst of wildfires
March 07, 2023 20:13 - 5 minutes - 13.4 MBEcologists with a burning desire to protect forests have grim news for the western United States. Read the blog post: https://botany.one/2023/03/ecologists-spark-hope-of-protecting-western-american-forests-from-the-worst-of-wildfires/ Read the original research: https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2208120120
Introducing Cropbox: a declarative crop modeling framework
March 07, 2023 17:49 - 4 minutes - 4.02 MBPlant modelers do not also need to be software engineers thanks to Cropbox framework You can read this post online at https://botany.one/2023/03/introducing-cropbox-a-declarative-crop-modeling-framework/ You can read the original research at https://doi.org/10.1093/insilicoplants/diac021
Set a killer to catch a killer?
February 17, 2023 16:58 - 5 minutes - 12.6 MBCarrying dengue fever and Zika virus, the Asian tiger mosquito is a danger to humans. Italian scientists have examined whether plants could help reduce their numbers. You can read the blog post at https://botany.one/2023/02/set-a-killer-to-catch-a-killer/ You can read the original research at https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S104996442300035X
Watching TV is good for the planet
February 16, 2023 11:21 - 3 minutes - 8.27 MBFrom couch potatoes sprout potential botanists. You can read the blog post at https://botany.one/2023/02/watching-tv-is-good-for-the-planet/ You can read the original research at https://academic.oup.com/aob/advance-article/doi/10.1093/aob/mcac149/6993916
Purple Moor Grass prevents Oaks from getting help finding nutrients
February 15, 2023 15:24 - 5 minutes - 11.7 MBMolinia caerulea out-wrestles Quercus petraea in the battle for better ectomycorrhizal colonization. You can read the blog post at https://botany.one/2023/02/purple-moor-grass-prevents-oaks-from-getting-help-finding-nutrients/ You can read the original research at https://academic.oup.com/aobpla/article/15/2/plac043/6730718
Is photorespiration necessary for photosynthesis?
February 07, 2023 19:40 - 4 minutes - 3.92 MBModelling unveils the role of photorespiration in stabilizing the Calvin cycle. You can read this post online at https://botany.one/2023/02/is-photorespiration-necessary-for-photosynthesis You can read the original research at https://doi.org/10.1093/insilicoplants/diac022
Flowers play a key role in flight control for bumblebees
January 16, 2023 15:52 - 7 minutes - 10 MBA bee can approach a flower from any direction, but markings on the flower help guide bees in the most effective way, like a natural air traffic control. Read the post at https://botany.one/2023/01/flowers-play-a-key-role-in-flight-control-for-bumblebees/ Read the original research at https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2435.14262
Botanists say the largest amber-preserved flower is a new species
January 12, 2023 18:18 - 3 minutes - 4.7 MBThe flower, first discovered over 150 years ago, has yielded new clues from its pollen. You can read the blog post at https://botany.one/2023/01/botanists-say-the-largest-amber-preserved-flower-is-a-new-species/
How does the corpse flower’s scent change over time?
January 11, 2023 15:14 - 5 minutes - 7.62 MBThe Titan arum produces a smell like rotting flesh. Now botanists have analysed the chemicals and found that the smell changes over the two days that the plant flowers. Read the blog post at https://botany.one/2023/01/how-does-the-corpse-flowers-scent-change-over-time/ Read the original research at https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-27108-8
Botanists find a cool way to preserve an endangered plant's seeds
January 10, 2023 19:01 - 2 minutes - 3.79 MBIf you wonder how cool cool is, it's at least -196 ℃ (-320 ℉). You can read the blog post at https://botany.one/2023/01/botanists-find-a-cool-way-to-preserve-an-endangered-plants-seeds/ You can read the original research at https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cryobiol.2023.01.002
Streetlamps create an artificial summer for urban trees
January 03, 2023 13:45 - 4 minutes - 6.59 MBThe long days of summer are stretching into winter, with LED street lights replacing the retreating sun. Read the blog post at https://botany.one/2023/01/strongstreetlamps-create-an-artificial-summer-for-urban-trees-strong/ Read the paper at https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.161200
How to account for clonal pup mass
January 03, 2023 13:27 - 6 minutes - 9.15 MBModeling differences in reproductive effort between iteroparous and semelparous reproductive strategies in Bromeliaceae You can read this post online at https://botany.one/2023/01/how-to-account-for-clonal-pup-mass/ You can read the original research at https://doi.org/10.1093/insilicoplants/diac019