All Soil & Plant Science articles
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NewsStage-specific microbial dynamics underpin ecosystem restoration on tropical coral islands
Facilitating the establishment of self-sustaining plant communities has become a crucial scientific and technological issue that urgently needs to be addressed in advancing marine ecological civilization and maintaining ecological safety on tropical coral islands.
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NewsFungal denitrification dominates soil N2O emissions after vegetation restoration in the Karst region
A new study demonstrates that soil fungal nirK-derived N2O in the karst region are significantly distinct between cropland and forest, soil NO3‒-N and sand are important drivers of the soil N2O emissions variation, especially after vegetation restoration.
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NewsProtists revealed as key players in soil carbon storage: Dual role uncovered in long-term study
A groundbreaking 27-year field study reveals that how soil protists differentially control fungal and bacterial necromass accumulation—a key process governing SOC storage.
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NewsBlack carbon from straw burning curbs antibiotic resistance spread in plastic-mulched farmland
By tracking ARG movement from soil into soybeans, a new study shows that black carbon not only counteracts the ARG-amplifying effects of plastic residues but also limits the transfer of resistance genes into plant tissues and seeds.
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CareersScientific Event Travel Grant: how the Safepork conference surpassed my expectations
Shan Goh from the University of Hertfordshire reports back on the International Symposium on the Epidemiology and Control of Biological, Chemical and Physical Hazards in Pigs and Pork held in Rennes, France, in October. Shan was supported with a Scientific Event Travel Grant awarded by AMI.
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NewsA new study reveals the microbial biodiversity of dehesa soil
A study reveals the underground interactions between fungi and oomycetes in twenty Andalusian dehesas, wooded pasturelands typical of the Iberian Peninsula, making it possible to identify the role of water as the main driver of microorganism diversity and to shed new light on the pathogen responsible for la seca.
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NewsSoil bacteria and fungi emerge as a top predictor of childhood allergic disease
The unique blend of fungi and bacteria in a region’s soil may be the strongest factor explaining its rates of childhood allergic disease, with certain assemblages of soil critters appearing linked with better health outcomes, according to new research.
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NewsUnique bond identified as key to viral infection speed
Viruses are typically described as tiny, perfectly geometric shells that pack genetic material with mathematical precision, but new research reveals a deliberate imbalance in their shape that helps them infect their hosts.
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NewsScientists create microneedle system to deliver living biofertiliser directly into plants, boosting growth with less waste
A dissolving patch delivers beneficial microbes into leaves and stems, speeding growth in vegetables while using over 15 per cent less biofertiliser than soil application.
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NewsRice resists change: Study reveals viral tools for probing gene function fall short
Researchers tested two popular viral vectors - barley stripe mosaic virus (BSMV) and foxtail mosaic virus (FoMV) - to see if they could temporarily switch genes on or off in rice (Oryza sativa). They found no evidence that these virus-enabled reverse genetics (VERG) techniques work in rice.
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NewsNew study reveals how natural humic substances reshape soil carbon cycling and boost antibiotic resistance
Researchers have uncovered surprising links between natural humification processes in soil, carbon metabolism, and the spread of antibiotic resistance. Subtle shifts in the composition of humic substances can reshape microbial metabolism and alter the abundance of antibiotic resistance genes.
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CareersFascinating exchange of ideas at 6th Plant Microbiome Symposium - and new collaborations are already starting
Last month Applied Microbiology International supported the 6th Plant Microbiome Symposium in Antequera, Spain, funding 17 travel grants for early career researchers to attend. Organiser Dr Victor Jose Carrion Bravo reports back on a vibrant exchange of ideas.
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NewsPostharvest apple immunity: a key factor in shelf life and fruit quality
New research sheds light on how the immune system of apple fruits interacts with their microbiomes during storage, playing a crucial role in maintaining fruit health and preventing spoilage.
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NewsMicrobiome of an entire country is mapped for the first time
An international research team has systematically mapped the microbiome of an entire country for the first time. More than 10,000 environmental samples from across Denmark were analyzed, resulting in an atlas of environmental microbiomes with unprecedented spatial resolution and functional depth.
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NewsScientists clarify how much metal in soil is 'too much' for people and the environment
A new review explains which laboratory tools, models and tests best capture the true bioavailability of heavy metals in soil and how regulators worldwide are starting to use them.
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NewsPlant ‘first responder’ cells warn neighbors about bacterial pathogens
Researchers have found that a subset of epidermal cells in plant leaves serves as early responders to chemical cues from bacterial pathogens and communicate this information to neighbors through a local traveling wave of calcium ions.
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NewsBlack carbon from wheat straw burning shown to curb antibiotic resistance spread in farmlands with plastic mulch residues
A new study reveals that black carbon formed during wheat straw burning can significantly reduce the spread of antibiotic resistance genes in soil and soybean crops, offering a promising strategy for safer and more sustainable farming in regions burdened by plastic mulch debris.
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NewsVIRE: a global data platform to better understand viruses
Researchers have released a comprehensive viral genome database covering diverse ecosystems to advance the understanding of viral evolution and ecosystem functions.
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NewsPlant extracts show promise in reducing human pathogen risks in agricultural soils
A new study has revealed that natural plant extracts can significantly lower the risks posed by human bacterial pathogens in manure amended agricultural soils. The eco friendly strategy disrupts the communication systems that bacteria use to coordinate harmful activities.
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NewsNew global guidelines streamline environmental microbiome research
A team of nearly 250 researchers from 28 countries has developed a new set of reporting guidelines for environmental microbiomes called STREAMS. The guidelines are organized by the structure of a scientific manuscript and help ensure that important details aren’t overlooked.