Genetic screen identifies mutations that impact green foxtail panicle formation. The Science Through deep sequencing of the model grass green foxtail (Setaria viridis), researchers pinpointed a gene critical for the development of flowers that give rise to the grain. Using this information, a homologous gene in maize was identified as playing a similar role highlighting… [Read More]

Genome sequence analysis provides first evidence that linked, locally adapted alleles exist first, and subsequently are captured within a new, selectively-favored inversion. The Science A team of scientists investigated the pathway by which chromosomal inversions – in which a segment of the chromosome was removed, flipped and then re-inserted – contribute to speciation in nature…. [Read More]

Finding a grass gene impacting stomatal morphology underscores importance of developing mutant gene index. The Science The evolution of adjustable pores, stomata, allows plants to control the amount of CO2 that enters the plant and water that escapes by modifying the stomatal pore size. Plants have evolved two kidney shaped guard cells that swell to… [Read More]

Improve on existing biological computer-aided design and manufacture (bioCAD/CAM) tools The Science Synthetic DNA allows scientists to expand the breadth and depth of their genomic research. In this study researchers from the U.S. Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute (JGI) have developed a suite of build-optimization software tools (BOOST) to streamline the design-build transition in… [Read More]

Fungal and plant gene expression provides clues to nitrogen pathways. The Science Orchids are an example of an experimentally tractable plant that is highly dependent on its relationship with its mycorrhizal fungal partners for nutrient supply. In this recent study, researchers for the first time identified some genetic determinants potentially involved in nitrogen uptake and… [Read More]