Kiwifruit is in a pickle. A tiny bacteria, Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae, or Psa, is wreaking havoc. This bacteria causes a nasty disease called kiwifruit canker. It's a big headache for farmers and a threat to the kiwifruit industry. The usual fixes involve harsh chemicals like copper or anti
Clerodendrum infortunatum, a plant deeply rooted in Assam's traditional medicine, is making waves in the scientific community. This plant, known locally for its healing properties, has been studied for its potential to combat malaria. Eight unique compounds have been extracted from its leaves and ro
The Moon's magnetic field is almost nonexistent, unlike Earth's. This difference could have big effects on plants, especially when it comes to growing food on the Moon. Researchers decided to look into how this weak magnetic field affects wheat seedlings, a key crop for future space farming. They s
Rice is a staple food for many people around the world. It's a big deal. But there's a problem. High nighttime temperatures are messing with rice crops. This is a big issue for farmers. It's also a big issue for people who eat rice. But there's hope. Scientists have found a way to make rice stronger
Forests are like giant sponges, soaking up water and nutrients from the ground. But what if they're also tapping into a hidden water source? Deep below the surface, there's a layer of weathered bedrock. This layer is like a secret water reserve for many ecosystems. This raises an intriguing question
In the heart of Africa, the Democratic Republic of Congo is battling a major health crisis. It is one of eight countries that together account for two-thirds of the world's tuberculosis (TB) cases. This is a serious problem, especially since many people in Congo struggle to get proper healthcare and
Water lettuce, also known as Pistia stratiotes, is a hardy plant that can help clean up polluted water. This plant is often found in places where water is dirty due to mining waste. Understanding how water lettuce handles different pollutants is key to using it for cleaning up water. The pl
The use of helpful bacteria, known as plant growth-promoting bacteria, is a well-known method to boost crop growth and soil health. However, the exact ways these bacteria work their magic on soil quality and crop productivity are not fully understood. A recent investigation looked into how a special
Fluorite, a mineral often used in various industries, has a sneaky way of affecting the environment. When it breaks down, it releases fluoride, which can seep into the soil and water. This process was studied over 30 days in both natural and lab-made conditions. Scientists used fancy tools like atom
The inner ear has a small but mighty part called the cochlea. It is key to how we hear. This part picks up sound waves and turns them into signals the brain can understand. Hair cells in the cochlea play a big role in this process. They pick up and boost these sound waves. For people with severe hea
