Microbes are everywhere, even in freezing places like glaciers. Some of these cold-loving microbes have special proteins called CryoRhodopsins, or CryoRs for short. These proteins are like tiny sensors that help the microbes detect ultraviolet (UV) light. What makes CryoRs unique is a special amino acid called arginine. This arginine is buried inside the protein, nea...

Ever wondered how plants protect themselves from sunburn? Loquats, also known as Japanese medlars, have a clever trick up their sleeves (or rather, leaves and fruits). They make special compounds called flavonol glycosides. These compounds help plants grow and defend against stress, like harsh UV-B rays. The final step in making these flavonol glycosides is handled ...

Scientists grew tobacco plants both outdoors in natural sunlight and under conditions that blocked UV rays. They found that the sunlight, especially its UV-A and UV-B components, significantly impacted the production of leaf phenolics. UV-A boosted anthocyanins but not flavonoids, leading to better light use and less photo damage. When UV-B was present too, it change...