Editorial Material
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Matthew M. Hedman
Summary: A distant object in the Solar System has a ring that is located unusually far from its main body, leading to speculation about the prevention of clumping for moon formation.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Anne U. Gold, Emily M. Geraghty Ward, Casey L. Marsh, Twila A. Moon, Spruce W. Schoeneman, Alia L. Khan, Megan K. Littrell
Summary: This article introduces a new method to measure the sense of place in remote locations and explores its application in place-based education. The results suggest that virtual experiences can enhance an individual's sense of place for far-away locations. Additionally, the study found significant differences in the use of words and phrases to describe the place between experts and novices, with experts exhibiting more emotional and complex attributes.
Article
Soil Science
H. Zheng, A. K. Guber, Y. Kuzyakov, W. Zhang, A. N. Kravchenko
Summary: Greater plant diversity facilitates soil C gains, with the mechanism being still under debate. The way plants are grown affects plant assimilates allocation, belowground exudation, and microbial stimulation. Intercropping can impact how plant assimilated C is allocated in soil and its fate based on soil pore size distributions.
Article
Humanities, Multidisciplinary
Andrew Freiband, Katherine L. Dickin, Mitchell Glass, Michael A. Gore, Juan Hinestroza, Rebecca Nelson, Verity Platt, Noliwe Rooks, Aaron Sachs, Nathaniel Stern, Johannes Lehmann
Summary: Interdisciplinary scholarship and education are difficult to achieve in modern universities despite individual and institutional efforts. This paper aims to identify the motivations and obstacles to joint research between different disciplines. Shared purpose, practice, and place are found to be the most important drivers for undisciplinary research. Lessons learned from workshops and an experimental center emphasize the importance of understanding why and how individuals from different disciplines want to interact, as well as the need for a common space outside the university to facilitate these interactions.
HUMANITIES & SOCIAL SCIENCES COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sarah Mermet, Maxime Voisin, Joris Mordier, Tristan Dubos, Sylvie Tutois, Pierre Tuffery, Celia Baroux, Kentaro Tamura, Aline Probst, Emmanuel Vanrobays, Christophe Tatout
Summary: This study reveals the interaction mechanism between the Arabidopsis nucleoskeleton protein KAKU4 and the nuclear periphery, and identifies conserved peptide motifs that play a role in nuclear shape and gene expression. Additionally, the study finds these motifs in nuclear pore basket proteins, suggesting a physical continuum between the nuclear pore and the nucleoskeleton in plants.
Article
Communication
Benjamin W. Mann, Madison A. Krall, Melissa M. Parks, Emily Krebs, Kourtney Maison, Robin E. Jensen
Summary: This article explores the significance of place-making in establishing communicative relationships between technical scientific communities and lay publics, using the National Historic Chemical Landmark Program as a case study to demonstrate how different types of relationships with nonexperts are built through the utilization of place. The findings reveal that specific strategic place-making gestures can either encourage or limit public engagement in scientific work and outreach processes.
SCIENCE COMMUNICATION
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Gijsbert Stoet, David C. Geary
Summary: This study investigated the sex differences in career aspirations among adolescents in things-oriented, people-oriented, and STEM careers across 80 countries. The findings showed that in countries with higher levels of women's empowerment, more boys aspired to things-oriented or STEM careers, while more girls aspired to people-oriented careers. This counter-intuitive finding can be explained by the indirect effect of wealth.
Article
Education & Educational Research
Kathryn Lanouette
Summary: This article explores the interplay of emotion, place, and practice in children's learning of science practices. Through a comparative case study analysis, the study reveals how children's emotion is intertwined with their relationships with the schoolyard and shapes their engagement and attention in ecological sampling practices. The article argues that emotion and place should be central considerations in the design, teaching, and analysis of learning contexts, highlighting the social and emplaced dimensions of science disciplinary practices.
Article
Education & Educational Research
Tara O'Neill, Bella Melenaite Finau-Faumuina, Tessie UModified Letter Turned Commailani Lumabao Ford
Summary: Given the global environmental threats, binary thinking, and erosion of caring for each other, it is necessary to change the way STEM education connects with communities and is taught in school. This paper explores how the integration of community-based problem-solving and STEMS2 Pedagogy impacts teachers' perspectives on STEM education and curriculum design. The findings suggest that grounding STEM instruction in place strengthens a sense of place and responsibility, leading to a different measure of success.
JOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN SCIENCE TEACHING
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mark Groulx, Amanda Winegardner, Marie Claire Brisbois, Lee Ann Fishback, Rachelle Linde, Kristin Levy, Annie Booth
Summary: Community science involves the collaborative creation of scientific pursuits and outcomes to promote community engagement and environmental governance. Findings suggest that elements such as data collection and team dynamics, as well as conducting data collection in a new environment, are most likely to prompt participants to challenge their beliefs, values, and assumptions.
Article
Soil Science
Huan Zhang, Hailong He, Yanjun Gao, Ahmed Mady, Vilim Filipovic, Miles Dyck, Jialong Lv, Yang Liu
Summary: Computed tomography (CT) in combination with advanced image processing is a non-invasive and non-destructive method to visualize complex interiors of living and non-living media in 2 and 3-dimensional space. This technique has been widely used in soil and plant science for visualizing and quantifying physical, chemical, and biological properties and processes. This review aims to introduce the basic principles of CT and image processing, analyze the research status and hot spots, summarize the applications of CT in measuring soil properties in soil science, as well as detecting morphological structures and root-soil interaction in plant science. The limitations of CT and image processing are also discussed, and future prospects are given.
SOIL & TILLAGE RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Benjamin K. Haywood, Julia K. Parrish, Yurong He
Summary: Research indicates that citizen science programs can enhance science knowledge, pro-environmental behavior, and civic action among participants. However, studies examining the influence of place on citizen science outcomes are limited, partly due to methodological challenges in exploring complex aspects of a person's sense of place, such as place attachment. A three-dimensional model of place attachment is proposed as a theoretical framework to empirically examine place-based citizen science experiences and outcomes. Additional research is needed to understand the relationship between participants' place attachment profiles and personal, social, or programmatic variables pre- and post-program participation. Further exploration of this topic is crucial in understanding how sense of place is affected by place-based citizen science and its impact on science knowledge, ecological understanding, and civic engagement outcomes.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Michal Switalski, Adrienne Gret-Regamey
Summary: This paper introduces the concept of place in land system science and emphasizes the importance of operationalizing place to advance knowledge of land systems towards sustainable solutions. It provides a clear and concise theoretical foundation, while exploring the potential and limitations of place in the context of land system science.
SUSTAINABILITY SCIENCE
(2021)
Editorial Material
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Giulia Pacchioni
Summary: The article in Science provides new understanding on the generation of defects in 3D printing of metals and introduces a precise method to monitor the formation of defects, paving the way for closed-loop control systems.
NATURE REVIEWS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Education & Educational Research
Douglas B. Larkin
Summary: This essay explores the development and competition of different models of science teaching in the field of science education. It highlights the potential negative consequences of even successful and good science teaching. The essay concludes with suggestions for a revised conception of science teaching that includes embedded understandings of students.
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Timothy B. Yates, Kai Feng, Jin Zhang, Vasanth Singan, Sara S. Jawdy, Priya Ranjan, Paul E. Abraham, Kerrie Barry, Anna Lipzen, Chongle Pan, Jeremy Schmutz, Jin-Gui Chen, Gerald A. Tuskan, Wellington Muchero
Summary: Orphan genes, unique to Populus trichocarpa, were identified, and evidence of de novo gene evolution was provided through comparison across different species and genomes. By associating orphan genes with expression quantitative trait loci, common biological themes such as stress response and defense were identified. Additionally, a putative cis-element for a de novo gene and the evolution of a putative transcription factor binding site were described using conserved synteny.
GENOME BIOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Amith R. Devireddy, Timothy J. Tschaplinski, Gerald A. Tuskan, Wellington Muchero, Jin-Gui Chen
Summary: Temperature stress can disrupt plant physiology and reduce tolerance to stress. Plants respond to temperature fluctuations by adjusting their signal transduction events and cellular redox state to enhance stress adaptability.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Rongbin Hu, Jin Zhang, Sara Jawdy, Avinash Sreedasyam, Anna Lipzen, Mei Wang, Vivian Ng, Christopher Daum, Keykhosrow Keymanesh, Degao Liu, Haiwei Lu, Priya Ranjan, Jin-Gui Chen, Wellington Muchero, Timothy J. Tschaplinski, Gerald A. Tuskan, Jeremy Schmutz, Xiaohan Yang
Summary: In this study, we conducted genome-wide transcription sequencing analysis on leaf samples of an obligate CAM species, Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi, under moderate and severe drought treatments. We identified differentially expressed genes and created a whole genome wide co-expression network. Interestingly, we found that drought had little regulation on the expression of CAM-related genes in K. fedtschenkoi. Additionally, we observed some shared transcriptional changes between CAM species and C-3 species in response to drought stress.
JOURNAL OF PLANT PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Raja S. Payyavula, Raghuram Badmi, Sara S. Jawdy, Miguel Rodriguez, Lee Gunter, Robert W. Sykes, Kimberly A. Winkeler, Cassandra M. Collins, William H. Rottmann, Jin-Gui Chen, Xiaohan Yang, Gerald A. Tuskan, Udaya C. Kalluri
Summary: This study investigated the role of PdWND1B, an ortholog of SND1 in Populus, in wood formation through transgenic manipulation. Over-expression of PdWND1B resulted in a reduction in cellulose and an increase in lignin content in wood cell walls, as well as a decrease in glucose, mannose, arabinose, and galactose. Transcriptome analysis revealed the upregulation of downstream transcription factors and secondary cell wall related structural genes in the over-expression lines. Glucose release efficiency and ethanol production from stem biomass were significantly reduced in the over-expression lines.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Miaomiao Li, Tao Yao, Wanru Lin, Will E. E. Hinckley, Mary Galli, Wellington Muchero, Andrea Gallavotti, Jin-Gui Chen, Shao-shan Carol Huang
Summary: This study presents a new method to investigate how proteins interact to regulate gene activity. It reveals that certain proteins can expand their ability to recognize specific DNA sequences when they form complexes, leading to the regulation of a broader range of genes.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Nathan Bryant, Jin Zhang, Kai Feng, Mengjun Shu, Raphael Ployet, Jin-Gui Chen, Wellington Muchero, Chang Geun Yoo, Timothy J. Tschaplinski, Yunqiao Pu, Arthur J. Ragauskas
Summary: By characterizing a population of 409 naturally varying Populus trichocarpa genotypes, a genome-wide association study identified 756 genes significantly associated with lignin phenotypes, providing insights into the molecular mechanisms of lignin biosynthesis and new targets for genetic improvement in poplar.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Nathan Bryant, Wellington Muchero, Rachel A. Weber, Jaime Barros, Jin-Gui Chen, Timothy J. Tschaplinski, Yunqiao Pu, Arthur J. Ragauskas
Summary: The study found that the lignin content in the cell wall of Populus was significantly increased in the region infected by Septoria, and the composition of lignin in the infected region was also different. These results provide important insights into the wood characteristic changes of Populus during Septoria infection.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Tao Yao, Guoliang Yuan, Haiwei Lu, Yang Liu, Jin Zhang, Gerald A. Tuskan, Wellington Muchero, Jin-Gui Chen, Xiaohan Yang
Summary: The genus Populus is widely used for various purposes and has become a desirable crop for biofuel production and research. Modern biotechnologies, including CRISPR/Cas9, have been applied to improve its genetic and genomic traits. In this study, CRISPRa and CBE technologies were successfully used for gene expression regulation and precise gene engineering in two Populus species.
HORTICULTURE RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Him Shrestha, Tao Yao, Zhenzhen Qiao, Wellington Muchero, Robert L. L. Hettich, Jin-Gui Chen, Paul E. E. Abraham
Summary: PtLecRLK1 acts as a susceptibility factor in facilitating root colonization by Laccaria bicolor. It modifies multiple signaling pathways including plant defense, MAPK signaling, phytohormone signaling, ROS balance, endocytosis, cytoskeleton movement, and proteasomal degradation to establish and maintain L. bicolor colonization. Additionally, a cGMP-dependent protein kinase may be implicated as a substrate of PtLecRLK1.
Article
Plant Sciences
Guoliang Yuan, Yang Liu, Tao Yao, Wellington Muchero, Jin-Gui Chen, Gerald A. Tuskan, Xiaohan Yang
Summary: Although CRISPR/Cas-based genome editing has been widely used in plant genetic engineering, its application in tree genetic improvement is limited due to challenges in Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. In this study, the researchers optimized the transformation protocol for eastern cottonwood and successfully applied a UV-visible reporter for non-invasive identification of transgenic events. They also examined the efficacy of CRISPR-based genome editing in poplar protoplasts and found high mutation efficiency in hybrid poplar clone, but no editing events in the eastern cottonwood clone. These findings highlight the potential of the eYGFPuv-assisted transformation and genome editing approach in poplar breeding and the need for further CRISPR research in the eastern cottonwood.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jingui Chen, Jinxiu Zhao, Rui Feng, Hongmin Ma, Huan Wang, Xiang Ren, Qin Wei, Huangxian Ju
Summary: A photoelectrochemical aptamer sensor with a Fe2O3/g-C3N4 heterojunction substrate was developed for sensitive detection of Pb2+. The sensor showed good linearity, low detection limit, and stable performance, indicating its potential for the detection of Pb2+.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Tao Yao, Jin Zhang, Timothy B. Yates, Him K. Shrestha, Nancy L. Engle, Raphael Ployet, Cai John, Kai Feng, William Patrick Bewg, Margot S. S. Chen, Haiwei Lu, Scott A. Harding, Zhenzhen Qiao, Sara S. Jawdy, Mengjun Shu, Wenya Yuan, Khadijeh Mozaffari, Anne E. Harman-Ware, Renee M. Happs, Larry M. York, Brad M. Binder, Yuko Yoshinaga, Christopher Daum, Timothy J. Tschaplinski, Paul E. Abraham, Chung-Jui Tsai, Kerrie Barry, Anna Lipzen, Jeremy Schmutz, Gerald A. Tuskan, Jin-Gui Chen, Wellington Muchero
Summary: This study identified PtrXB38 as an expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) hotspot, with predicted target genes involved in plant hormone responses and root development. Overexpression of PtrXB38 led to increased callusing and the formation of stem-born and base-born adventitious roots in Populus. Omics studies revealed the involvement of genes and proteins controlling auxin transport and signaling in PtrXB38-mediated root formation. Protein-protein interaction assays indicated that PtrXB38 interacts with components of the endocytosis pathway.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Avinash Sreedasyam, Christopher Plott, Md Shakhawat Hossain, John T. Lovell, Jane Grimwood, Jerry W. Jenkins, Christopher Daum, Kerrie Barry, Joseph Carlson, Shengqiang Shu, Jeremy Phillips, Mojgan Amirebrahimi, Matthew Zane, Mei Wang, David Goodstein, Fabian B. Haas, Manuel Hiss, Pierre-Francois Perroud, Sara S. Jawdy, Yongil Yang, Rongbin Hu, Jenifer Johnson, Janette Kropat, Sean D. Gallaher, Anna Lipzen, Eugene Shakirov, Xiaoyu Weng, Ivone Torres-Jerez, Brock Weers, Daniel Conde, Marilia R. Pappas, Lifeng Liu, Andrew Muchlinski, Hui Jiang, Christine Shyu, Pu Huang, Jose Sebastian, Carol Laiben, Alyssa Medlin, Sankalpi Carey, Alyssa A. Carrell, Jin-Gui Chen, Mariano Perales, Kankshita Swaminathan, Isabel Allona, Dario Grattapaglia, Elizabeth A. Cooper, Dorothea Tholl, John P. Vogel, David J. Weston, Xiaohan Yang, Thomas P. Brutnell, Elizabeth A. Kellogg, Ivan Baxter, Michael Udvardi, Yuhong Tang, Todd C. Mockler, Thomas E. Juenger, John Mullet, Stefan A. Rensing, Gerald A. Tuskan, Sabeeha S. Merchant, Gary Stacey, Jeremy Schmutz
Summary: Gene functional descriptions are important for identifying candidate genes involved in trait variation, and plant responses to environmental cues can provide molecular targets for plant improvement. However, many genes across the plant phylogeny lack functional annotations. The Joint Genome Institute (JGI) Plant Gene Atlas is a valuable resource that integrates transcript abundance data from 18 diverse species to identify expression profiles and discover previously undocumented gene functions. The Gene Atlas is accessible through the JGI Plant Gene Atlas and Phytozome websites, allowing users to access differential gene expression, track orthologs, and visualize gene ontology and pathway enrichments.
NUCLEIC ACIDS RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Patricia M. B. Saint-Vincent, Anna Furches, Stephanie Galanie, Erica Teixeira Prates, Jessa L. L. Aldridge, Audrey Labbe, Nan Zhao, Madhavi Z. Z. Martin, Priya Ranjan, Piet Jones, David Kainer, Udaya C. C. Kalluri, Jin-Gui Chen, Wellington Muchero, Daniel A. A. Jacobson, Timothy J. J. Tschaplinski
Summary: Metabolite genome-wide association studies (mGWASs) are important in plant genetics and metabolomics, but there is a lack of experimental validation. This study presents a functional genomics workflow for validating mGWAS-predicted enzyme-substrate relationships. Through high-throughput enzyme activity testing and metabolite screening, the study provides evidence for the role of UGTs in P. trichocarpa and identifies potential implications for sustainable biomass crop production.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Brennan Hyden, Dana L. Carper, Paul E. Abraham, Guoliang Yuan, Tao Yao, Leo Baumgart, Yu Zhang, Cindy Chen, Ronan O'Malley, Jin-Gui Chen, Xiaohan Yang, Robert L. Hettich, Gerald A. Tuskan, Lawrence B. Smart
Summary: In this study, Arabidopsis was used to investigate the sex determination genes and gender dimorphism genes in Salix purpurea. The results suggest that ARR17 and GATA15 may serve as master regulator genes for sex determination in S. purpurea, and two transcription factors may play a role in the downstream regulation of gender dimorphism.
