University of Calgary study finds drought-stressed plants reduce iron uptake, raising food security concerns
If you only eat one bagel today, this is the bagel.
Summary
New research from the University of Calgary, published in the journal Cell, reveals that plants such as canola, tomatoes, and rice actively shut down their ability to absorb iron when experiencing drought stress. This finding raises questions about whether plants send out a "cry for help" to recruit beneficial soil microbes during drought. The study has potential implications for the nutritional value of agricultural crops, global food security, and human nutrition.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledNew research by scientists at the University of Calgary has found that plants, ranging from canola to rice to tomatoes, actively shut down their own ability to take up iron when they experience drought.
It's a finding that could have implications for the nutritional value of agricultural crops.
The study, published in the journal Cell, questions whether plants send out a 'cry for help' when they are stressed by drought to recruit beneficial soil microbes (e.g., bacteria and fungi) in their roots.
You might also wanna read
6 of the best drought-tolerant plants for pots that thrive in a heatwave
Ideal Home·11mo ago
Earthquake Monitoring Techniques Reveal How Tilling Reduces Soil Water Retention
University of Washington researchers conducted an innovative study using earthquake monitoring techniques to examine how tilling affects soi
washington.edu·2mo ago
Global Study Warns of Alarming Freshwater Loss Due to Climate Change and Human Activity
A new study led by Arizona State University, published in Science Advances, reveals alarming freshwater loss across Earth's continents since
news.asu.edu·10mo ago
Oregon State University Researchers Develop Iron Nanomaterial That Selectively Destroys Cancer Cells
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a novel iron-based nanomaterial that targets and destroys cancer cells from within. Th
Urban Street Trees Survive Drought by Drinking from Leaky Water Pipes
A scientific study reveals that urban street trees are more drought-resistant than park trees because they access water from leaky undergrou
newscientist.com·9mo ago
Researchers Successfully Extract Iron from Simulated Martian Soil for Off-World Construction
Researchers from CSIRO and Swinburne University have successfully produced iron from simulated Martian soil under Mars-like conditions, demo
csiro.au·9mo ago