Acipenser transmontanus NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/the-fall-rhapsody-in-ottawa/">Canada</a>. NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

ITIS Reports -- ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of<a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=north+america&amp;cvid=d55013d210f7439f8ca981b3b73576f2&amp;aqs=edge.0.69i59l2j69i60j69i57j69i60l2j69i59.492j0j4&amp;FORM=ANAB01&amp;PC=HCTS"> North America</a> and the world.

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video.White sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) is a species of sturgeon in the family Acipenseridae of the order Acipenseriformes. They are an anadromous fish species ranging in the Eastern Pacific; from the Gulf of Alaska to Monterey, California. However, some are landlocked in the Columbia River Drainage, Montana, and Lake Shasta in California, with reported sightings in northern Baja California, Mexico.Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes) &gt; Acipenseriformes (Sturgeons and paddlefishes) &gt; Acipenseridae (Sturgeons) &gt; Acipenserinae Etymology: : Latin, = sturgeon, 1853 (Ref. 45335); transmontanus: The specific name is derived from the Latin acipenser (sturgeon), trans (beyond), and montanus (mountain) (Ref. 27436).More on author: Richardson.

Acipenser transmontanus

Acipenser transmontanus NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation...

Urocyon littoralis catalinae NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/intense-wildfires-in-manitoba-canada/">Canada</a>. NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

ITIS Reports -- Urocyon littoralis catalinae ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=north%20america&amp;qs=n&amp;form=QBRE&amp;sp=-1&amp;pq=&amp;sc=0-0&amp;sk=&amp;cvid=2A486C7EEB7F4DC9A48B1971A274D39A">North America</a> and the world. North America is a continent entirely within the Northern Hemisphere and almost all within the Western Hemisphere. It can also be described as the northern subcontinent of the Americas. It is bordered to the north by the Arctic Ocean, to the east by the Atlantic Ocean, to the southeast by South America and the Caribbean Sea, and to the west and south by the Pacific Ocean. Because it is on the North American Tectonic Plate, Greenland is included as part of North America geographically. North America covers an area of about 24,709,000 square kilometers (9,540,000 square miles), about 16.5% of the Earth's land area and about 4.8% of its total surface. North America is the third-largest continent by area, following Asia and Africa,

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video.

Urocyon littoralis catalinae

Urocyon littoralis catalinae NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer...

Ursus arctos NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/intense-wildfires-in-manitoba-canada/">Canada</a>. NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

ITIS Reports -- Ursus arctos ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=north%20america&amp;qs=n&amp;form=QBRE&amp;sp=-1&amp;pq=&amp;sc=0-0&amp;sk=&amp;cvid=2A486C7EEB7F4DC9A48B1971A274D39A">North America</a> and the world. North America is a continent entirely within the Northern Hemisphere and almost all within the Western Hemisphere. It can also be described as the northern subcontinent of the Americas. It is bordered to the north by the Arctic Ocean, to the east by the Atlantic Ocean, to the southeast by South America and the Caribbean Sea, and to the west and south by the Pacific Ocean. Because it is on the North American Tectonic Plate, Greenland is included as part of North America geographically. North America covers an area of about 24,709,000 square kilometers (9,540,000 square miles), about 16.5% of the Earth's land area and about 4.8%

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video.

Ursus arctos

Ursus arctos NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is...

NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and Canada. NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.ITIS Reports -- ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of North America and the world.FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video.

Ursus arctos arctos

NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source...

Ursus arctos horribilis NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/intense-wildfires-in-manitoba-canada/">Canada.</a> NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

ITIS Reports -- Ursus arctos horribilis ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of<a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=north%20america&amp;qs=n&amp;form=QBRE&amp;sp=-1&amp;pq=&amp;sc=0-0&amp;sk=&amp;cvid=2A486C7EEB7F4DC9A48B1971A274D39A"> North America</a> and the world. North America is a continent entirely within the Northern Hemisphere and almost all within the Western Hemisphere. It can also be described as the northern subcontinent of the Americas. It is bordered to the north by the Arctic Ocean, to the east by the Atlantic Ocean, to the southeast by South America and the Caribbean Sea, and to the west and south by the Pacific Ocean. Because it is on the North American Tectonic Plate, Greenland is included as part of North America geographically. North America covers an area of about 24,709,000 square kilometers (9,540,000 square miles), about 16.5% of the Earth's land area and about 4.8% of its total surface. North America is the third-largest continent by area, following Asia and Africa,

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video.

Ursus arctos horribilis

Ursus arctos horribilis NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer...

Ursus arctos pruinosus

Ursus maritimus

Ursus thibetanus gedrosianus NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/intense-wildfires-in-manitoba-canada/">Canada</a>. NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

ITIS Reports --  Ursus thibetanus gedrosianus ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=north%20america&amp;qs=n&amp;form=QBRE&amp;sp=-1&amp;pq=&amp;sc=0-0&amp;sk=&amp;cvid=2A486C7EEB7F4DC9A48B1971A274D39A">North America</a> and the world. North America is a continent entirely within the Northern Hemisphere and almost all within the Western Hemisphere. It can also be described as the northern subcontinent of the Americas. It is bordered to the north by the Arctic Ocean, to the east by the Atlantic Ocean, to the southeast by South America and the Caribbean Sea, and to the west and south by the Pacific Ocean. Because it is on the North American Tectonic Plate, Greenland is included as part of North America geographically. North America covers an area of about 24,709,000

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video.

Ursus thibetanus gedrosianus

Ursus thibetanus gedrosianus NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer...

NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and Canada. NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video.

Vagrans egistina

Varanus bengalensis NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/intense-wildfires-in-manitoba-canada/">Canada</a>. NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

ITIS Reports -- Varanus bengalensis ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of<a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=north%20america&amp;qs=n&amp;form=QBRE&amp;sp=-1&amp;pq=&amp;sc=0-0&amp;sk=&amp;cvid=2A486C7EEB7F4DC9A48B1971A274D39A"> North America</a> and the world. North America is a continent entirely within the Northern Hemisphere and almost all within the Western Hemisphere. It can also be described as the northern subcontinent of the Americas. It is bordered to the north by the Arctic Ocean, to the east by the Atlantic Ocean, to the southeast by South America and the Caribbean Sea, and to the west and south by the Pacific Ocean. Because it is on the North American Tectonic Plate, Greenland is included as part of North America geographically. North America covers an area of about 24,709,000 square kilometers (9,540,000 square miles), about 16.5% of the Earth's land area and about 4.8% of its total surface

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video.

Varanus bengalensis

Varanus bengalensis NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is...

Varanus flavescens NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/intense-wildfires-in-manitoba-canada/">Canada</a>. NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

ITIS Reports -- Varanus flavescens ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=north%20america&amp;qs=n&amp;form=QBRE&amp;sp=-1&amp;pq=&amp;sc=0-0&amp;sk=&amp;cvid=2A486C7EEB7F4DC9A48B1971A274D39A">North America</a> and the world. North America is a continent entirely within the Northern Hemisphere and almost all within the Western Hemisphere. It can also be described as the northern subcontinent of the Americas. It is bordered to the north by the Arctic Ocean, to the east by the Atlantic Ocean, to the southeast by South America and the Caribbean Sea, and to the west and south by the Pacific Ocean. Because it is on the North American Tectonic Plate, Greenland is included as part of North America geographically. North America covers an area of about 24,709,000 square kilometers (9,540,000 square miles), about 16.5% of the Earth's land area and about 4.8% of its total surface. North America is the third-largest continent by area, following Asia and Africa,

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video.

Varanus flavescens

Varanus flavescens NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is...

Varanus griseus NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/intense-wildfires-in-manitoba-canada/">Canada</a>. NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

ITIS Reports -- Varanus griseus ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=north%20america&amp;qs=n&amp;form=QBRE&amp;sp=-1&amp;pq=&amp;sc=0-0&amp;sk=&amp;cvid=2A486C7EEB7F4DC9A48B1971A274D39A">North America</a> and the world. North America is a continent entirely within the Northern Hemisphere and almost all within the Western Hemisphere. It can also be described as the northern subcontinent of the Americas. It is bordered to the north by the Arctic Ocean, to the east by the Atlantic Ocean, to the southeast by South America and the Caribbean Sea, and to the west and south by the Pacific Ocean. Because it is on the North American Tectonic Plate, Greenland is included as part of North America geographically. North America covers an area of about 24,709,000 square kilometers (9,540,000 square miles), about 16.5% of the Earth's land area and about 4.8% of its total surface

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video.

Varanus griseus

Varanus griseus NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is...

Varanus komodoensis

Vermivora bachmanii NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/intense-wildfires-in-manitoba-canada/">Canada.</a> NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

ITIS Reports --  Vermivora bachmanii ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=north%20america&amp;qs=n&amp;form=QBRE&amp;sp=-1&amp;pq=&amp;sc=0-0&amp;sk=&amp;cvid=2A486C7EEB7F4DC9A48B1971A274D39A">North America</a> and the world. North America is a continent entirely within the Northern Hemisphere and almost all within the Western Hemisphere. It can also be described as the northern subcontinent of the Americas. It is bordered to the north by the Arctic Ocean, to the east by the Atlantic Ocean, to the southeast by South America and the Caribbean Sea, and to the west and south by the Pacific Ocean. Because it is on the North American Tectonic Plate, Greenland is included as part of North America geographically. North America covers an area of about 24,709,000 square kilometers (9,540,000 square miles), about 16.5% of the Earth's land area and about 4.8% of its total surface. North America is the third-largest continent by area, following Asia and Africa,

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video.

Vermivora bachmanii

Vermivora bachmanii NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is...

Vetericaris chaceorum NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/intense-wildfires-in-manitoba-canada/">Canada.</a> NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

ITIS Reports --  Vetericaris chaceorum ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=north%20america&amp;qs=n&amp;form=QBRE&amp;sp=-1&amp;pq=&amp;sc=0-0&amp;sk=&amp;cvid=2A486C7EEB7F4DC9A48B1971A274D39A">North America</a> and the world. North America is a continent entirely within the Northern Hemisphere and almost all within the Western Hemisphere. It can also be described as the northern subcontinent of the Americas. It is bordered to the north by the Arctic Ocean, to the east by the Atlantic Ocean, to the southeast by South America and the Caribbean Sea, and to the west and south by the Pacific Ocean. Because it is on the North American Tectonic Plate, Greenland is included as part of North America geographically. North America covers an area of about 24,709,000 square kilometers (9,540,000 square miles), about 16.5% of the Earth's land area and about 4.8% of its total surface. North America is the third-largest continent by area, following Asia and Africa,

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video.

Vetericaris chaceorum

Vetericaris chaceorum NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is...

Vicugna vicugna NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/the-fall-rhapsody-in-ottawa/">Canada</a>. NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

ITIS Reports --  ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=north+america&amp;cvid=0b0949fc84f043009fc678128ef9902f&amp;aqs=edge.0.69i59l2j69i57j69i60l3j0.712j0j9&amp;FORM=ANAB01&amp;PC=HCTS">North America</a> and the world.Both under the rule of the Inca and today, vicuñas have been protected by law, but they were heavily hunted in the intervening period

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video. The (both very rarely spelled, which is actually the name of its genus) is one of the two wild South American camelids which live in the high alpine areas of the Andes, the other being the guanaco, which lives at lower elevations. Also are relatives of the llama, and are now believed to be the wild ancestor of domesticated alpacas, which are raised for their coats.  Also its produce small amounts of extremely fine wool, which is very expensive because the animal can only be shorn every three years and has to be caught from the wild. When knitted together, the product of the wool is very soft and warm. The Inca valued highly for their wool, and it was against the law for anyone but royalty to wear garments;

Vicugna vicugna

Vicugna vicugna NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is...

Vicugna vicugna NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/intense-wildfires-in-manitoba-canada/">Canada.</a> NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

ITIS Reports -- Vicugna vicugna ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=north%20america&amp;qs=n&amp;form=QBRE&amp;sp=-1&amp;pq=&amp;sc=0-0&amp;sk=&amp;cvid=2A486C7EEB7F4DC9A48B1971A274D39A">North America</a> and the world. North America is a continent entirely within the Northern Hemisphere and almost all within the Western Hemisphere. It can also be described as the northern subcontinent of the Americas. It is bordered to the north by the Arctic Ocean, to the east by the Atlantic Ocean, to the southeast by South America and the Caribbean Sea, and to the west and south by the Pacific Ocean. Because it is on the North American Tectonic Plate, Greenland is included as part of North America geographically. North America covers an area of about 24,709,000 square kilometers (9,540,000 square miles), about 16.5% of the Earth's land area and about 4.8% of its total surface. North America is the third-largest continent by area, following Asia and Africa, The vicuña (Vicugna vicugna) or vicuna (both /vɪˈkuːnjə/, very rarely spelled vicugna, its genus name) is one of the two wild South American camelids which live in the high alpine areas of the Andes, the other being the guanaco, which lives at lower elevations. Vicuñas are relatives of the llama, and are now believed to be the wild ancestor of domesticated alpacas, which are raised for their coats

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video.

Villosa choctawensis NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/houseplants-boosted-psychological-well-being-during-covid-19-lockdown/">U.S</a> and Canada. NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

ITIS Reports -- ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=north+america&amp;cvid=82cd957ad5ad4daebbddda010e8152ee&amp;FORM=ANAB01&amp;PC=HCTS">North America</a> and the world. Villosa choctawensis  Rare Endemic to Gulf Coast drainages. Found in Choctawhatchee, Escambia, and Yellow river systems. Usually found in areas with at least some current

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video.The Choctaw bean (Villosa choctawensis) is a <a title="Species" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Species">species</a> of <a class="mw-redirect" title="Freshwater mussel" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freshwater_mussel">freshwater mussel</a>, an aquatic <a class="mw-redirect" title="Bivalve" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bivalve">bivalve</a> <a class="mw-redirect" title="Mollusc" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mollusc">mollusc</a> in the family <a title="Unionidae" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unionidae">Unionidae</a>. This species is found in the <a title="Southeastern United States" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southeastern_United_States">southeastern United States</a> and is currently on the <a title="Endangered species" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endangered_species">endangered species list</a>.  The species epithet and the common name are based on the name of the <a title="Choctaw" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Choctaw">Choctaw</a> people, Native Americans who were originally from the southeastern United States.

Villosa choctawensis

Villosa choctawensis NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is...

Imagine a world where the vibrant colors and splendor of Earth's wild plants and flowers dotting landscapes around the globe fall victim to extinction and vanish, one species at a time.



While this disturbing notion might seem far-fetched, the reality is that it's already beginning to happen.



Plant conservation is at a critical crossroads as botanic gardens around the world struggle to protect Earth’s most endangered plants. 



A recent review of the processes behind this global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/biobanking-historic-initiative-aims-to-genetically-rescue-endangered-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species preservation</a> challenge provides scientists with details about exactly what these institutions face in their fight to save endangered and threatened plant species from extinction.



The critical question that emerges is - how can the guardian angels of our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-some-plants-genus-spread-farther-grow-faster-than-others/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant kingdom</a>, botanic gardens, rise to meet this challenge?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-100-years-of-plant-conservation">100-years of plant conservation</h2>



The study examined records of fifty botanic gardens and arboreta around the world over the past 100 years, from 1921 to 2021. 



Encompassing over 500,000 plants between them, the goal was to uncover trends and shifts in living plant collections housed at these facilities.



The study's findings suggest that the collections at these gardens have reached their maximum capacity. 



In addition, due to various limitations and rules placed on collecting wild plants in different parts of the world, acquiring and protecting diverse <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-diversity-darkspots-need-urgent-attention/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant species</a> for conservation and study has become challenging.



The research also revealed that, on a global scale, the retention of threatened plants within these collections has not been successful despite the escalating extinction risk.



It raises serious questions about the priority given to combatting biodiversity loss across these gardens.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hurdles-in-saving-plants-from-extinction">Hurdles in saving plants from extinction</h2>



The study was spearheaded by Professor Samuel Brockington from <a href="https://www.museums.cam.ac.uk/museums/cambridge-university-botanic-garden" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cambridge University Botanic Garden</a>.



“A concerted, collaborative effort across the world’s botanic gardens is now needed to conserve a genetically diverse range of plants, and to make them available for research and future reintroduction into the wild,” Brockington implored.



The study, published in the journal Nature Ecology and Evolution, stated that the Convention on Biological Diversity (<a href="https://www.cbd.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CBD</a>) has considerably diminished the rate of plant collection from the wild.



This has greatly hampered the international exchange of plants.



“The impact of the Convention on Biological Diversity is a remarkable demonstration of the power and value of international agreements," stated Professor Brockington, who is also a Professor of Evolution at the University of Cambridge's <a href="https://www.plantsci.cam.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Department of Plant Sciences</a>.



"But it seems to be preventing individual botanic gardens from working with many globally threatened <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-many-invasive-plant-species-are-in-the-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant species</a> that we could help save from extinction.” 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-botanic-garden-meta-collections">Botanic garden meta-collections</h2>



Given that nearly 40% of the world’s plant diversity is at an increased <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/all-plants-on-earth-could-be-saved-from-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">risk of extinction</a>, botanic gardens cannot single-handedly prevent species extinction. 



Therefore, a collective approach is proposed to store and safeguard diversity in living collections. 



Botanic gardens need to function as a 'meta-collection,’ pooling their resources, sharing data, and expertise.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-can-be-done">What can be done?</h2>



While individual institutions like the <a href="https://www.rbge.org.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh </a>have achieved remarkable success in plant conservation, their efforts highlight both the potential and the limitations of working in isolation.



Global organizations such as Botanic Gardens Conservation International (<a href="https://www.bgci.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BGCI</a>) have made strides in promoting collaboration through conservation consortia, yet these initiatives remain exceptions rather than the standard practice.



Smaller or regionally focused botanic gardens often face resource constraints that limit their capacity for impactful <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/effective-conservation-efforts-key-to-saving-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation efforts</a>. 



Without sufficient funding, expertise, or infrastructure, their ability to participate in large-scale projects is significantly hindered. 



Furthermore, the lack of robust data-sharing systems and collaboration across institutions exacerbates the challenge, preventing the formation of a cohesive global strategy.



The successes of these individual institutions and organizations serve as a foundation, but a more unified and coordinated effort is essential to effectively combat biodiversity loss on a global scale.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-and-plant-extinction">Climate change and plant extinction</h2>



As climate change transforms growing conditions across different regions globally, it will be more challenging for individual botanic gardens to grow a diverse range of species. 



“<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/small-climate-changes-have-drastic-effects-on-tropical-plants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Climate change</a> affects our work directly by altering local weather conditions - we’ve already seen record-breaking temperatures in Cambridge in recent years," Brockington lamented.



"That’s going to affect how well our plants survive, so we need to think rationally and collectively about the best locations to hold different species across the global network of living collections."



Genetic diversity plays a critical role in protecting plants at risk of extinction. The more individual plants of a species are in a collection, the greater the genetic diversity is likely to be.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-do-we-go-from-here">Where do we go from here?</h2>



Last year, Cambridge University Botanic Garden advertised for a new "Expedition Botanist" to lead global plant-collection expeditions and contribute to vital conservation efforts.



Brockington believes in the importance of these expeditions and proposes a collaborative collection approach that creates equitable international partnerships.



The CBD, signed by 150 government leaders in 1992, commits each country to protect its biodiversity and promote sustainable development. 



Today, there are about 3,500 botanic gardens and arboreta worldwide, committed to studying, conserving and providing access to the world’s plants.



Organizations like the BGCI, a charity, work to mobilize botanic gardens and establish partnerships to secure plant diversity, benefiting people and the planet.



To sum it all up, we're in a race against time for these botanic gardens to adapt, innovate and collaborate in their fight against plant extinction. The future of our plant kingdom hinges on these collective efforts.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41559-024-02633-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Ecology &amp; Evolution</a>.



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Saving Earth's most endangered plants from extinction is proving to be very difficult

Imagine a world where the vibrant colors and splendor of...

In the worldwide push to reduce carbon emissions, land-based mitigation strategies (LBMS) - such as planting forests and growing biofuels - are an increasingly popular solution.&nbsp;



However, a new study cautions that while these efforts can help tackle <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-climate-change-and-biodiversity-loss-are-one-indivisible-global-health-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>, they may also threaten wildlife if not implemented with care. Overall, the study finds that restoring forests has the most positive effect on biodiversity, but warns of unintended consequences from other approaches.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-aligning-climate-goals-with-biodiversity">Aligning climate goals with biodiversity</h2>



A team of researchers,&nbsp; including Dr. Evelyn Beaury of the <a href="https://www.nybg.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New York Botanical Garden</a> (NYBG), argues that policymakers must weigh the ecological impacts of land-based mitigation strategies as they strive to meet climate targets.



“As efforts to address climate change accelerate, it is urgent to ensure that in deploying LBMS we do not inadvertently imperil <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-are-the-biggest-drivers-of-biodiversity-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a>,” the researchers wrote.



Beaury is an assistant curator at NYBG’s Center for Conservation and Restoration Ecology. This initiative is dedicated to advancing collaborations with global conservation programs, training future biodiversity leaders, and promoting the sustainable use of plant resources at both local and international levels.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-land-based-mitigation-strategies">Land-based mitigation strategies</h2>



Countries worldwide, from Austria to Zimbabwe, have committed to adopting LBMS over millions of acres to curb carbon outputs and achieve climate objectives. The principal strategies include:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/success-story-reforestation-has-helped-keep-the-eastern-us-relatively-cool/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Reforestation</a>: Reintroducing forests in areas where they once existed.</li>



<li><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planting-too-many-trees-could-spoil-the-planet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Afforestation</a>: Establishing forests on lands such as savannahs and grasslands that have historically been treeless.</li>



<li>Bioenergy Cropping: Cultivating fast-growing plants like switchgrass to generate renewable energy.</li>
</ul>



Although these measures have gained momentum, comprehensively predicting their effects on biodiversity has been challenging, since different ecosystems and species respond in complex ways.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-mitigation-strategies-and-biodiversity">Climate mitigation strategies and biodiversity </h2>



The study is the first to systematically evaluate how reforestation, afforestation, and bioenergy cropping might affect biodiversity on a global scale.&nbsp;



Led by Dr. Jeffrey Smith, an associate research scholar at <a href="https://environment.princeton.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Princeton University’s High Meadows Environmental Institute</a>, the research team modeled how over 14,000 animal species could be impacted by these climate mitigation methods - encompassing creatures from tiny mice to large moose.



“Plant-based mitigation strategies do not have the same effect on the climate or on biodiversity everywhere they are deployed. Our research suggests that we cannot assume plant-based solutions always indirectly reduce the biodiversity crisis,” said Dr. Beaury.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reforestation-a-win-win-for-wildlife">Reforestation: A “win-win” for wildlife</h2>



The study highlights reforestation as the approach most likely to deliver mutual advantages for both climate and biodiversity. By bringing back forests to places where they naturally existed, habitats improve for many species, and carbon sequestration rises, helping mitigate global warming.&nbsp;



Animals such as spotted salamanders, red-bellied woodpeckers, and even jaguars can benefit from the added forest cover.



“Reforestation is an obvious ‘win-win’ for biodiversity,” said Dr. Beaury. “Restoring lost forest provides habitat as well as reduces the impacts of climate change.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-risks-from-afforestation-and-bioenergy">Risks from afforestation and bioenergy</h2>



Although afforestation and bioenergy cropping can curb climate threats, they pose direct hazards for wildlife. Afforestation usually means planting trees in savannahs and grasslands, fundamentally altering habitats that support unique species.&nbsp;



Ostriches, lions, elk, and grouse are among the animals at risk if these natural ecosystems become uniform forests or bioenergy plantations.



While such transformations may counteract warming and climate pressures, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/top-marine-predators-may-suffer-massive-habitat-loss-by-2100/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">habitat loss</a> they cause can overshadow any biodiversity gains.&nbsp;



The study concludes that immediate declines in habitat overshadow the positive climate effects, making these tactics less favorable for preserving wildlife.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-observed-declines-in-resilient-species">Observed declines in “resilient” species</h2>



Even species known to tolerate a range of environmental stresses have suffered under afforestation or intense bioenergy cropping.&nbsp;



The study is one of the first to provide quantitative, global evidence of this impact, confirming ecologists’ long-standing concern that large-scale modifications to ecosystems might do more harm than good in certain contexts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-way-forward-careful-deployment">The way forward: Careful deployment</h2>



As national climate strategies intensify, these findings emphasize the importance of carefully matching LBMS to local conditions to avoid harming biodiversity. 



Where ecosystems naturally support forests, reforestation stands out as a solution that harmonizes climate gains with ecological health. 



Conversely, converting grasslands and savannahs to forest or monoculture plantations demands careful evaluation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-necessary-balancing-act">A necessary balancing act</h2>



As climate change progresses, governments worldwide are deploying LBMS on an unprecedented scale. The researchers argue that these strategies must address both carbon sequestration and biodiversity conservation to be truly sustainable.&nbsp;



Rather than assuming plant-based solutions will inherently benefit wildlife, policymakers should base decisions on detailed ecological assessments, ensuring that the drive to mitigate climate change does not inadvertently intensify the biodiversity crisis.



By integrating local ecological knowledge with climate targets, decision-makers can adopt balanced solutions that foster both a stable climate and thriving ecosystems - a critical step toward a healthier planet for both people and wildlife.



The research team included Dr. Jonathan Levine, professor of ecology and evolutionary biology at Princeton, and Dr. Susan C. Cook-Patton, senior forest restoration scientist at <a href="https://www.nature.org/en-us/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Nature Conservancy</a>.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.adm9485" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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Climate action and biodiversity: Striking the right balance

In the worldwide push to reduce carbon emissions, land-based mitigation...

Seagrass meadows are among the most vital yet often overlooked components of our marine landscapes, playing a crucial role in maintaining the health of our planet. 



These underwater meadows are cherished for their ability to promote biodiversity, boost coastal protection, and improve water quality. 



Beyond these benefits, seagrass meadows are also remarkably adept at capturing and storing carbon dioxide (CO₂), making them a powerful ally in the fight against climate change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-threats-to-seagrass-meadows">Threats to seagrass meadows </h2>



Climate change poses significant threats to seagrass ecosystems. Rising sea temperatures can stress seagrass plants, making them more susceptible to disease and reducing their growth rates. 



Ocean acidification, another result of increased CO2 in the atmosphere, affects the delicate balance of the marine environment, altering the chemistry that seagrasses depend on. 



Extreme weather events, such as hurricanes and storms intensified by climate change, can physically damage seagrass beds. Meanwhile, rising sea levels may reduce the amount of sunlight these plants receive, hindering photosynthesis.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unveiling-the-zobluc-project">Unveiling the ZOBLUC project</h2>



A new research initiative is focused on investigating and enhancing the potential of seagrass meadows as carbon sinks. The project - Zostera marina as a Blue Carbon Sink in the Baltic Sea (ZOBLC) - is a result of the combined efforts of several institutions.



With funding from the German Federal Environment Ministry's Nature-based Climate Action Programme (ANK) and state funds, the project has a budget of around €6 million to unravel the secrets of seagrass meadows.



To break it down, Zostera marina is the scientific term for seagrass, and blue carbon refers to the carbon stored by coastal and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/overfishing-and-habitat-degradation-have-devastated-marine-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine ecosystems</a>.



The term 'sink' points to the role these meadows play in capturing and storing CO₂ - much like a sink that drains water away.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focus-of-the-mission">Focus of the mission</h2>



ZOBLUC's strategy rests on three fundamental pillars - the study of seagrass <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-alkalinity-may-safely-boost-the-carbon-storage-capacity-of-seawater/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon storage capacity</a>, the restoration of meadows, and active community participation in the restoration process.



“Seagrass meadows are like underwater peatlands,” noted Dr. Thorsten Reusch, a professor of Marine Ecology at <a href="https://www.geomar.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GEOMAR</a> who is steering the scientific aspect of the project. “They store carbon, which is preserved in oxygen-poor sediments for centuries.”



ZOBLUC aims to locate blue carbon hotspots that can serve as primary zones for protection.



The second pillar of the project focuses on ensuring that restored meadows can withstand future climatic challenges. 



“There’s little point in replanting seagrass that won’t survive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/atlantic-ocean-currents-slowing-as-water-temperature-rises/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rising water temperatures</a> in a few years’ time,” said Dr. Reusch. To prevent this, the team will expose seagrass to various stressors in an effort to breed resistant and resilient populations.



The third pillar seeks to involve local communities in the restoration process. The plan is to train volunteers to plant seagrass shoots - the most effective restoration method so far. 



“It’s important to complete the training course and only use areas that we have checked for suitability for restoration," noted Dr. Reusch.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-peek-into-the-future">A peek into the future</h2>



The road ahead involves comprehensive mapping of the present <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seagrass-meadows-can-recover-after-major-die-offs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">seagrass meadows</a> in the Baltic Sea. 



This task will be accomplished using advanced optical and acoustic surveying technologies. Additionally, drones will be used to monitor newly planted areas.



The findings from the ZOBLUC project will be disseminated through workshops and integrated into policy recommendations to bolster the protection and restoration of seagrass meadows in the Baltic Sea. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seagrass-and-climate-resilience">Seagrass and climate resilience</h2>



As the effects of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-earth-energy-imbalance-temperature-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a> intensify, seagrass meadows are emerging as a natural defense against environmental challenges. 



Their dense root systems help stabilize coastal sediments, reducing shoreline erosion and mitigating the impact of rising sea levels. 



Moreover, seagrass meadows act as nurseries for a variety of marine species, ensuring the resilience of coastal ecosystems against changing ocean conditions. 



By understanding and enhancing these natural defenses, the ZOBLUC project aims to provide a blueprint for other regions facing similar climate threats.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-value-of-seagrass-meadows">The value of seagrass meadows</h2>



Beyond their environmental benefits, seagrass meadows offer significant economic value. Healthy seagrass beds support local fisheries by providing critical habitats for commercially important species, such as fish and shellfish.



Additionally, they contribute to the tourism industry by maintaining clear waters and vibrant marine life that attract snorkelers and divers. 



Protecting and restoring these meadows not only safeguards biodiversity but also enhances coastal economies, making their conservation a win-win for both nature and local communities.



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Natural climate solutions: Enhancing the role of seagrass meadows

Seagrass meadows are among the most vital yet often overlooked...

Have you ever wondered what farmers in ancient times ate thousands of years ago? Their diets, shaped by the landscapes that the farmers inhabited and the resources available to them, offer a window into the past.



It's fascinating to see how their meals evolved from humble grain-based recipes - rooted in necessity and tradition - to the complex, rich, and intricate flavors we enjoy today.



While historians and archaeologists have been unraveling the secrets of ancient civilizations for decades, one fascinating piece remained undisclosed - the exact menu of the earliest farmers.



What ingredients did they rely on to sustain their communities? How did they supplement their cultivated crops with nature’s bounty?



But recently, a compelling study, drawing on cutting-edge archaeological techniques, has shed new light on this captivating subject, revealing surprising insights into the diverse and resourceful <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/our-hunter-gatherer-ancestors-did-much-more-gathering-than-hunting/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diets of our ancestors</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-did-ancient-farmers-eat">What did ancient farmers eat?</h2>



Unfolding the story requires a journey to Southern Scandinavia and Northern Germany, specifically Oldenburg LA 77, a region once known for its Middle <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-neolithic-mountain-settlers-used-complex-farming-methods/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neolithic</a> settlements. 



Oldenburg LA 77 is located in a former wetland area known as the Oldenburger Graben, resting on the southwestern coast of the Baltic Sea. 



This area was home to a number of settlements, and this once-secluded village stands as a reflection of the evolution of society, gradually shifting from isolated farmsteads to more concentrated, populated villages.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ancient-farming-diets">Ancient farming diets</h2>



During the excavations, scientists discovered plenty of artifacts including houses, wells, and an array of daily life materials such as pottery fragments and grinding stones. 



"Grinding stones are truly archives for preserving information about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-foods-linked-to-drastically-lower-risk-of-heart-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant foods</a>. Even a small fragment of them can carry plenty of plant microfossils, including starch grains and phytoliths," noted Dr. Jingping An, a research assistant in the study.



And so, it is these grinding stones from Oldenburg LA 77 that provided the breakthrough in this gastronomical mystery.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-examining-grinding-stones">Examining grinding stones</h2>



The study, led by experts from the Collaborative Research Center (CRC) 1266 in Kiel, analyzed ancient plant microfossils preserved on these grinding stones. The findings were impressive, to say the least.



Various food ingredients were discovered, including <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-bread-wheat-gave-rise-to-civilization/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wheat</a>, barley, fruits of wild grasses, knotweeds, and acorns. Starch-rich tubers, and possibly a small number of wild legume seeds, were also detected. 



These wild ingredients shed light on our ancestors' use of nature's bounty.



"Charred <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/domesticating-wild-plants-may-result-in-more-resilient-crops/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wild plants</a> have been documented by archaeobotanical analyses of soil samples from this Neolithic village, but this study further confirms their consumption by looking directly into food processing," noted Professor Wiebke Kirleis, who led the research.



"People in the past knew how to enrich their diet," added Dr. An. 



Undoubtedly, our ancestors were culinary explorers, well-versed in supplementing their meals with the best of what their environment had to offer.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-similar-diets-among-ancient-farmers">Similar diets among ancient farmers</h2>



Interestingly, a similar dietary pattern was observed in a different site - the Frydenlund site in Denmark - which was part of the same Funnel Beaker Culture. 



Plant microfossils from wild plants were also found on the grinding stones at this site.



Ultimately, the study offers a fascinating insight into the culinary lifestyle of our earliest farmers. They were not just farmers but also skilled food processors, adept at harnessing the variety of ingredients around them to enrich their meals and lead a wholesome life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-legacy-of-neolithic-farmers">Legacy of Neolithic farmers</h2>



The dietary choices of Neolithic farmers were not only shaped by necessity but also by an intuitive understanding of their environment. 



Their ability to blend cultivated grains with wild plants provided a balanced and diverse diet that sustained growing communities. 



Today, this ancient knowledge continues to influence modern dietary trends, with a renewed focus on whole grains, plant-based nutrition, and sustainable food sources. 



Studies of early farming practices offer valuable insights into how our ancestors adapted to their surroundings, utilizing locally available ingredients to create nourishing meals. 



The enduring legacy of ancient farmers highlights the importance of biodiversity and traditional knowledge in shaping the way we eat today.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S2352409X24005418" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Archaeological Science</a>.



Image Credit: Susanne Beyer, Kiel University



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Surprising diet of early farmers from 5,000 years ago revealed by new technology

Have you ever wondered what farmers in ancient times ate...

Nature has long been a treasure trove of medicinal compounds, with plants and animals providing the foundation for many important drugs. 



Morphine, aspirin, and paclitaxel all originate from natural sources, offering immense therapeutic benefits. However, despite their rich chemical diversity and centuries of use in medicine, mushrooms remain largely underexplored in medical research.



Their potential for drug discovery has yet to be fully realized. A recent breakthrough by researchers from Shinshu University, Japan, is changing this landscape. 



The team has successfully achieved the first total synthesis of inaoside A, a natural compound found in the edible mushroom&nbsp;Laetiporus cremeiporus. 



This advancement, published in the&nbsp;Asian Journal of Organic Chemistry, is a significant step toward understanding the bioactive properties of inaoside A and other mushroom-derived compounds.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-compound-in-organic-chemistry">New compound in organic chemistry</h2>



The research from <a href="https://www.shinshu-u.ac.jp/english/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shinshu University</a> was led by Professor Atsushi Kawamura from the Department of Biomolecular Innovation, along with Mr. Tomoya Takao from the Department of Agriculture and Dr. Hidefumi Makabe from the Department of Biomolecular Innovation.



Their work focuses on the synthesis of inaoside A, a compound classified as an α-D-ribofuranoside. While the α-D-ribofuranoside structure is commonly found in nature, it remains far less studied than its β-anomer counterparts.



"Although the α-D-ribofuranoside structure is frequently found in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-brittle-star-tissue-could-transform-regenerative-medicine/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">natural products</a>, there have been fewer reports of the synthesis of α-D-ribofuranosides than of the β-anomers. Thus, the synthesis of α-D-ribofuranosides has attracted much attention from organic chemists," explained Dr. Kawamura.



This structural class is of particular interest because of its potential biological activities. Scientists suspect that inaoside A may have important medicinal properties, but without an efficient synthesis method, further exploration was difficult.&nbsp;



"The total synthesis of inaoside A is an important objective because its varied bioactivities need to be investigated," said Dr. Kawamura.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-synthesizing-mushroom-compounds-for-medicines">Synthesizing mushroom compounds for medicines</h2>



Developing a synthetic route for inaoside A posed several challenges. To create the compound, the research team needed to use a key reaction known as α-selective Schmidt glycosylation. 



This reaction attaches a glycoside to another molecule in a highly specific manner, ensuring that the final product maintains the correct structural orientation.



Using retrosynthetic chemistry, the team worked backward from the desired final product to determine the ideal starting materials. They identified two essential precursors: an aglycone derived from vanillin and a ribofuranosyl trichloroacetimidate. 



However, an obstacle remained - Schmidt glycosylation typically favors the formation of β-ribofuranosides rather than the desired α-ribofuranosides.



To overcome this issue, the researchers modified their approach by selecting a different substrate. They employed a 2,3,5-tri-O-(tert-butyldimethylsilyl)-protected ribofuranoside, which facilitated α-selective glycosylation with remarkable precision. 



This strategic modification allowed them to achieve an α/β ratio of 4:1 to 5:1, ensuring the successful synthesis of inaoside A with high selectivity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-inaoside">Significance of inaoside</h2>



The ability to synthesize inaoside A in the laboratory is a major milestone in natural product research. By creating a reliable synthetic method, scientists can now study this compound in greater detail, examining its potential medicinal applications and biological <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fungi-can-think-and-make-smart-decisions-without-a-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">functions</a>.



"By elucidating the chemical structures and biological activities of natural products derived from mushrooms, we aim to discover the potential of edible <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mushroom-is-given-a-robot-body-and-runs-wild-in-fascinating-video/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mushrooms</a> as functional foods. These natural products could contribute to advancing pharmaceutical science by serving as pharmaceutical leads," noted Dr. Kawamura.



With a stable supply of inaoside A now possible, researchers can conduct further studies on its bioactivity. Understanding its interactions within biological systems could lead to the development of new pharmaceuticals or functional food ingredients. 



The study of mushroom-derived compounds is still in its early stages, but this success demonstrates that fungi hold significant promise for future drug discovery.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-mushroom-derived-medicines">Future of mushroom-derived medicines</h2>



Now that inaoside A can be synthesized efficiently, the research team is eager to explore its full potential. Further investigations are already underway, including <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mushroom-leather-mycelium-latest-eco-friendly-fashion-trend/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">structural modifications</a> and biological testing to determine its therapeutic properties.



"Further studies on inaoside A, including more detailed investigation of its bioactivities, the synthesis of derivatives, and structure-activity relationship studies, are in progress. We would like to develop this chemical into a socially meaningful compound," said Dr. Kawamura.



This research marks an important step toward unlocking the vast chemical diversity of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mushroom-magic-new-species-discovered-in-africa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mushrooms</a>. As scientists continue to explore these natural compounds, they may uncover new leads for drug development, functional foods, and other biotechnological applications. 



The successful synthesis of inaoside A serves as a reminder that nature still holds many secrets waiting to be discovered.



The study is published in the <a href="https://aces.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ajoc.202400547" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Asian Journal of Organic Chemistry</a>.



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First total synthesis of mushroom compound could transform medicine

Nature has long been a treasure trove of medicinal compounds,...

For 130 years, the enigmatic nature of the orchid Stigmatodactylus sikokianus puzzled scientists and botanists alike.



Named in 1889 by renowned Japanese botanist MAKINO Tomitaro, the fungus-consuming plant features a distinct appendage reminiscent of a tiny finger on its stigma - the part of the flower that accepts pollen.



But why is this appendage there, and what purpose does it serve? Despite its popularity among Japan's iconic orchids, the function of this unique feature remained a mystery - until now.



<a href="https://www.kobe-u.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kobe University</a> botanist SUETSUGU Kenji specializes in orchids that feed on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/soil-fungi-determine-the-gradient-of-forest-diversity-worldwide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">soil fungi</a> rather than sunlight. Stigmatodactylus, he realized, fit this bill perfectly.



“I’m particularly interested in their pollination mechanisms, employing an interdisciplinary approach that integrates taxonomy, ecology, and evolutionary biology," said Kenji.



His fascination with these unique orchids propelled him to investigate further, questioning the purpose and ecological role of the finger-like appendage that had attracted so much attention.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-orchid-that-self-pollinates">The orchid that self-pollinates </h2>



Kenji's research sheds light on a unique <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/insect-apocalypse-australasia-is-facing-a-hidden-pollination-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollination</a> method. He found that Stigmatodactylus sikokianus predominantly self-pollinates, which means it doesn’t require insects to transport pollen from one plant to another.



Interestingly, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/when-faced-with-competition-some-plants-learn-to-self-pollinate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">self-pollination</a> occurs roughly three days after the flower opens. This delay bears significant ecological implications.



Given the plant's natural habitat in dark forest understories, it is rarely visited by potential pollinators.



“While self-pollination likely guarantees reproductive success, relying solely on this method risks inbreeding. This may drive the evolution of mechanisms that combine the benefits of self-pollination and outcrossing," said Kenji.



"Delayed self-pollination, postponed until opportunities for outcrossing are exhausted, is likely one such adaptation - a failsafe mechanism.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-novel-self-pollination-mechanism">Novel self-pollination mechanism </h2>



While meticulously observing the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-how-plants-adapt-to-changing-climates/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants</a>, Kenji noticed that the finger-like appendage plays a crucial role in self-pollination.



On the third day after the flower opens, the stigma collapses and makes contact with the pollen-carrying anther, aided by the finger-like appendage, thereby fertilizing the plant. 



“The movement of the stigma appendage represents, to the best of our knowledge, a novel self-pollination mechanism in orchids,” said Kenji.



He noted that since there are 28 species in the Stigmatodactylus family, many of which share this unique appendage, this self-pollination mechanism could be common in other species too.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bridging-traditional-research-with-modern-science">Bridging traditional research with modern science</h2>



Kenji hopes his work will help bridge the gap between historical botanical research and contemporary scientific inquiries. 



“The significance of this discovery lies in its ability to bridge historical botanical research and contemporary scientific inquiry. It underscores the value of integrating meticulous taxonomic analysis with ecological and evolutionary studies to gain novel insights," said Kenji.



"This study demonstrates that traditional natural history research, unifying taxonomy, evolution and ecology, still has the power to uncover new phenomena today.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-orchids-self-pollinate-to-survive">Orchids self-pollinate to survive</h2>



Understanding the unique pollination mechanism of Stigmatodactylus sikokianus offers significant implications for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/despite-their-incredible-adaptability-orchids-are-disappearing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">orchid conservation</a> efforts.



Many orchid species are highly specialized and depend on specific ecological conditions to thrive. 



The newfound knowledge about the self-pollination strategy of Stigmatodactylus sikokianus sheds light on how other orchid species may have evolved to adapt to low-pollinator environments.



This insight can guide conservationists in designing better habitat protection strategies and cultivation techniques to ensure the survival of orchids facing similar ecological challenges. 



Furthermore, it highlights the need to preserve the dark forest understories where these delicate plants flourish, as habitat destruction poses a major threat to their existence.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-evolutionary-significance">Broader evolutionary significance</h2>



The discovery of the delayed self-pollination mechanism in Stigmatodactylus sikokianus raises intriguing questions about the broader evolutionary adaptations of orchids and other flowering plants.



In ecosystems with scarce pollinators, plants must develop creative reproductive strategies to ensure their survival. 



This ability to self-pollinate suggests that evolution has equipped some orchids with a dual approach - allowing time for potential cross-pollination before resorting to self-fertilization as a last resort.



The findings contribute to our understanding of plant reproductive biology and may inspire further research into similar mechanisms in related plant families.



By studying these adaptations, scientists can better comprehend how plants respond to environmental pressures and how they might adapt to future changes, such as climate shifts and habitat fragmentation.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://nph.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ppp3.10624" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Plants People Planet</a>.



Image Credit: IKEDA Tetsuro



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Some orchids have 'fingers' to pollinate themselves

For 130 years, the enigmatic nature of the orchid Stigmatodactylus...

A recent study led by the University of Oxford challenges the widely held notion that plants actively communicate with each other to warn of impending threats.



Instead, the findings suggest that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-have-complex-biochemical-communication-networks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants</a> are more likely to passively “eavesdrop” on their neighbors through shared fungal networks rather than engage in altruistic signaling.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-underground-communication-network">Underground communication network</h2>



Beneath the soil, plants are connected by an intricate fungal network popularly referred to as the “wood wide web.” This network emerges from the symbiotic relationships between plant roots and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-distribute-enormous-amounts-of-co2-to-mycorrhizal-fungi/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mycorrhizal fungi</a>.&nbsp;



In this partnership, plants supply fungi with carbon while the fungi provide essential nutrients to the plants. These networks also enable the transmission of resources and information among plants.



Previous studies have demonstrated that when one plant is attacked by herbivores or pathogens, neighboring plants connected to the same fungal network often strengthen their defenses.&nbsp;



However, it has remained unclear whether these responses result from active warnings sent by the attacked plant or passive cues interpreted by its neighbors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-questioning-altruism-in-plant-behavior">Questioning altruism in plant behavior</h2>



The idea that plants actively warn their neighbors poses a puzzle for evolutionary biologists. Altruistic behavior is generally rare in nature and typically occurs when it offers mutual benefits. For plants competing for resources like sunlight and nutrients, warning their neighbors would seem counterintuitive.



To address this paradox, an international research team from the <a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Oxford</a> and <a href="https://vu.nl/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam</a> developed mathematical models to explore whether plants would evolve to signal threats to one another.&nbsp;



The results suggest that it is highly unlikely for plants to develop active warning mechanisms, as such behavior would not confer significant evolutionary advantages.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plants-communicate-in-deceptive-ways">Plants communicate in deceptive ways</h2>



The study revealed that plants might even engage in deceptive signaling to gain an advantage over their competitors.&nbsp;



“Our results indicate that it is more likely that plants will behave deceptively toward their neighbors, rather than altruistically,” said lead author Thomas Scott from the Department of Biology at the University of Oxford.&nbsp;



“For instance, plants may signal that a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/large-herbivore-extinctions-drastically-affect-forest-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">herbivore</a> attack is occurring, even when no herbivore is present. Plants can gain a benefit from dishonest signaling because it harms their local competitors, by tricking them into investing in costly herbivore defense mechanisms.”



The findings challenge the idea of plants as cooperative entities and instead suggest that what appears to be altruistic behavior may often serve competitive or self-interested purposes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-do-neighboring-plants-still-respond">Why do neighboring plants still respond?</h2>



If plants are not actively warning their neighbors, why do connected plants upregulate their defenses when one is attacked? The researchers proposed two alternative explanations.



First, plants might unintentionally emit cues when under stress, similar to humans blushing when embarrassed. These involuntary emissions could be picked up by neighboring plants as signals of a threat, even though the emitting plant gains no direct benefit from sharing this information.



Second, the fungal networks themselves could play an active role in transmitting warnings. Mycorrhizal fungi rely on healthy plants for their survival, as plants provide them with carbohydrates. By relaying signals about potential threats, the fungi may protect their host plants and ensure the stability of the network.&nbsp;



“Maybe it is the fungal networks themselves that are sending the warning signals,” Scott said. “Mycorrhizal fungi rely on the plants on their network for carbohydrates, so it’s important to keep these plants in good condition. Perhaps the fungi are listening in on their plant partners, detecting when one has been attacked, and warning the others to prepare themselves.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nosy-plants-that-eavesdrop">Nosy plants that eavesdrop</h2>



Co-author Toby Kiers from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam offered another perspective, likening plants to neighbors gossiping about a shared environment:



“There is no dispute that information is transferred. Organisms are constantly detecting and processing information about their environment. The question is whether plants are actively sending signals to warn each other. Maybe just like gossiping neighbors, one plant is simply <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eavesdropping-viruses-the-unseen-war-within-our-cells/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eavesdropping</a> on the another.”



This reinterpretation highlights the possibility that plants are more passive participants in these networks, interpreting cues rather than engaging in intentional communication.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-plant-ecology-and-conservation">Implications for plant ecology and conservation</h2>



The study’s findings have significant implications for our understanding of plant behavior and ecosystem dynamics. Recognizing that plants may rely more on passive information gathering than active signaling shifts the focus of research to the role of fungal networks in mediating plant interactions.&nbsp;



This knowledge could be valuable in predicting how plant communities will respond to environmental changes such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/top-marine-predators-may-suffer-massive-habitat-loss-by-2100/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">habitat loss</a> or climate change.



Understanding these dynamics also has potential applications in agriculture and conservation. For instance, manipulating fungal networks might enhance crop resilience or help restore ecosystems by improving communication between plants in stressed environments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-research-directions">Future research directions</h2>



While the study provides compelling theoretical support for the eavesdropping hypothesis, further empirical research is needed to validate these models.&nbsp;



Experiments could focus on isolating the role of fungi in transmitting signals and exploring whether different plant species vary in their ability to interpret these cues.



Additionally, studying how plants and fungi interact in diverse ecosystems could reveal whether certain environments favor passive communication over active signaling.&nbsp;



Expanding the research to include underrepresented plant species and regions would also provide a more comprehensive understanding of these interactions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rethinking-how-plants-communicate">Rethinking how plants communicate </h2>



This study fundamentally challenges the idea of plants as altruistic communicators, suggesting instead that their behavior may be driven by competition, self-interest, and passive eavesdropping.&nbsp;



By highlighting the role of fungal networks, the research opens new avenues for exploring the intricate relationships that sustain plant communities.



As Scott and his team continue to refine their models and expand their investigations, the hidden dynamics of plant communication promise to reveal even more about the complex strategies plants use to survive and thrive in their environments.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2420701122" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a> (PNAS).



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Plants use underground networks to ‘eavesdrop’ on their neighbors 

A recent study led by the University of Oxford challenges...

Imagine a future where one of the biggest pollutants of our environment, the production of ammonia, is no longer a headache. Instead, the Earth itself could become a productive partner in generating this chemical. All it takes is the use of Earth's natural forces and heat.



In an unexpected twist of events, a scientific breakthrough at the globally renowned Massachusetts Institute of Technology (<a href="https://www.mit.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MIT</a>), points in this very direction.



The ground-breaking study was motivated by a mysterious natural phenomenon observed in Mali, West Africa, in the 1980s.



Locals came across a well that was gushing with hydrogen gas, an oddity that scientists attributed to a water-rock chemical reaction beneath Earth's surface.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-green-shift-in-the-fertilizer-industry">Green shift in the fertilizer industry</h2>



“It was an ‘aha’ moment,” shared senior author Iwnetim Abate of MIT. "We may be able to use Earth as a factory, harnessing its heat and pressure to produce valuable <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/decline-in-ozone-depleting-chemicals-is-an-encouraging-trend/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chemicals</a> like ammonia in a cleaner manner."



Ammonia's importance cannot be overstated. It is a key ingredient in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/carbon-emissions-from-fertilizers-could-be-cut-by-80-percent/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fertilizers</a> and potentially a clean fuel source. However, its current production methods are far from energy-efficient or green. 



Today's industrial ammonia production is a significant consumer of global energy and a major emitter of CO2. In fact, for every ton of ammonia produced, there's a release of around 2.4 tons of CO2.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-traditional-ammonia-production">Traditional ammonia production</h2>



For over a century, the production of ammonia has been dominated by the Haber-Bosch process, an energy-intensive method that relies heavily on the use of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-from-fossil-fuels-kills-5-million-people-each-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fossil fuels</a>.



This conventional approach operates at high temperatures and pressures, consumes vast amounts of natural gas and contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions.



Despite its efficiency in meeting global fertilizer demands, the process is far from sustainable. 



As industries face mounting pressure to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/small-changes-in-diet-can-greatly-reduce-your-carbon-footprint/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reduce their carbon footprints</a>, the search for greener alternatives has intensified. 



Scientists and engineers are now exploring innovative methods that utilize Earth's natural processes to revolutionize ammonia production, offering a path toward cleaner, more efficient solutions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-finding-the-solution-under-our-feet">Finding the solution under our feet</h2>



With sustainability in their sights, the research team at MIT set out to test this idea of an "Earth factory." They constructed an environment that replicated the conditions beneath Earth's surface.



Iron-rich minerals were exposed to nitrogen-laced water, which ignited a chemical reaction that transformed the rock and gave rise to what they termed "geological ammonia."



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/ammonia-fertilizer_new-green-process_illustration_MIT_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/ammonia-fertilizer_new-green-process_illustration_MIT_1s.webp" alt="Researchers cooked up a new recipe—without any energy input or CO2 emission—for generating ammonia, a key chemical for the agriculture industry, by mixing nitrogen-laced water with iron-rich rocks. Credit: Yifan Gao and Iwnetim Abate" class="wp-image-1957605"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Researchers cooked up a new recipe - without any energy input or CO2 emission - for generating ammonia, a key chemical for the agriculture industry, by mixing nitrogen-laced water with iron-rich rocks. Credit: Yifan Gao and Iwnetim Abate</figcaption></figure>



Remarkably, the process didn't require any additional energy input, and there were no CO2 emissions. To top it all, the entire process even took place under ambient conditions!



To replicate real-world conditions, the team replaced synthetic mineral with olivine, a naturally iron-laden rock. They optimized the process further by introducing a copper catalyst and elevating the heat to 300°C.



In just 21 hours, they managed to produce about 1.8 kg of ammonia per ton of olivine, demonstrating the method's feasibility and sustainability.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-does-green-ammonia-production-matter">Why does green ammonia production matter?</h2>



"These rocks are all over the world, so the method could be adapted very widely across the globe," enthused Abate.



However, he acknowledged that implementation would come with its own set of challenges, including drilling into iron-rich rocks deep within the Earth and dealing with the complexities of the rocks' interactions with gases and liquids.



On the economic front, geological ammonia production is encouraging. The cost is around $0.55 per kilogram, roughly equivalent to the price of conventional methods. 



But the game-changer is the potential to address environmental crises like CO2 production and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/staggering-amount-of-wastewater-impacts-coastal-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wastewater pollution</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nature-life-and-ammonia">Nature, life, and ammonia</h2>



Yifan Gao of MIT, the first author of the study, postulated a win-win strategy. 



"Nitrogen sources are considered as pollution in wastewater, and removing them costs money and energy," he explained.



The team suggested turning this problem on its head by using wastewater to produce ammonia. This perspective could potentially add an additional profit of $3.82 per kilogram of ammonia formed.



"Ammonia is pretty important for life. The only other natural way that ammonia is produced on Earth is when lightning strikes nitrogen gas," commented senior author Ju Li.



"That’s why the geological production of ammonia is quite interesting when you think about where life came from,” Li concluded.



This initiative by the scientists at MIT highlights the innovative solutions that can arise when we look towards nature for inspiration.



With every small step, we move closer to a future where sustainable chemical production is not just a dream but a reality.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S2542435124005415" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Joule</a>.



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New green tech produces ammonia fertilizer using Earth's natural forces

Imagine a future where one of the biggest pollutants of...

Truffles have long captivated the senses, with their tantalizing aroma and elusive nature keeping the culinary world on its toes. To the gastronome, they are an exotic culinary delight; to the mycologist, they present an intriguing species subject of study.



Now, this enigmatic world has become even more fascinating with the discovery of two new truffle species, which add another layer of intrigue to the legacy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-species-found-by-truffle-dogs">Species found by truffle dogs</h2>



The discovery was led by two enthusiastic truffle <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trained-dogs-can-sniff-out-invasive-pests-in-forests/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dogs</a>, Luca and Monza.



The find? A hitherto unknown pair of truffles, christened as Tuber canirevelatum and Tuber cumberlandense.



The former, aptly named the "dog-found" truffle, pays homage to the canine detectives and their tireless work. The latter derives its name from the Cumberland Plateau, where it was found.



Guiding the canine sleuths were citizen scientists Lois Martin and Margaret Townsend. After the initial discovery, and eager to unveil the mystery of their find, they reached out to the experts.



Michigan State University (<a href="https://msu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MSU</a>) and the <a href="https://www.ufl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Florida</a> became the primary research hubs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unraveling-the-truffle-mystery">Unraveling the truffle mystery</h2>



At MSU, the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences took the baton from the truffle dogs. 



The team, led by associate professor Gregory Bonito and undergraduate student Alassane Sow, used DNA analyses to identify the specimens and position them on the tree of life.



”Receiving these samples was very exciting, especially because they looked very similar to the well-known edible <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-truffle-industry/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European truffles</a> Tuber macrosporum and Tuber aestivum,” said Sow.



“We hope that by describing both of these species there will be increased interest in cultivating North American truffles. Our analyses show that each has aromatic compounds found in some of the most valuable truffle species.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-truffles-a-culinary-goldmine">Truffles: A culinary goldmine</h2>



The world of fine dining celebrates truffles for their rarity and enticing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/growing-environment-impacts-the-aroma-of-beer-and-hops/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aroma</a>. And the discovery of these new species may have just expanded the potential for gastronomic innovation. 



These species could hold tremendous economic potential due to their aromatic compounds.



Now, imagine a plate of gourmet truffle-infused pasta, accompanied by a glass of whiskey - a fine blend of the robust, earthy flavours of truffles and oaky whiskey. 



That's just what Maker’s Mark, a distiller from Kentucky, hopes to provide. 



They are exploring the cultivation of the native T. cumberlandense, and aim to introduce a uniquely infused whiskey to the market soon.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-aromatic-appeal-of-truffle-species">Aromatic appeal of truffle species</h2>



The culinary appeal of truffles mainly lies in the unique aroma they produce. Each species emits a distinct fragrance, which contributes to its culinary potential and, therefore, its value.



MSU’s professor Randy Beaudry from the Department of Horticulture worked with Bonito and Sow to identify these aroma-producing compounds. 



Using gas chromatography, they discovered that T. canirevelatum was rich in compounds that give it a savory garlic aroma.



On the other hand, T. cumberlandense contained compounds found in the revered Périgord black truffle and the Piedmont white truffle.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-the-truffle-dogs">Significance of the "truffle dogs"</h2>



This significant discovery highlights the importance of trained truffle dogs in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/crops-of-the-future-potatoes-that-thrive-in-heatwaves/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tuber</a> research and farming. 



"We suspect many native tuber species remain to be discovered and described. This task will be enhanced through the continued collaboration between mycologists (scientists who study fungi), the public and trained truffle dogs,” concluded Bonito.



As the quest for novel species continues, it is clear that the world of truffles holds more delectable secrets yet to be unearthed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-truffle-cultivation-and-species-conservation">Truffle cultivation and species conservation</h2>



As truffle discoveries continue to emerge, the focus is shifting toward sustainable cultivation and conservation efforts. 



Truffles, often associated with European fine dining, have long been harvested from wild forests, making them susceptible to environmental changes and overharvesting. 



The discovery of native species like Tuber cumberlandense opens up new possibilities for domestic cultivation, thus reducing reliance on imported varieties and supporting local economies.



These newfound species also offer exciting opportunities for cultivation under controlled conditions, potentially ensuring their long-term availability and contributing to ecosystem health.



This includes studying optimal soil compositions, climate conditions, and symbiotic relationships with host trees. 



Cultivating these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-all-fungi-matter-not-just-mushrooms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fungi</a> not only presents an economic opportunity but also has ecological benefits, as they contribute to soil health and biodiversity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sustainable-truffle-discovery">Sustainable truffle discovery</h2>



Furthermore, the role of citizen scientists and trained truffle dogs continues to be vital in locating and documenting species in diverse environments. 



As research efforts expand, collaborations between mycologists, farmers, and culinary experts could pave the way for a sustainable truffle industry where these culinary treasures are both abundant and are grown in an environmentally responsible manner.



The discovery of the new species is detailed in the journal <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00275514.2024.2407755#:~:text=Tuber%20canaliculatum%20is%20sometimes%20wild,Berch%202020%3B%20Fortier%20et%20al.&amp;text=2022).,-Members%20of%20the">Mycologia</a>.



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Two new truffle species discovered with the help of special 'truffle dogs'

Truffles have long captivated the senses, with their tantalizing aroma...

In a world where food security remains a pressing challenge, scientists continue to seek innovative ways to enhance crop production. A recent study from the University of Tasmania has uncovered a crucial role for auxin, a tiny but powerful plant hormone, in determining how plants store energy. 



The findings, published in the journal Nature Communications, reveal that auxin is not just a growth regulator - it plays a pivotal role in starch production.



This discovery has profound implications for global agriculture, offering new possibilities for increasing the starch content of staple crops such as rice, maize, and peas. If harnessed effectively, auxin could help improve food availability for billions of people worldwide.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-auxin-not-just-a-growth-hormone">Auxin: Not just a growth hormone</h2>



For decades, auxin has been recognized as a master regulator of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-seeds-go-dormant-to-avoid-harsh-conditions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant development</a>. It influences various growth processes, from cell elongation to root formation. 



However, the new research from the <a href="https://www.utas.edu.au" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Tasmania</a> has shown that auxin also plays a critical role in energy storage, particularly in the form of starch accumulation within seeds.



"It turns out this tiny molecule holds the key to how plants store energy, particularly in the form of starch," said study co-author Professor John Ross.



This discovery challenges the long-held view that auxin is primarily involved in plant growth. Instead, the findings indicate that auxin acts as a central orchestrator of starch formation in crops. Without auxin, seeds cannot efficiently stockpile starch, a component that makes up 60-80% of rice grains.



Given that rice is a staple <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-food-day-fighting-global-hunger/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food</a> for more than half of the world’s population, understanding how auxin regulates starch production could have major consequences for food security.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mechanisms-behind-starch-accumulation">Mechanisms behind starch accumulation</h2>



The study integrates a wide range of research, including the team’s own experiments, to establish how auxin drives starch accumulation in seeds. The researchers found that auxin operates through three interconnected mechanisms. 



First, it stimulates the activity of starch-producing genes, ensuring that plants can efficiently synthesize starch at the genetic level. 



Second, auxin plays a crucial role in energy generation within seeds, providing the necessary fuel for starch biosynthesis. 



Finally, the hormone ensures that sugar is transported efficiently into developing seeds, ensuring a steady supply of raw materials for starch formation.



These findings present a more comprehensive picture of how auxin functions beyond its well-documented role in plant growth. 



The research team developed a hypothetical model that integrates these three mechanisms, providing a framework for future studies into how auxin promotes starch accumulation across different plant systems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-transforming-food-security-with-auxin">Transforming food security with auxin</h2>



As the global population continues to rise, the demand for staple crops such as rice and maize is expected to increase significantly. 



The findings of this study open up exciting possibilities for enhancing crop yields naturally. By fine-tuning auxin pathways, scientists could potentially supercharge starch production in key crops, making them more productive and resilient to environmental stresses.



Professor Ross described the discovery as a major breakthrough with the potential to address some of the biggest challenges in agriculture today. "Understanding auxin's role could be a game-changer, especially for crops that billions rely on," he said.



Rather than introducing genetically modified traits or synthetic chemicals, researchers could leverage auxin, a hormone that plants already produce, to enhance carbohydrate accumulation in crops. 



This approach offers a sustainable and environmentally friendly way to increase food production without compromising plant health.



Dr. Erin McAdam, another co-author of the study, emphasized the enormous potential of this research in tackling <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-diet-shifts-the-hidden-costs-of-what-we-eat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food</a> security challenges.



"Our work shows how a hormone plants already make can be harnessed to naturally boost carbohydrates in seed crops. There is huge scope for fundamental and applied research in this area, work that is critical if we want to feed billions of people," she said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-frontier-in-crop-science">A new frontier in crop science</h2>



While these findings offer exciting possibilities, scientists caution that further research is needed to fully understand auxin’s role in starch synthesis. 



The study lays a strong foundation for future exploration, but unlocking the full potential of auxin-based crop enhancement will require additional studies across different plant species and growing conditions.



The implications of this research extend beyond rice and maize. Other staple crops, including wheat, barley, and legumes, could also benefit from a better understanding of auxin’s impact on starch production. 



If researchers can develop targeted methods to enhance auxin’s activity in seeds, it may be possible to create crops that not only yield more but also provide greater nutritional value.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-path-toward-global-food-security">Path toward global food security</h2>



The discovery that auxin plays a key role in starch accumulation marks an important step forward in agricultural science. 



With global food security under increasing pressure due to climate change, population growth, and limited arable land, innovative solutions are needed to ensure a stable <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/we-are-in-a-race-against-time-to-save-our-food-supply-from-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food supply</a>. 



Auxin-based approaches offer a promising, natural way to enhance crop productivity without relying on genetic modification or chemical interventions.



By continuing to investigate auxin’s functions, scientists may unlock new strategies to optimize plant growth and energy storage, paving the way for more resilient and abundant food crops. 



The road ahead is filled with possibilities, and while more research is needed, the potential benefits of harnessing auxin are too significant to ignore. If successful, this tiny molecule could play a massive role in shaping the future of food security worldwide.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-55756-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.&nbsp;



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Tiny molecule could shape the future of food security

In a world where food security remains a pressing challenge,...

Many individuals aspire not just to live as long as possible, but to remain healthy and active throughout their lifespan. Yet as people get older, the likelihood of encountering conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and sarcopenia (a gradual loss of muscle mass and strength) increases.&nbsp;



In a new effort to promote healthy aging, researchers from the <a href="https://www.isas.de/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Leibniz Institute for Analytical Sciences</a> (ISAS) have discovered that the natural compound ergothioneine can boost the health span of aging animals.&nbsp;



The findings, published in the journal <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cmet.2024.12.008" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cell Metabolism</a>, provide insights into this substance’s potential for safeguarding against age-related diseases.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-anti-aging-benefits-of-a-mushroom-compound">Anti-aging benefits of a mushroom compound </h2>



Ergothioneine occurs naturally in certain <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-fungi-diversity-can-be-pulled-out-of-thin-air/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fungi</a>. The compound can be found in oyster and shiitake mushrooms, as well as in fermented foods. It is often marketed as a dietary supplement or added to cosmetics to provide “anti-aging” benefits, yet the underlying mechanism behind these benefits has been poorly understood.



“Our analyses now finally provide clarity about the mechanism and also show that ergothioneine has promising therapeutic potential for the prevention of age-related diseases,” said Miloš Filipović, corresponding author and head of the ERC Sulfaging research group at ISAS.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enhancing-lifespan-mobility-and-resistance-to-stress">Enhancing lifespan, mobility, and resistance to stress</h2>



In their study, the researchers explored how ergothioneine affects various animals, including the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans (a nematode).&nbsp;



Scientists at ISAS noted that giving ergothioneine from young adulthood not only lengthened the worms’ lives, but also increased their mobility, boosted their capacity to handle stress, and lowered markers linked with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drinking-tea-every-day-proven-studies-to-delay-biological-aging-in-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aging</a>.



“As the animals got older, the contrast with the control group became more significant. In addition, we did not observe any undesirable side effects - nor did other studies,” said Dunja Petrovic, whose doctoral research at ISAS contributed to the publication.



Collaborators at the <a href="http://arhiva.rect.bg.ac.rs/en/index.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Belgrade</a> observed similar effects in mammals, testing ergothioneine on six nine-month-old rats for three weeks. They administered roughly 10 milligrams of ergothioneine per day, equivalent to the amount found in 4.5 grams of dried oyster mushrooms.&nbsp;



Not only did the rats show better endurance, but they also experienced increased muscle mass, greater vascularization of muscle tissue, and higher numbers of muscle stem cells, indicating potential relevance for preventing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/molecule-in-coffee-trigonelline-keeps-muscles-young/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sarcopenia</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-strengthening-cells-through-hydrogen-sulfide">Strengthening cells through hydrogen sulfide</h2>



To understand the processes behind these observations, the research team used mass spectrometry on human and mouse cell cultures. They found that ergothioneine can serve as an alternative substrate for cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE), a key enzyme involved in producing hydrogen sulfide (H₂S).&nbsp;



This signaling molecule helps shield cells from oxidative stress via persulfidation - a cellular process previously shown to decline with age, but which can be positively influenced by dietary factors.



Prior work from 2019 by Filipović and colleagues has demonstrated that the rate of persulfidation decreases over time, potentially contributing to age-related problems ranging from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-century-of-progress-in-the-fight-against-cardiovascular-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cardiovascular disease</a> to neurodegenerative disorders.&nbsp;



The new data expands upon those findings, demonstrating how ergothioneine specifically stimulates persulfidation of glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GPDH). This upregulation of GPDH, in turn, promotes higher levels of NAD+, a coenzyme known for supporting increased lifespan.



“The human body is not able to produce ergothioneine itself. However, such a specific utilization mechanism suggests that it is very important for us,” Petrovic said.&nbsp;



Scientists at <a href="https://www.uni-heidelberg.de/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Heidelberg University</a>, the <a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Cambridge</a>, and ISAS verified that ergothioneine’s benefits rely on the CSE-dependent pathway.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-maintaining-better-health-with-age">Maintaining better health with age</h2>



Encouraged by these promising outcomes, the researchers examined the effects of a brief, five-day treatment of ergothioneine in young rats. A daily dose of about 10 milligrams significantly raised their endurance and boosted NAD+ levels in their blood serum.



“This indicates that ergothioneine influences the metabolism in a similar way to performance-enhancing agents,” Filipović said. He plans to carry out a study involving healthy human volunteers to evaluate whether the compound can similarly enhance performance in people.



By offering a clearer perspective on how ergothioneine improves muscle health, stress resilience, and cellular defenses, this research sets the stage for new strategies aimed at maintaining good health into advanced age.&nbsp;



As further investigations confirm these findings in humans, the mushroom compound ergothioneine may emerge as a valuable resource for countering age-related diseases and promoting a more robust, active life.



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Mushroom compound  linked to better health and longer life

Many individuals aspire not just to live as long as...

Endangered animals