Discovery in plant virus may help prevent HIV and similar viruses - Zhixiang Chen, a geneticist at Purdue University, has found a way to block Cauliflower Mosaic Virus (CaMV) infection in plants. Because HIV and CaMV attack cells in much the same way, researchers believe they may be able to use this study to develop methods to prevent HIV infection in humans. Published in The Plant Cell.

Plants and stress — key players on the thin line between life and death revealed - Scientists have discovered a plant stress-coping mechanism that puts the stressed plant in ’safe mode’, slowing growth and remobilizing nutrients for survival. The key regulators are two proteins (kinases KIN10 and KIN11), which are also found in humans, inviting functional comparisons and further study into diseases such as diabetes and cancer. (Press release by the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)

Plant invaders enjoy life in the fast lane - A new study shows that car traffic may promote seed dispersal along major roadways.

News Briefs

Agriculture
Grow iron-rich plants to nourish world: study
Modeling Plants Provides Virtual Approach To Crop Optimization
New Research Effort To Boost Crop Yields Begun

Alternative Fuels
Ethanol Is Feeding Hot Market for Farmland

Ecology
Can hemp help the everglades?

Health
Grapes, soy and kudzu blunt some menopausal side effects
Native Australian Fruits Bear Sweet Antioxidants
Green tea boosts production of detox enzymes, rendering cancerous chemicals harmless