News Archive
Researchers improve seed nitrogen content by reducing plant chlorophyll levels
Ananya Sen
Chlorophyll plays a pivotal role in photosynthesis, which is why plants have evolved to have high chlorophyll levels in their leaves. However, making this pigment is expensive…
Nanoparticle transport across the blood brain barrier increases with Alzheimer’s and age, study finds
Shelby Lawson
Neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease affect more than 270 million people worldwide. AD is the leading cause of dementia, resulting in memory loss due to…
Genetic sequencing uncovers unexpected source of pathogens in floodwaters
Lois Yoksoulian
Researchers report in the journal Geohealth that local rivers and streams were the source of the Salmonella enterica contamination along coastal North Carolina…
Genetics of host plants determine what microorganisms they attract
Ananya Sen
Plants often develop communities with microorganisms in their roots, which influences plant health and development. Although the recruitment of these microbes is dictated by…
Pesticides and adjuvants disrupt honey bee’s sense of smell
Ananya Sen
It has long been known that exposure to pesticide sprays is harmful to honey bees. In a new study, researchers have uncovered the effect of such sprays on the sense of smell in…
IGB Early Innovator Program
The IGB Early Innovator Program (EIP) is a 10-week summer program hosted by the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology (IGB) designed to teach participants the skills…
Harnessing microbial consortia to tackle plastic pollution
Bethan Owen
Plastic pollution is increasing rapidly. Every year, the world produces 390 tons of plastic, with a staggering 91% destined for incineration or landfill disposal. Consequently…
New model allows for learning and prediction of microbial interactions
Shelby Lawson
A tiny but prolific world of microbes encompasses everything around us, both inside and out. Microbiomes, which are comprised of diverse communities of microbes, play a pivotal…
Combined use of alcohol and THC can affect rat brains, study finds
Ananya Sen
The increased legalization of cannabis over the past several years can potentially increase its co-use with alcohol. Concerningly, very few studies have looked at the effects…
