Journals
2026 EN
SamsonTshimbalanga Jessica · Périé Catherine · Urli Morgane
ABSTRACT Measurement of xylem hydraulic conductance provides access to xylem hydraulic conductivity and vulnerability to cavitation, two key traits for assessing plant sensitivity to environmental stressors. We evaluated the performance of custom‐built low‐cost pressure drop flow meters through nearly 1200 measurements across devices, laboratories, reservoir heights (10, 25 and 45 cm, used to induce pressure head and drive water flux) and PEEK tubing of hydraulic contrasting resistances. Flow meters were interchangeable, with mean differences generally < 3.5% and never exceeding 5%, with 88.9% of comparative tests showing no significant difference. Under recommended conditions (25–45 cm pressure head, downstream‐to‐upstream pressure ratio ≈0.5), precision reached 1%–7% coefficient of variation. Accuracy, assessed against reference values obtained by water displacement, was also strong, with 68% of measurements deviating by < 5% from reference values and over 78% when measured at {greater than or equal to}25 cm. At 10 cm, performance declined because sensor deviations represented a larger fraction of pressure differential, and low‐resistance PEEK tubing increased absolute but not relative error. Validated flow meters proved portable, affordable (≈2500 CAD), and reliable. Their low cost, open‐source interface, and publicly available construction protocol make them accessible to laboratories with limited resources, enabling reproducible multi‐laboratory studies of plant hydraulics and fostering international collaborations.
Journals
2026 EN
Lawson Charles · Pickering Catherine
Societal Impact Statement Current international laws surrounding accessing and sharing biological materials in botanic gardens is limiting their capacity to conserve, research, educate and raise public awareness about biodiversity. We set out an argument for using the access and benefit sharing arrangements of the International Treaty for Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture rather than the current Convention on Biodiversity . This will make the valuable materials of botanic gardens more accessible and useable while retaining the important equity and fairness imperatives under current arrangements. This is important because these materials will contribute to many future foods, feeds, fibres, materials and medicines. Summary We argue botanic gardens could mitigate the resource‐heavy and complex obligations involved in regulating acquisition and sharing materials under the United Nations Convention on Biodiversity (CBD) and its protocol by instead using the specialised scheme in the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations International Treaty for Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (Plant Treaty). We set out the arguments exploring how the Plant Treaty could be used. This includes identifying the benefits for botanic gardens such as: (1) a public/common good (or common pool resource) rather than a private good/ownership ideology embedded in the CBD and its protocol; (2) a single Standard Material Transfer Agreement (SMTA) for every exchange with standard provenance and benefit sharing obligations; (3) broad coverage of plant materials including those acquired before the CBD entered into force on 29 December 1993 as well as materials collected after 1993 with unknown, uncertain or complicated provenance; and (4) access to a Benefit Sharing Fund that actively funds conservation projects, particularly in low‐income countries. We identify two options: Option 1 is for botanic gardens to rely on a strict and favourable legal interpretation of the Plant Treaty and start using the SMTA for exchanges of accessions; and Option 2 is to seek a decision from the Plant Treaty Governing Body endorsing botanic gardens bringing their accessions within the scope of the Plant Treaty. We favour Option 2 and set out a way forward building a political consensus among States supporting botanic gardens taking up the Plant Treaty for their accessions (the political licence).
Journals
2026 EN
Alvey Elizabeth · Paterlini Andrea · Williams Mary E.
+40 more
Societal Impact Statement Plants provide oxygen, food, shelter, medicines and environmental services, without which human society could not exist. Tackling pressing and global challenges requires well‐trained plant scientists and plant‐aware individuals. This manifesto provides a practical evidence‐based vision to strengthen plant science education, focused on five strategic priorities. It is relevant to all stakeholders within plant science and beyond: from frontline educators to institutional leaders; from commercial or charitable professionals to entrepreneurs and donors; from individual community members to their legislative representatives. Strengthening plant science education demands concrete actions from all stakeholders, ultimately to the benefit of us all. Summary Plant science education needs urgent attention. Skilled plant scientists are needed to address major environmental and societal challenges, and global communities require plant‐aware professionals to drive impactful policy, research and environmental stewardship. This manifesto was collaboratively generated by a community of educators who gathered to reflect on the state of plant science education. The forward‐facing document provides a clear strategy for plant science education, complementing existing research strategies. Five themes were identified as essential for meeting the evolving needs of plant science, educators and learners: (i) plants must be at the centre of an education that addresses global challenges and societal values; (ii) plant science education must prepare students for their futures using bold and effective pedagogies; (iii) equity, diversity and inclusion must be robustly embedded in educational practices; (iv) local and strategic partnerships (with industry and beyond) are required to strengthen academic education; and (v) plant science educators need resources and opportunities to develop and connect. The manifesto is intended as a framework for change. Educators, funders, publishers, industry representatives, policymakers and all other members of our communities must commit to sustained investment in plant science education. By proactively and collectively embracing the recommendations provided, the sector has an opportunity to cultivate a new generation equipped with the knowledge, skills and passion to unlock the full potential of photosynthetic organisms.
Journals
2026 EN
Canella Marco · BeltranSanz Núria · Gröger Andreas
+17 more
Societal Impact Statement This study underscores the vital role of Alpine botanical gardens (ABGs) in safeguarding Europe's alpine biodiversity amid climate change and habitat loss. By acting as living laboratories and reservoirs of plant genetic resources, ABGs bridge ex situ and in situ conservation, supporting ecosystem resilience and informing restoration strategies. Our findings reveal significant opportunities for ABGs to collaborate with germplasm banks, enhance genetic diversity in collections, and refine propagation protocols. Strengthening these integrative networks not only preserves unique alpine flora but also provides adaptive tools for conservation policies and sustainable land management in mountain regions facing rapid environmental change. Summary The Alps are one of Europe's most diverse ecosystems, but their biodiversity is threatened by climate change, habitat loss, and land‐use changes. Alpine botanical gardens (ABGs) play a crucial role in preserving plant diversity in this region. This study evaluates 14 ABGs across the Alps to assess their effectiveness in preserving the region's flora, with a particular aim to investigate how ABGs can integrate with and strengthen the conservation mission of germplasm banks. We assess representation of alpine flora in the living collections of these 14 ABGs relative to the 5797 taxa of the flora of the Alps, noting cases cultivated at the infraspecific level and examining the overlap of these collections with global germplasm banks. Our findings show that 32% of the 5797 taxa of the flora of the Alps are represented in ABGs, with some species cultivated at the infraspecific level, reflecting both ecological specializations and the expertise of ABG curators. Notably, ABGs contribute significantly to ex situ conservation, although gaps exist in certain taxonomic families and species, especially endemic and policy taxa. Many species in the living collections of ABGs are still missing from global germplasm banks. These findings highlight an opportunity for these gardens to strengthen conservation by contributing seeds and helping to grow species that are difficult to propagate, including narrow endemics. Collaboration with germplasm banks could address existing gaps in genetic diversity, with ABGs acting as field‐based experimental stations to refine propagation techniques. Overall, the importance of ABGs in both ex situ and in situ conservation strategies is underscored, urging stronger collaborations with research facilities and improved propagation protocols to optimize the conservation of alpine plants.
Journals
2026 EN
Palmer Catherine S. · Leeming Phoebe J. · Stojanovski Diana
Abstract Mitochondrial carrier proteins are essential for cellular physiology as they are active in a wide range of metabolic pathways including production of cellular energy, amino acid synthesis, redox balance and ion homeostasis. The double membrane of mitochondria provides a tightly gated environment through which carrier proteins facilitate the exchange of substrates including nucleotides, ions, metabolites, cofactors and vitamins. The biogenesis of the carrier family relies on the coordinated action of the TOM and TIM22 complexes, which direct the translocation of nuclear‐encoded precursors across the outer membrane (TOM) and their integration into the mitochondrial inner membrane (TIM22). Due to the intrinsic hydrophobicity of the carrier precursors, their import pathway requires chaperones in both the cytosol and intermembrane space to maintain solubility and prevent aggregation during transit. Given their central role in metabolism, dysfunction of the biogenesis machinery or the carrier proteins has serious consequences to human health. In this review we summarize the current understanding of carrier protein biogenesis in human cells and highlight how perturbations to this pathway influence human health.
Journals
2026 EN
Kanayama Mayuko · Daniels Violet A. · Gielzak Marta
+10 more
ABSTRACT Background Methyl Methanesulfonate‐Sensitivity Protein 22‐Like (MMS22L) plays a key role in homology‐directed DNA repair, and experimental models have shown that its loss confers sensitivity to Poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase inhibitors (PARPi). A rare germline loss‐of‐function founder mutation in MMS22L , F722fs (c.2164_2168del) , was recently identified as a prostate cancer risk factor among individuals of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry. The impact of this mutation on the disease course following prostate cancer diagnosis remains unclear. Here, we report the longitudinal outcomes of seven MMS22L F722fs carriers diagnosed with different stages of prostate cancer identified at the Brady Urological Institute at Johns Hopkins University. Methods We investigated the longitudinal outcomes of seven MMS22L F722fs carriers diagnosed with different stages of prostate cancer identified at the Brady Urological Institute. Results With a follow‐up time ranging from 5 to 27 years, five of the seven patients who were initially treated with radical prostatectomy remain alive and disease‐free, including two patients who had adjuvant and salvage therapies, and one patient who was cured after developing metastatic disease post‐surgery. For the remaining two patients with metastatic prostate cancer at diagnosis, one patient responded to ADT for 11 years, and the other died of unknown causes 5 years after diagnosis. None of these patients received PARPi. Conclusions Although limited by its retrospective design and small cohort size, this series suggests the potential for exceptional outcomes in F722fs mutation carriers diagnosed with prostate cancer, despite the aggressive disease features and lack of treatment with PARPi. The findings also suggest that prostate cancer patients with this mutation may respond well to standard systemic treatments.
Journals
2026 EN
Hutchings Catherine J. · Ünsal Serbülent · Rappas Mathieu
+4 more
ABSTRACT G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs) are integral to numerous biological processes and are associated with various diseases across all therapeutic areas. Consequently, GPCRs present substantial potential for antibody‐based therapies. This review offers an overview of the therapeutic GPCR‐antibody target landscape and examines the diversity within current therapeutic programs at different stages of the research and development pipeline. The progression of the GPCR‐antibody pipeline demonstrates ongoing maturation, reflecting advancements that have addressed several longstanding technical challenges. Additionally, we discuss the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence and machine learning platforms designed to accelerate antibody discovery and clinical development, providing specific examples of their application to GPCRs.
Journals
2026 EN
Parker Finn C. G. · Price Catherine J. · Bytheway Jenna P.
+1 more
Abstract BACKGROUND Foraging animals must navigate trade‐offs among foods of varying quality and accessibility, with preferences generally predicted to be driven by energy maximisation. Limited access to preferred resources increases missed opportunity costs (MOCs), which should necessitate uptake of less‐preferred alternatives. How animals trade off access to preferred versus less‐preferred foods has important implications for wildlife management, especially where anthropogenic, natural, and management‐related food sources co‐occur. In cropping systems, mouse control relies on their uptake of unpalatable poisons coated on wheat grains, even when high‐quality alternatives like sown and spilled grain are available. We tested whether increasing the cost of accessing preferred wheat seeds would shift mice toward consuming a less‐preferred food, lentils. RESULTS We conducted two experiments manipulating the costs of searching for wheat, predicting mice would compensate by eating more lentils. Unexpectedly, mice ate similar quantities of lentils across treatments, regardless of wheat accessibility. We suggest this occurred because lentils contain substantially more protein than wheat, leading to a nutritional MOC associated with wheat – that is, a fitness cost incurred from an imbalanced, wheat‐only diet. CONCLUSION MOCs are rarely defined and are typically framed as time or energy trade‐offs, yet animals also incur fitness costs from nutritional imbalance. Bait substrates usually target pest preferences, but uptake may be limited when substrates match the macronutrient composition of background food (e.g., crops). We suggest that bait uptake could be improved by considering nutritional MOCs and selecting substrates that complement the macronutrient composition of background alternatives, thereby exploiting animals' nutritional requirements. © 2025 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Journals
2026 EN
Bao Rong · Conlon Catherine · Gilligan Robbie
ABSTRACT This study examines return migration within the broader context of rural–urban migration in China, focusing on young migrant mothers in Beijing. While return migration in China is often attributed to structural barriers, this research highlights the agency of migrant women in actively shaping their migration trajectories. Using Constructivist Grounded Theory methods, the study draws on in‐depth interviews with twelve young migrant mothers (seven participated in follow‐up interviews one year later), revealing that aspirations for return migration emerge early but become more concrete after childbirth. Our findings suggest that return migration is not merely a response to exclusion but a strategic decision influenced by multi‐local capabilities, familial responsibilities, and aspirations for a better life. Migrant mothers exercise adaptive agency by strategically navigating settlement choices across both rural and urban locations. Rather than viewing return as a failure, this study conceptualises it as an evolving and relational process of place‐making, shaped by gendered expectations and ongoing mobility. By reframing return migration as a dynamic and strategic decision, this research expands existing understandings of internal migration and place in China.
Journals
2026 EN
Ilozumba Onaedo · Visser Marijke W. · Soet J. J. (Hans) de
+1 more
ABSTRACT Objectives Global oral health is a crucial topic since this (largely preventable) burden affects 3.5 million people worldwide, disproportionately impacting disadvantaged groups and exacerbating in low‐ and middle‐income countries like Cabo Verde. Our aim in this exploratory study was to understand the oral health landscape for children in Sal, Cabo Verde. Methods Through a purposive sampling strategy and snowballing approach, we identified 38 stakeholders, including 20 schoolchildren and 8 parents. Data were collected through semi‐structured interviews and focus groups. All interviews were transcribed and analyzed using an inductive thematic approach. Results Three main themes emerged from the data: oral health knowledge and practices, dietary habits, and dental service accessibility. Key challenges included time constraints limiting comprehensive oral health education in schools; parental struggles in managing children's habits; pervasive availability of sugar‐rich foods driven by affordability and social influence; provision of sweets by tourists reinforcing uncontrolled sugar intake; and limited access to professional oral health care. Community associations played a dual role, offering support but lacking structured oral health initiatives. Discussion This study highlights systemic barriers to oral health among Cabo Verdean children and reveals unique local dynamics. Tourism—while economically beneficial—unintentionally contributes to poor oral health through sweets distribution and shifting dietary habits, a factor rarely addressed in the literature. Limited access to affordable care and underutilized community associations further exacerbate challenges. These findings call for integrated strategies that strengthen community‐based programs and embed oral health considerations into tourism and education policies.