Happy 15th Birthday, Wikipedia! (Relax…No need to cite it. Just write it.)

In 2015, ASPB established a partnership with Wiki Edu. This Foundation’s resources and dynamic staff help us offer the educators and students in our community an engaging, valid tool that supports critical thinking and writing about plant biology. The element of publishing ‘for real’ is a welcome motivator for all. Yet some folks have valid … Read more

Plant Biology 2016: Abstract deadline 25 January

Attending Plant Biology 2016? The conference starts in six months, but if you want your work to be considered for a minisymposium or lightning talk, you need to submit your abstract now (or by 25 Jan, EST). You can read more about the conference, including major symposia topics and speakers, and the countless networking opportunities … Read more

Identification of a distinct, cutin-related pathway for biosynthesis of triacylglycerol lipids in bayberry

This week’s Research in Focus is reprinted from an In Brief published by Science Editor Jennifer Mach in The Plant Cell, which summarizes an article newly published by Simpson and Ohlrogge. This study uses biochemical, morphological, and transcriptomic methods to examine an unusual surface wax produced by bayberry fruits, and reveals a cutin-related biosynthetic pathway … Read more

The International Year of Pulses 2016: Remembering Dr. Joe Smartt

Guest post by Dr. Mike Jackson (bio below). Peas, beans, lentils and chickpeas – and other leguminous species. All are pulses or grain legumes, important crops around the world, adding essential nutritional value to human diets. And, while they’re about it, improving soil fertility through nitrogen fixation. During 2016, pulses will be in the spotlight. … Read more