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News - 2010

Missouri grapes hold key to improving world grape production: 12/340/2010
In a few years, a sip of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot or Pinot Noir may include a taste of the "Show-Me" State. The state grape of Missouri the Norton variety grown at many vineyards around the state is resistant to powdery mildew, a fungal pathogen that affects winemaking grapes around the world.

University of Missouri plant genome research receives $3 million boost from National Science Foundation: 11/333/2010
The University of Missouri recently received a boost to its plant genetics research with the receipt of three new Plant Genome Research Program awards from the National Science Foundation. The awards, which range from $600,000 to $1.5 million over five years, will support projects that further knowledge of how plant genes function and govern plants interactions with their environment in three economically important crops -- corn, soybean, and canola.

Change in temperature uncovers genetic cross talk in plant immunity: 11/319/2010
Like us, plants rely on an immune system to fight off disease. Proteins that scout out malicious bacterial invaders in the cell and communicate their presence to the nucleus are important weapons in the plant's disease resistance strategy. Researchers at the University of Missouri recently "tapped" into two proteins' communications with the nucleus and discovered a previously unknown level of cross talk.

Protein Links Plant Growth and Disease Resistance: 7/204/2010
Science is exciting when new connections are discovered between parts of the big picture. In a new study, researchers at the University of Missouri found a protein that connects two important parts of the big picture in plant biology: a plants ability to grow and develop and its ability to defend itself against bacterial infections.

Gary Stacey elected Fellow of American Academy of Microbiology: 4/99/2010
The American Academy of Microbiology (AAM) has awarded the distinction of Fellow to University of Missouri Plant Sciences Professor Gary Stacey, a leader in the field of soybean genomics and plant-microbe interactions.

Metabolic enzyme involved in seedling establishment provides clues about photosynthetic transition: 4/99/2010
In a new study published in The Plant Cell,researchers at the University of Missouri provide significant new information about the metabolic changes that occur during the transition from seed to seedling.

Priyamvada Voothuluru Appointed to American Society of Plant Biologists Membership Committee: 3/68/2010
IPG graduate student Priyamvada Voothuluru was recently appointed to the American Society of Plant Biologist (ASPB) Membership Committee. As the sole graduate student on the six-member committee, Voothuluru said her role is to be a "voice" for all students.

Renowned Plant Geneticist, Jeff Bennetzen, Visits IPG: 2/46/2010
Jeff L. Bennetzen, acclaimed plant geneticist, visited with faculty and students in the Interdisciplinary Plant Group. While on campus, Bennetzen gave a seminar, titled Transposon Driven and Derived Genome Evolution in the Grasses," in which he that focused on the role of transposable elements in the shaping of the evolution of the maize genome.

A Big Advance for the Little Soybean: 2/46/2010
Three IPG labs -- Henry Nguyen, Gary Stacey, and Jay Thelen-- were part of a consortium to map the genetic code of the soybean, and advance that could produce healthier and more food. The advance was announced in the January 14th issue of Nature.

Saturday Morning Science Program Encourages Public to Get Excited about Science: 2/46/2010
A recent donation to the University of Missouris Saturday Morning Science program will help make science more accessible to the people of Missouri. Monsanto Company of St. Louis donated $11,600 to the science outreach program, which has a mission to stimulate public knowledge and excitement around science. IPG member Bruce McClure co-organizes the successful science outreach program.

Henry Nguyen Elected AAAS Fellow: 1/4/2010
Henry Nguyen, endowed professor of plant sciences at the University of Missouri, has been awarded the distinction of Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) for his distinguished research contributions to plant genetics and genomics, and for national and international recognition of his research leadership in abiotic stress research especially drought tolerance.