Investigating Fructans to Understand How Plants Can Survive Harsh Environments | Dr José Ordaz-Ortiz
Original Article Reference
This SciPod is a summary of the paper ‘Localization and composition of Fructans in Stem and Rhizome of Agave Tequilana Weber var. azul’, in Frontiers in Plant Science. doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2020.608850
About this episode
The molecules within plant tissues can tell us about how they can withstand harsh environmental conditions. The Agave tequilana plant, native to Mexico, has a high concentration of fructan molecules throughout its tissues. Alongside his colleagues, Dr José Ordaz-Ortiz at the Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute in Mexico, combines several powerful analytical techniques to better understand the role that these fructans play in plant biology.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. 
What does this mean?
Share: You can copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format
Adapt: You can change, and build upon the material for any purpose, even commercially.
Credit: You must give appropriate credit, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made.
More episodes
Prof. Dr. Ralf Klessen | Reviewing the formation of the universe’s first stars
Before the universe was illuminated by stars, most of its observable matter existed in a roughly even distribution of hydrogen and helium. As these materials collapsed under their own gravity, they would have heated up, initially preventing them from collapsing further to densities high enough for stars to form. As part of a new review, Prof. Dr. Ralf Klessen and Prof. Dr. Simon Glover at Heidelberg University investigate the chemical mechanisms which enabled this primordial gas to cool and fragment to form the universe’s first generation of stars.
Dr. Zhe Su | Understanding the twisted tectonics of the Sichuan basin
The Sichuan basin in southern China is a region of deep geological and seismological complexity, which has so far prevented researchers from understanding its tectonic past. Through fresh analysis of previous observations, combined with the latest modelling techniques, a team led by Dr. Zhe Su at the National Institute of Natural Hazards, Beijing, suggests for the first time that the entire Sichuan basin is slowly rotating. Their result could explain the origins of one of the deadliest earthquakes in living memory, and could also help seismologists to better predict when earthquakes will strike the region in the future.
Dr. Adeniyi Charles Adeola | The Genetic Blueprint of Nigerian Animals: How Genetics Research is Transforming Nigerian Wildlife and Farming
Across the varied and diverse landscapes that make up the Nigerian countryside, animals, both wild and domesticated, are more than merely an agricultural commodity or source of food; they are an integral part of local cultures, natural biodiversity, and represent an ecological treasure trove. Local wildlife and agricultural livestock help to sustain the livelihoods of millions. However, beyond this, Nigerian animals hold secrets within their genetic code that could, when revealed, help to prevent diseases, aid conservation efforts and enhance agricultural productivity. Leading the efforts to uncover useful and interesting genetic phenomena in these animals is Dr. Adeniyi Charles Adeola of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, who explores the genetic blueprints of Nigerian animals in his pioneering research. From investigating the population dynamics of grasscutters to tackling the genetic roots of prion diseases, Dr. Adeniyi Charles Adeola’s work illuminates both challenges and solutions that impact food security, agriculture, and biodiversity in Nigeria, and far beyond.
Professor Magnus S. Magnusson | The surprising similarities between the structures of human cells and societies
Research by Professor Magnus S. Magnusson at the University of Iceland demonstrates surprising similarities between the organization of cellular protein networks and of human societies. He reveals how the invention of writing and, very recently, general education, transformed human civilization in ways that mirror ancient biological developments and emphasises how this makes humans unique.
Increase the impact of your research
• Good science communication helps people make informed decisions and motivates them to take appropriate and affirmative action.
• Good science communication encourages everyday people to be scientifically literate so that they can analyse the integrity and legitimacy of information.
• Good science communication encourages people into STEM-related fields of study and employment.
• Good public science communication fosters a community around research that includes both members of the public, policymakers and scientists.
• In a recent survey, 75% of people suggested they would prefer to listen to an interesting story than read it.
Step 1 Upload your science paper
Step 2 SciPod script written
Step 3 Voice audio recorded
Step 4 SciPod published