How plants sound the alarm about danger
One role of plant hormones is to perceive trouble—whether an insect attack, drought or intense heat or cold—and then signal to the rest of the plant to respond. Now, Professor Joseph Ecker, Salk co-first author Mark Zander and collaborators report new details about how plants respond to a hormone called jasmonic acid, or jasmonate. The findings reveal a complex communication network and could help members of Salk’s Harnessing Plants Initiative develop crops that are hardier and more able to withstand rapid climate change.
Featured Stories
Apart but togetherAs COVID-19 spreads across the world, organizations like the Salk Institute have mobilized to respond. In this feature article, read about how the Institute is adapting and continuing its groundbreaking science.
New COVID-19 research projectsIn addition to Salk’s ongoing research areas relevant to COVID-19, several new coronavirus-specific projects have recently launched. These innovative projects range from understanding the structure of the virus to mobilizing the body’s immune reaction.
A conversation with Martin HetzerIn the last few months, Salk Vice President and Chief Science Officer Martin Hetzer spearheaded the Institute’s efforts to respond to the pandemic from both an administrative as well as a scientific perspective.
Eiman Azim – Decoding dexterityIn this Q&A, Assistant Professor Eiman Azim shares his thoughts on what’s next in neuroscience, how all scientists are philosophers and what he learned about movement from observing his newborn.
Nasun Hah – Next gen sequencingAs the director of the Next Generation Sequencing Core, Staff Scientist Nasun Hah collaborates with everyone from plant biologists to neuroscientists to provide support and information about sequencing genes and entire genomes.
Update on initiatives to support diversity and BIPOCLearn about the Institute’s commitment to and actions around diversity and inclusion.
Molly MattyMolly Matty, a postdoctoral researcher in the lab of Associate Professor Shrek Chalasani, shares what worms can teach us about human behavior, why science outreach is so important and why she enjoys puns.
