ON
← Back to feed
Grasses provide most of the world's calories—but we're only now starting to learn how they grow
United Kingdom🔬 Science10 hr. ago

Grasses provide most of the world's calories—but we're only now starting to learn how they grow

New research has revealed that grasses, including major crops like corn, wheat, and rice, grow primarily in response to temperature rather than light, unlike most other plants. This discovery challenges previous assumptions about plant growth patterns and highlights the unique biological mechanisms in grasses. Scientists from the University of Massachusetts Amherst conducted the study, using innovative techniques such as bioluminescent markers and automated imaging systems to observe cellular processes in real time. Their findings suggest that the growth of grass stems, crucial for crop development, is governed by thermal conditions rather than photoperiodic signals. This insight could lead to improved agricultural practices and a deeper understanding of plant biology.

How each side covered it

The same event, grouped by the political lean of the outlets covering it.

How each side covered it

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and your personalized For You feed.

Become a Supporter

Covered around the world

The same event as reported in other countries.

Covered around the world

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and your personalized For You feed.

Become a Supporter

Claims check

Key factual claims, and how many sources assert vs dispute each.

Claims check

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and your personalized For You feed.

Become a Supporter

Go to the primary sources (1)

The official sources this coverage is built on. Read them directly to bypass framing.

1 reports

Phys.org logoPhys.orgIndependentCenter10 hr. ago
Grasses provide most of the world's calories—but we're only now starting to learn how they grow

New research has revealed that grasses, including major crops like corn, wheat, and rice, grow primarily in response to temperature rather than light, unlike most other plants. This discovery challenges previous assumptions about plant growth patterns and highlights the unique biological mechanisms in grasses. Scientists from the University of Massachusetts Amherst conducted the study, using innovative techniques such as bioluminescent markers and automated imaging systems to observe cellular processes in real time. Their findings suggest that the growth of grass stems, crucial for crop development, is governed by thermal conditions rather than photoperiodic signals. This insight could lead to improved agricultural practices and a deeper understanding of plant biology.

Bias read (Center): The article discusses scientific research on plant biology and does not present any political viewpoints, biases, or controversial issues. It focuses purely on the findings of the study and the methodology used, without any ideological framing.

Keep the news honest.

ObjectiveNews is reader-funded and ad-free — we show you the bias instead of hiding it. Support independent journalism for €5/month.

Become a Supporter

Related stories