festival.811-friendly.net — Come enjoy the best season in the South of Spain. Come for four days to an Andalusian valley known for its well-preserved nature, and its rivers with swimming holes. It will be held on a long weekend at the end of the Summer, with plenty of sun, delicious and abundant tropical and local Mediterranean fruits, and with great like-minded people! What else can one ask for?! Our Festival is based on the idea of meeting new friends and sharing, in a natural environment, the best local fruits. The Festival will be held at the beginning of September, when the fig season is at its best, when the melons are everywhere, and when mangos, cherimoyas and guavas are really bursting with flavor. As farmers ourselves, we are able to find the best quality fruit, and fruits that are picked truly ripe.

fruitarian.net — Fruit contains vital elements to make our body work and there is a great energy in their juices. These juices do not burden our system, but  pass easily through it, giving the body a more efficient energy system. Imagine a world where people ate only fruits. This will result in a healthy abundance of fruit trees, giving nutritious food to be enjoyed by those who wish to live an energetic and healthy life. The world will  transform in beauty to the way it used to look earlier with an increase in tree populations cleaning the air and offering hiding environment for animals of the nature, many of them are already endangered. When we  start eating only fruits and nuts the difference is felt very quickly. A sensation of integrity and a wave of energy spreads through the body. Another benefit to our health could be a psychological one, if  we think we are not causing the death of animals to survive. There is no need to make secret of the fact that when we consume meat, we are triggering a chain reaction together with all the other consumers, which will finally cause the death of a poor animal living somewhere out there, which we have never seen the face.The increase of our human races in the world and our wrong eating habits are the main reasons for the destruction of the forests and the right environmental conditions in which we live. The excessive grazing of the animals and raising of the crops do not permit the creation of a suitable flora which is necessary for the growth of the trees. This also means erosion, which takes away the fertile soil and poor peasants moving to the towns, which grow continually, creating more environmental and social problems. As for our bodies they are not designed to live sedentary lives in those towns. Degenerative diseases such as cancer, heart disease or osteoporosis strike us and we suffer.Fruitarian lifestyle could be a plan to stop the global warming and save the world as it will result the increase of the fruit trees everywhere in the world. It simply consists of collecting fruits from the trees, eating them and scattering their seeds around. By doing this, we will spread these fruit trees everywhere and will need no instruments to do that. Our bare hands are designed to collect and eat fruits. So there will be no need to harm the nature by processing, cooking and washing dishes.

www8.nationalacademies.org —  African Fruits Could Help Alleviate Hunger and Bolster Rural Development, Environmental Stability in Africa   WASHINGTON -- Africa's own fruits are a largely untapped resource that could combat malnutrition and boost environmental stability and rural development in Africa, says a new report from the National Research Council.  African science institutes, policymakers, nongovernmental organizations, and individuals could all use modern horticultural knowledge and scientific research to bring these "lost crops" -- such as baobab, marula, and butterfruit -- to their full potential, said the panel that issued the report.    Today, tropical fruit production in Africa is dominated by species introduced from Asia and the Americas, such as bananas, pineapples, and papayas.  Because these and other crops arrived on the continent centuries ago already improved through horticultural selection and breeding, they increasingly displaced the traditional species that had fed Africans for thousands of years.  The imported species also received the support of colonial powers who wanted familiar crops that were profitable to grow, and indigenous fruits continued their downward spiral of dwindling cultivation and knowledge.    With renewed scientific and institutional support, however, Africa's native fruits could make a much greater contribution to nutrition and economic development, the new report says.  Fruit trees and shrubs also offer long-term benefits by improving the stability of the environment.   The report highlights 24 fruits that hold special promise; some are already being cultivated in parts of Africa, while others are harvested from the wild.  Examples are:   Aizen.  Giving more people access to this wild fruit -- which grows in extreme climates with few other food resources -- could reduce malnutrition and mortality, the report says.  The fruits are a good source of vitamins A and C, calcium, and some minerals, while the seeds are high in protein and zinc.  This large, resilient Saharan shrub shows promise as a way to protect erodible slopes, stabilize dunes, and create windbreaks.    Balanites.  This small desert tree tolerates heat and aridity so well it thrives deep in the Sahara.  It produces heavy yields of datelike fruits, as well as kernels that are one-half oil and one-third protein -- similar to the makeup of soybeans and sesame seeds.  These fruits and kernels already feed families in arid zones where few other food crops exist, but their full potential is scarcely tapped.  The seeds supply a food-grade vegetable oil also used in local cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.  The trees stabilize the natural environment, helping dry areas resist desertification.   Baobab.  The fruits of the baobab tree contain a sticky pulp that can be dried into a nutritious powder high in protein, vitamins, and minerals.  The powder is stirred into warm water or milk to create a healthy drink, and also beaten and dried into thin pancakes for use months or even years later, aiding food security.  During the rainy season, villagers often store water in the tree's trunk for later use.  The sale of baobab fruits aids rural commerce, and the trees themselves -- which also yield a popular leafy vegetable -- are almost indestructible.   Butterfruit.  This small tree produces fruit that is mainly used as a vegetable.  High in calories and one of the best protein sources in the fruit world, butterfruit is especially promising for reducing child malnutrition.  Even now, these fruits help many communities survive seasonal food shortages in the harshest hot, humid lowlands.  Butterfruit also serves as a cash crop, pouring into cities and rural markets in large quantities.  And the trees, which yield mahoganylike wood, may have potential for plantation forestry.     Ebony.  The ebonies of Africa yield some of the world's finest timber and also bear abundant, bright red fruits that are succulent and sweet. These can be dried for use when seasonal foods become scarce. The seeds of some ebonies are also edible, and the leaves are used as animal feed.  Though the trees are known and valued on a local level, hardly anything scientific is known about managing them as food crops.   Marula.  This tree is a nutritional powerhouse, producing both fruits high in vitamin C and nuts similar to the macademia, high in protein and minerals.  The fruits are popular in markets and even exported, while the kernels contribute to nutrition and food security.  In addition, oils extracted from the nuts are also exported for high-priced skin care products.  Harvesting the fruits and shelling the nuts provide work for thousands of rural women who have hardly any other source of income.     Tamarind.  These fruits are a strong source of B vitamins and calcium, and can be stored for months without refrigeration.  In addition, tamarind's sweet-sour pulp can be preserved in the form of sun-dried cakes -- a simple procedure that perhaps millions throughout Africa could exploit for food security, the report says.  Already widespread, the trees have great promise for restoring damaged lands to health and productivity, and likely for sequestering carbon, since they are treasured and seldom cut down.

thedailygreen.com — Many may wonder why a person would want to build a home made out of straw, but apart from providing a place to hide from the big bad wolf, they have some substantial benefits. They are undeniably green‚ as straw packed tightly in the walls helps to retain heat, keeping a home warm in the winter and cool in the summer, minimizing the home's carbon footprint. Straw is also a sustainable material; it is the leftover stalks from grain that would otherwise be burnt. Aside from the environmental issue, straw homes are also often beautiful structures crafted in such a way to reflect the thick curved walls of a primal era, and envelop the inhabitant in a special, unique retreat that personally expresses their respect and care for the environment. Read on to discover just how right that first little pig was to build his home out of straw. 5. Burtt/Sowle Straw Home, Santa Ynez Valley, CA This 1,532-square foot dwelling was designed by Roderick Taylor as an artist's studio and a sanctuary away from the sweltering heat of Santa Ynez Valley, California. The roof is made of Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) and is covered by a standing seam metal roof. The supporting knee braces were made from a fallen black walnut tree. Interestingly, according to the contractor on the project, Allen Associates, they had to use some traditional wood framing (they used certified sustainable timber), "since straw bales are not an approved structural building material in California." Despite this, straw bale homes are growing in popularity in the Golden State. This example is flooded with light, which escapes from the high French doors. The home is completed with book and display cases made from the same fallen black walnut tree. The home also features low and no-VOC paints, low-wattage lighting, a composting toilet, greywater recycling for landscaping, water-saving fixtures and a tankless water heater.

tree-species.blogspot.com — Exploring the World´s Tree Species is a blog focused on the tree species of the world and their importance to our everyday lives. It is estimated that there are about 10,000 unique tree species in the world. Most of us however can only name a handful of trees, which is understandable given that in any given area there are normally only a few dozen tree species prevalent. In this blog however my aim is to reveal interesting facts and images of tree species from all over the world. Given that I live in Spain and only travel occasionally to the United States and a few other countries the bulk of the trees blogged about will be from these places. I hope that by browsing through this blog you will come to enjoy the trees as much as I do.

naturescast.com — About the company Naturescast® Inc. is a manufacturer and distributor of sustainable and versatile products. We are a subsidiary of Nature’s Legacy Eximport Inc., an exporting and manufacturing company established in December 1996 by social entrepreneurs Pete and Catherine Delantar. We are a registered company in Nevada (USA) with Asia operations based in Compostela, Cebu, Philippines. About the product NATURESCAST® is a versatile material innovation that uses Mother Earth’s natural scrap materials like dead barks, shrubs, fallen twigs, leaves, and other agro-forest waste which are recycled to produce a very varied line of hand crafted products. The product’s main components are biodegradable, sustainable, and environment friendly. Its distinct and flexible properties make it a wonderful medium for home furnishings and even fashion pieces.

verterra.com — VerTerra, a new eco-friendly servingware line, features dishes, plates, bowls, and cups made entirely from fallen leaves and water—no plastics or chemicals. The pieces have a wood-grain look and are oven-, refrigerator-, and microwave-friendly. They are sturdy enough to be hand washed and reused, but will naturally compost in under six weeks.

marxfoods.com — Eco-Friendly Disposable Palm Leaf Plates  Marx Foods Our Palm Leaf Plates are great for entertaining. These elegant and durable disposable party plates are an eco-friendly alternative to conventional disposable plates. These biodegradable plates are a natural and renewable resource. Naturally discarded sheaths of the leaves of the Adaka palm tree are collected from the forest floor. No trees are cut down. The plates and the disposable cutlery are even compostable!

5e.plantphys.net —  A Companion to Plant Physiology, Fifth Edition by Lincoln Taiz and Eduardo Zeiger Topics 1. Plant Cells Topic 1.1, Model Organisms Topic 1.2, The Plant Kingdom Topic 1.3, Flower Structure and the Angiosperm Life Cycle Topic 1.4, Plant Tissue Systems: Dermal, Ground, and Vascular Topic 1.5, The Structures of Chloroplast Glycosylglycerides Topic 1.6, A Model for the Structure of Nuclear Pores Topic 1.7, The Proteins Involved in Nuclear Import and Export Topic 1.8, Protein Signals Used to Sort Proteins to their Destinations Topic 1.9, SNAREs, Rabs, and Coat Proteins Mediate Vesicle Formation, Fission, and Fusion Topic 1.10, ER Exit Sites (ERES) and Golgi Bodies Are Interconnected Topic 1.11, Specialized Vacuoles in Plant Cells Topic 1.12, Actin-Binding Proteins Regulate Microfilament Growth Topic 1.13, Kinesins Are Associated with Other Microtubules and Chromatin Topic 1.14, Chapter One References 2. Genome Organization and Gene Expression Topic 2.1, Recombination Mapping and Gene Cloning Topic 2.2, Transposon Tagging 3. Water and Plant Cells Topic 3.1, Calculating Capillary Rise Topic 3.2, Calculating Half-Times of Diffusion Topic 3.3, Alternative Conventions for Components of Water Potential Topic 3.4, Temperature and Water Potential Topic 3.5, Can Negative Turgor Pressures Exist in Living Cells? Topic 3.6, Measuring Water Potential Topic 3.7, The Matric Potential Topic 3.8, Wilting and Plasmolysis Topic 3.9, Understanding Hydraulic Conductivity Topic 3.10, Chapter Three References 4. Water Balance of Plants Topic 4.1, Irrigation Topic 4.2, Physical Properties of Soils Topic 4.3, Calculating Velocities of Water Movement in the Xylem and in Living Cells Topic 4.4, Leaf Transpiration and Water Vapor Gradients Topic 4.5, Chapter Four References 5. Mineral Nutrition Topic 5.1, Symptoms of Deficiency in Essential Minerals - Wade Berry, UCLA Topic 5.2, Observing Roots below Ground Topic 5.3, Chapter Five References 6. Solute Transport Topic 6.1, Relating the Membrane Potential to the Distribution of Several Ions across the Membrane: The Goldman Equation Topic 6.2, Patch Clamp Studies in Plant Cells Topic 6.3, Chemiosmosis in Action Topic 6.4, Kinetic Analysis of Multiple Transporter Systems Topic 6.5, ABC Transporters in Plants Topic 6.6, Transport Studies with Isolated Vacuoles and Membrane Vesicles Topic 6.7, Chapter Six References 7. Photosynthesis: The Light Reactions Topic 7.1, Principles of Spectrophotometry Topic 7.2, The Distribution of Chlorophylls and Other Photosynthetic Pigments Topic 7.3, Quantum Yield Topic 7.4, Antagonistic Effects of Light on Cytochrome Oxidation Topic 7.5, Structures of Two Bacterial Reaction Centers Topic 7.6, Midpoint Potentials and Redox Reactions Topic 7.7, Oxygen Evolution Topic 7.8, Photosystem I Topic 7.9, ATP Synthase Topic 7.10, Mode of Action of Some Herbicides Topic 7.11, Chlorophyll Biosynthesis Topic 7.12, Chapter Seven References 8. Photosynthesis: The Carbon Reactions Topic 8.1, CO2 Pumps Topic 8.2, How the Calvin–Benson Cycle Was Elucidated Topic 8.3, Rubisco: A Model Enzyme for Studying Structure and Function Topic 8.4, Energy Demands for Photosynthesis in Land Plants Topic 8.5, Rubisco Activase Topic 8.6, Thioredoxins Topic 8.7, Operation of the C2 Oxidative Photosynthetic Carbon Cycle Topic 8.8, Carbon Dioxide: Some Important Physicochemical Properties Topic 8.9, Three Variations of C4 Metabolism Topic 8.10, Single-Cell C4 Photosynthesis Topic 8.11, Photorespiration in CAM plants Topic 8.12, Glossary of Carbohydrate Biochemistry Topic 8.13, Starch Architecture Topic 8.14, Fructans Topic 8.15, Chloroplast Phosphate Translocators Topic 8.16, Chapter Eight References 9. Photosynthesis: Physiological and Ecological Considerations Topic 9.1, Working with Light Topic 9.2, Heat Dissipation from Leaves: The Bowen Ratio Topic 9.3, The Geographic Distributions of C3 and C4 Plants Topic 9.4, Calculating Important Parameters in Leaf Gas Exchange Topic 9.5, Prehistoric Changes in Atmospheric CO2 Topic 9.6, Projected Future Increases in Atmospheric CO2 Topic 9.7, Using Carbon Isotopes to Detect Adulteration in Foods Topic 9.8, Reconstruction of the Expansion of C4 Taxa Topic 9.9, Chapter Nine References 10. Translocation in the Phloem Topic 10.1, Sieve Elements as the Transport Cells between Sources and Sinks - Susan Dunford, University of Cincinnati Topic 10.2, An Additional Mechanism for Blocking Wounded Sieve Elements in the Legume Family - Susan Dunford, University of Cincinnati Topic 10.3, Sampling Phloem Sap - Susan Dunford, University of Cincinnati Topic 10.4, Nitrogen Transport in the Phloem - Susan Dunford, University of Cincinnati Topic 10.5, Monitoring Traffic on the Sugar Freeway: Sugar Transport Rates in the Phloem - Susan Dunford, University of Cincinnati Topic 10.6, Alternative Views of Pressure Gradient in Sieve Elements: Large or Small Gradients? - Susan Dunford, University of Cincinnati Topic 10.7, Experiments on Phloem Loading - Susan Dunford, University of Cincinnati Topic 10.8, Experiments on Phloem Unloading - Susan Dunford, University of Cincinnati Topic 10.9, Allocation in Source Leaves: The Balance between Starch and Sucrose Synthesis - Susan Dunford, University of Cincinnati Topic 10.10, Partitioning: The Role of Sucrose-Metabolizing Enzymes in Sinks Topic 10.11, Possible Mechanisms Linking Sink Demand and Photosynthetic Rate in Starch Storers - Susan Dunford, University of Cincinnati Topic 10.12, Proteins and RNAs: Signal Molecules in the Phloem Topic 10.13, Chapter Ten References - Susan Dunford, University of Cincinnati 11. Respiration and Lipid Metabolism Topic 11.1, Isolation of Mitochondria - Ian M. Møller, Aarhus University, Denmark; Allan G. Rasmusson, Lund University, Sweden Topic 11.2, The Q-Cycle Explains How Complex III Pumps Protons across the Inner Mitochondrial Membrane - Allan G. Rasmusson, Lund University, Sweden; Ian M. Møller, Aarhus University, Denmark Topic 11.3, Multiple Energy Conservation Bypasses in Oxidative Phosphorylation of Plant Mitochondria - Allan G. Rasmusson, Lund University, Sweden; Ian M. Møller, Aarhus University, Denmark Topic 11.4, FoF1-ATP Synthases: The World′s Smallest Rotary Motors - Lincoln Taiz, University of California, Santa Cruz, California, USA Topic 11.5, Transport Into and Out of Plant Mitochondria - Allan G. Rasmusson, Lund University, Sweden; Ian M. Møller, Aarhus University, Denmark Topic 11.6, The Genetic System in Plant Mitochondria Has Several Special Features - Allan G. Rasmusson, Lund University, Sweden; Ian M. Møller, Aarhus University, Denmark Topic 11.7, Does Respiration Reduce Crop Yields? - James N. Siedow, Duke University, North Carolina, USA; Ian M. Møller, Aarhus University, Denmark; Allan G. Rasmusson, Lund University, Sweden Topic 11.8, The Lipid Composition of Membranes Affects the Cell Biology and Physiology of Plants - John Browse, Washington State University Topic 11.9, Utilization of Oil Reserves in Cotyledons - John Browse, Washington State University Topic 11.10, Chapter 11 References 12. Assimilation of Mineral Nutrients Topic 12.1, Development of a Root Nodule Topic 12.2, Measurement of Nitrogen Fixation Topic 12.3, The Synthesis of Methionine Topic 12.4, Oxygenases Topic 12.5, Chapter Twelve References 13. Secondary Metabolites and Plant Defense Topic 13.1, Cutin, Waxes, and Suberin Topic 13.2, Structure of Various Triterpenes Topic 13.3, The Shikimic Acid Pathway Topic 13.4, Detailed Chemical Structure of a Portion of a Lignin Molecule Topic 13.5, Chapter Thirteen References 15. Cell Walls: Structure, Biogenesis, and Expansion Topic 15.1, Plant Cell Walls Play a Major Role in Carbon Flow through Ecosystems Topic 15.2, Terminology for Polysaccharide Chemistry Topic 15.3, Molecular Model for the Synthesis of Cellulose and Other Wall Polysaccharides That Consist of a Disaccharide Repeat Topic 15.4, Matrix Components of the Cell Wall Topic 15.5, The Mechanical Properties of Cell Walls: Studies With Nitella Topic 15.6, Wall Degradation and Plant Defense Topic 15.7, Structure of Biologically Active Oligosaccharins Topic 15.8, Glucanases and Other Hydrolytic Enzymes May Modify the Matrix Topic 15.9, Chapter Fifteen References 16. Growth and Development Topic 16.1, Embryonic Dormancy Topic 16.2, Rice Embryogenesis Topic 16.3, Polarity of Fucus Zygotes Topic 16.4, Azolla Root Development Topic 16.5, Class III HD-Zip Transcription Factors Promote Adaxial Development through a microRNA-Sensitive Mechanism Topic 16.6, During Senescence Photoactive Chlorophyllide Is Converted into a Colorless Chlorophyll Catabolite Topic 16.7, Chapter Sixteen References 17. Phytochrome and Light Control of Plant Development Topic 17.1, Mougeotia: A Chloroplast with a Twist Topic 17.2, Phytochrome and High-Irradiance Responses Topic 17.3, The Origins of Phytochrome as a Bacterial Two-Component Receptor Topic 17.4, Profiling Gene Expression in Plants Topic 17.5, Two-Hybrid Screens and Co-immunoprecipitation Topic 17.6, Phytochrome Effects on Ion Fluxes Topic 17.7, Microarray Analysis of Shade Avoidance Topic 17.8, Chapter Seventeen References 18. Blue-Light Responses: Morphogenesis and Stomatal Movements Topic 18.1, Blue-Light Sensing and Light Gradients Topic 18.2, Guard Cell Osmoregulation and a Blue Light-Activated Metabolic Switch Topic 18.3, The Coleoptile Chloroplast Topic 18.4, Phytochrome-Mediated Responses in Stomata Topic 18.5, Chapter Eighteen References 20. Gibberellins: Regulators of Plant Height and Seed Germination Topic 20.1, Structures of Some Important Gibberellins and Their Precursors, Derivatives, and Inhibitors of Gibberellin Biosynthesis - Valerie Sponsel, Biology Department, University of Texas, San Antonio, Texas, USA Topic 20.2, Commercial Uses of Gibberellins - Valerie Sponsel, Biology Department, University of Texas, San Antonio, TX, USA Topic 20.3, Gibberellin Biosynthesis - Valerie Sponsel, Biology Department, University of Texas, San Antonio, TX, USA Topic 20.4, Gas Chromatography—Mass Spectrometry of Gibberellins - Valerie Sponsel, Biology Department, University of Texas, San Antonio, TX, USA Topic 20.5, Environmental Control of Gibberellin Biosynthesis - Valerie Sponsel, Biology Department, University of Texas, San Antonio, TX, USA Topic 20.6, Auxin Can Regulate Gibberellin Biosynthesis - Jocelyn A. Ozga and Dennis M. Reinecke, Plant BioSystems Group, Department of Agricultural, Food, and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2P5 Topic 20.7, Negative Regulators of GA Response - Valerie Sponsel, Biology Department, University of Texas, San Antonio, TX, USA Topic 20.8, Effects of GAs on Flowering - Valerie Sponsel, Biology Department, University of Texas, San Antonio, TX, USA Topic 20.9, DELLA Proteins as Integrators of Multiple Signals - Stephen G. Thomas, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, United Kingdom Topic 20.10, Chapter Twenty References 21. Cytokinins: Regulators of Cell Division Topic 21.1, Cultured Cells Can Acquire the Ability to Synthesize Cytokinins Topic 21.2, Structures of Some Naturally Occurring Cytokinins Topic 21.3, Various Methods Are Used to Detect and Identify Cytokinins Topic 21.4, The Biologically Active Form of Cytokinin Is the Free Base Topic 21.5, Cytokinins Are Also Present in Some tRNAs in Animal and Plant Cells Topic 21.6, The Structures of Opines Topic 21.7, The Ti Plasmid and Plant Genetic Engineering Topic 21.8, Phylogenetic Tree of IPT genes Topic 21.9, A Root-Derived Hormone, Strigolactone, Is Involved in the Suppression of Branching in Shoots Topic 21.10, Cytokinin Can Promote Light-Mediated Development Topic 21.11, Cytokinins Promote Cell Expansion and Greening in Cotyledons Topic 21.12, Cytokinins Interact with Elements of the Circadian Clock Topic 21.13, Chapter Twenty-One References 22. Ethylene: The Gaseous Hormone Topic 22.1, Ethylene in the Environment Arises Biotically and Abiotically Topic 22.2, Ethylene Readily Undergoes Oxidation Topic 22.3, Ethylene Can Be Measured by Gas Chromatography Topic 22.4, Cloning of the Gene That Encodes ACC Synthase Topic 22.5, Cloning of the Gene That Encodes ACC Oxidase Topic 22.6, Ethylene Binding to ETR1 and Seedling Response to Ethylene Topic 22.7, Conservation of Ethylene Signaling Components in Other Plant Species Topic 22.8, ACC Synthase Gene Expression and Biotechnology Topic 22.9, The hookless Mutation Alters the Pattern of Auxin Gene Expression Topic 22.10, Ethylene Inhibits the Formation of Nitrogen-Fixing Root Nodules in Legumes Topic 22.11, Ethylene Biosynthesis Can Be Blocked with Anti-Sense DNA Topic 22.12, Abscission and the Dawn of Agriculture Topic 22.13, Specific Inhibitors of Ethylene Biosynthesis Are Used Commercially to Preserve Cut Flowers Topic 22.14, Chapter Twenty-Two References 23. Abscisic Acid: A Seed Maturation and Stress-Response Hormone Topic 23.1, The Structure Of Lunularic Acid from Liverworts Topic 23.2, ABA May Be an Ancient Stress Signal Topic 23.3, Structural Requirements for Biological Activity of Abscisic Acid Topic 23.4, The Bioassay of ABA Topic 23.5, Evidence for Both Extracellular and Intracellular ABA Receptors Topic 23.6, The Existence of G Protein-Coupled ABA Receptors Is Still Unresolved Topic 23.7, The Yeast Two-Hybrid System Topic 23.8, Yellow Cameleon: A Noninvasive Tool for Measuring Intracellular Calcium Topic 23.9, Phosphatidic Acid May Stimulate Sphingosine-1-Phosphate Production Topic 23.10, The ABA Signal Transduction Pathway Includes Several Protein Kinases Topic 23.11, The ERA1 and ABH Genes Code for Negative Regulators of the The ABA Response Topic 23.12, Promoter Elements That Regulate ABA Induction of Gene Expression Topic 23.13, Regulatory Proteins Implicated in ABA-Stimulated Gene Transcription Topic 23.14, ABA Gene Expression Can Also Be Regulated by mRNA Processing and Stability Topic 23.15, ABA May Play a Role in Plant Pathogen Responses Topic 23.16, Proteins Required for Desiccation Tolerance Topic 23.17, The Types of Coat-Imposed Seed Dormancy Topic 23.18, Types of Seed Dormancy and the Roles of Environmental Factors Topic 23.19, The Longevity of Seeds Topic 23.20, Genetic Mapping Of Dormancy: Quantitative Trait Locus (QTL) Scoring of Vegetative Dormancy Combined with a Candidate Gene Approach Topic 23.21, ABA-Induced Senescence and Ethylene Topic 23.22, Chapter Twenty-Three References 25. The Control of Flowering Topic 25.1, Contrasting the Characteristics of Juvenile and Adult Phases of English Ivy (Hedera helix) and Maize (Zea mays) Topic 25.2, Regulation of Juvenility by the TEOPOD (TP) Genes in Maize Topic 25.3, Flowering of Juvenile Meristems Grafted to Adult Plants Topic 25.4, Characteristics of the Phase-Shifting Response in Circadian Rhythms Topic 25.5, Support for the Role of Blue-Light Regulation of Circadian Rhythms Topic 25.6, Genes That Control Flowering Time Topic 25.7, Regulation of Flowering in Canterbury Bells by Both Photoperiod and Vernalization Topic 25.8, The Self-Propagating Nature of the Floral Stimulus Topic 25.9, Examples of Floral Induction by Gibberellins in Plants with Different Environmental Requirements for Flowering Topic 25.10, The Effects of Two Different Gibberellins on Flowering (Spike Length) and Elongation (Stem Length) Topic 25.11, The Contrasting Effects of Phytochromes A and B on Flowering Topic 25.12, A Gene That Regulates the Floral Stimulus in Maize Topic 25.13, Chapter Twenty-Five References 26. Responses and Adaptations to Abiotic Stress Topic 26.1, Stomatal Conductance and Yields of Irrigated Crops Topic 26.2, Membrane Lipids and Low Temperatures Topic 26.3, Ice Formation in Higher-Plant Cells Topic 26.4, Water-Deficit-Regulated ABA Signaling and Stomatal Closure Topic 26.5, Genetic and Physiological Adaptations Required for Zinc Hyperaccumulation Topic 26.6, Cellular and Whole Plant Responses to Salinity Stress Topic 26.7, Signaling during Cold Acclimation Regulates Genes That Are Expressed in Response to Low Temperature and Enhances Freezing Tolerance Topic 26.8, Chapter Twenty-Six References

commonfund.nih.gov — Within the body of a healthy adult, microbial cells are estimated to outnumber human cells by a factor of ten to one. These communities, however, remain largely unstudied, leaving almost entirely unknown their influence upon human development, physiology, immunity, and nutrition. To take advantage of recent technological advances and to develop new ones, the NIH Roadmap has initiated the Human Microbiome Project (HMP) with the mission of generating resources enabling comprehensive characterization of the human microbiota and analysis of its role in human health and disease.HMPTraditional microbiology has focused on the study of individual species as isolated units. However many, if not most, have never been successfully isolated as viable specimens for analysis, presumably because their growth is dependant upon a specific microenvironment that has not been, or cannot be, reproduced experimentally. Among those species that have been isolated, analyses of genetic makeup, gene expression patterns, and metabolic physiologies have rarely extended to inter-species interactions or microbe-host interactions. Advances in DNA sequencing technologies have created a new field of research, called metagenomics, allowing comprehensive examination of microbial communities, even those comprised of uncultivable organisms. Instead of examining the genome of an individual bacterial strain that has been grown in a laboratory, the metagenomic approach allows analysis of genetic material derived from complete microbial communities harvested from natural environments. In the HMP, this method will complement genetic analyses of known isolated strains, providing unprecedented information about the complexity of human microbial communities.Scope of the Human Microbiome ProjectBy leveraging both the metagenomic and traditional approach to genomic DNA sequencing, the Human Microbiome Project will lay the foundation for further studies of human-associated microbial communities. Broadly, the project has set the following goals:    * Determining whether individuals share a core human microbiome    * Understanding whether changes in the human microbiome can be correlated with changes in human health    * Developing the new technological and bioinformatic tools needed to support these goals    * Addressing the ethical, legal and social implications raised by human microbiome research.