The Future of Plant Science – A Technology Perspective

Two noted scientists of Carnegie Mellon University David Ehrhardt and Wolf Frommer published a Perspective in the journal The Plant Cell. The researchers discussed the important role of plants as the conduit of energy into the biosphere, providing food and materials used by humans and shaping the environment. With the onset of climate change, plants are closely affected in a variety of environmental concerns such as agricultural expansion, habitat destruction, and water pollution.

The authors suggested that in order to move plant research significantly forward, the most advanced technologies available should be used to study plant life. These include DNA sequencing, RNA cataloging, mass spectroscopy, fluorescence-based microscopy, and electron microscopy, among many others. A key focus is on the advances possible through advanced imaging technologies.

"We certainly expect that new technologies will continue to revolutionize biological research," they say. "Plant science has not often been the driver of innovation but often enough has profited from developments made in other areas."

The original news can be viewed at  http://carnegiescience.edu/news/future_plant_science_%E2%80%93_technology_perspective