A protein that detects hormones in smoke has a much wider and more ancient role in the plant kingdom – detecting microscopic soil fungi which colonise plants and feed nutrients to their cells. This ancient symbiosis with soil fungi is thought to be how plants survived on land millions of years before they evolved roots.
A passion for fungi led Cambridge mycologist Dr Dillon Weston to ever-more inventive means of trapping fungal spores, even from the open window of an airship on its maiden flight in the first half of the 20th century.
New computer models will help to monitor and predict the course of the disease.
Throughout his distinguished career as an ecologist Professor Oliver Rackham has been studying the delicate balance of habitats and species in Hayley Wood which this year celebrates its 50th anniversary as protected ancient woodland.
The database, PomBase, important new tool for scientists researching fission yeast.
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