Sven Batke's work focuses on how future predicted changes in climate will affect plant-atmospheric water feedbacks.
Plants can grow with much less light than previously thought, according to a new study on tiny water-based organisms called microalgae that has been published in Nature Communications. The German-led team of researchers lowered light sensors into Arctic water to a depth of 164 feet to test how low light levels must become before plant life ceases to exist, with incredible results.
Now that we know how little light is required for photosynthesis, scientists could develop crops that require much less light to thrive in such places by learning from these Arctic microalgae. By unlocking their genetic potential, many crops could benefit by using plant breeding or biotech approaches to alter them accordingly.
By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.Related: Near-indestructible moss can survive gamma rays and liquid nitrogen 3. Space farmingPerhaps one of the most exciting prospects of this research is that it could potentially make it easier to grow plants in space. One of the main challenges for space missions to the Moon, Mars or eventually beyond, is how to feed anyone trying to live in those worlds for any length of time. Sunlight can be limited, so we'll need highly efficient ways of producing food that don't use much energy.
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