Australian National University

About: Australian National University is a education organization based out in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Galaxy. The organization has 34419 authors who have published 109261 publications receiving 4315448 citations. The organization is also known as: The Australian National University & ANU.

A gene expression atlas of the model legume Medicago truncatula.

Abstract: Legumes played central roles in the development of agriculture and civilization, and today account for approximately one-third of the world's primary crop production. Unfortunately, most cultivated legumes are poor model systems for genomic research. Therefore, Medicago truncatula, which has a relatively small diploid genome, has been adopted as a model species for legume genomics. To enhance its value as a model, we have generated a gene expression atlas that provides a global view of gene expression in all major organ systems of this species, with special emphasis on nodule and seed development. The atlas reveals massive differences in gene expression between organs that are accompanied by changes in the expression of key regulatory genes, such as transcription factor genes, which presumably orchestrate genetic reprogramming during development and differentiation. Interestingly, many legume-specific genes are preferentially expressed in nitrogen-fixing nodules, indicating that evolution endowed them with special roles in this unique and important organ. Comparative transcriptome analysis of Medicago versus Arabidopsis revealed significant divergence in developmental expression profiles of orthologous genes, which indicates that phylogenetic analysis alone is insufficient to predict the function of orthologs in different species. The data presented here represent an unparalleled resource for legume functional genomics, which will accelerate discoveries in legume biology.

Nonradiating anapole modes in dielectric nanoparticles

Abstract: The work of A.E.M. was supported by the Australian Research Council via Future Fellowship program (FT110100037). The authors at DSI were supported by DSI core funds. Fabrication, Scanning Electron Microscope Imaging and NSOM works were carried out in facilities provided by SnFPC@DSI (SERC Grant 092 160 0139). Zhen Ying Pan (DSI) is acknowledged for SEM imaging. Yi Zhou (DSI) is acknowledged for silicon film growth. Leonard Gonzaga (DSI), Yeow Teck Toh (DSI) and Doris Ng (DSI) are acknowledged for development of the silicon nanofabrication procedure. B.N.C. acknowledges support from the Government of Russian Federation, Megagrant No. 14.B25.31.0019.

Learning to coexist with wildfire

Abstract: The impacts of escalating wildfire in many regions - the lives and homes lost, the expense of suppression and the damage to ecosystem services - necessitate a more sustainable coexistence with wildfire. Climate change and continued development on fire-prone landscapes will only compound current problems. Emerging strategies for managing ecosystems and mitigating risks to human communities provide some hope, although greater recognition of their inherent variation and links is crucial. Without a more integrated framework, fire will never operate as a natural ecosystem process, and the impact on society will continue to grow. A more coordinated approach to risk management and land-use planning in these coupled systems is needed.