Key message The evolutionary conserved TOR kinase positively controls growth and development of the moss Physcomitrella, development and function of its chloroplasts, its protein synthesis, and cell-cycle progression. Abstract Target of Rapamycin (TOR) is a conserved protein kinase and an important signalling hub in eukaryotes. The moss Physcomitrella ( Physcomitrium patens ) is a model organism for plant physiology, developme...

Key message First production of virus-like particles as a vaccine candidate in a non-vascular plant. Abstract Virus-like particles (VLPs) are self-assembling nanoparticles composed of viral structural proteins which mimic native virions but lack viral DNA and infectivity. VLPs are a resourceful class of biopharmaceuticals applied as subunit vaccines or as delivery vehicles for drugs and nucleic acids. Similar to viruses, VLPs...

Marine kelp forests cover 1/3 of our world's coastlines, are heralded as a nature-based solution to address socio-environmental issues, connect hundreds of millions of people with the ocean, and support a rich web of biodiversity throughout our oceans. But they are increasingly threatened with some areas reporting over 90% declines in kelp forest cover in living memory. Despite their importance and the threats they face, kelp...

Coastal shorelines are a key interface between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems and are vital for human livelihood. As a result, shorelines have experienced substantial human modifications worldwide. Shoreline “hardening” – the construction of armor including seawalls, bulkheads, or rip-rap – is a common modification that has substantial negative ecological effects. Currently, restoration involving the removal of armor and r...