Scientists at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem have unlocked the secret behind petunia’s captivating scent—tracing it back to a single gene, PhDEF. This gene not only shapes the flower’s petals but also triggers the production of alluring fragrances that attract pollinators. The discovery could revolutionize the fragrance industry and horticulture, offering new ways to enhance floral scents without altering a flower’s natural beauty.

A new study challenges traditional views on arachnid evolution, suggesting that the transition from water to land occurred multiple times rather than in a single event. The research also highlights the role of whole-genome duplication in shaping key traits in spiders and scorpions, such as silk production and venom synthesis. These findings offer new insights into chelicerate phylogeny and provide a foundation for future genetic and evolutionary studies.

The Lung Cancer Research Foundation (LCRF) is pleased to announce its partnership with Israel Cancer Research Fund (ICRF) on a project led by Joel Yisraeli, PhD, and his lab in the Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. The ICRF-LCRF Project Grant is a three-year, $180,000 award.