ERC SYNERGY Project HYDROSENSING
@hydrosensing.bsky.social
We are on a mission to transform our understanding of how plants sense and respond to water. Curated by @isabelmyp.bsky.social
https://hydrosensing.eu
https://hydrosensing.eu
🧬🌱 How do cells tune SUMOylation under stress?
New study builds a SUMO Cell Atlas of the Arabidopsis root, revealing striking tissue- and compartment-specific regulation of the entire SUMO pathway, and how different stresses rewire it.
📝 To the full paper: www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
New study builds a SUMO Cell Atlas of the Arabidopsis root, revealing striking tissue- and compartment-specific regulation of the entire SUMO pathway, and how different stresses rewire it.
📝 To the full paper: www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
![Image: Description and validation of pMDS plasmid system for dual analysis of transcription and translation in plants. (A) Organization of pMDS1 vector showing reporters for transcription [mTurquoise (mTurQ)], translation (C-terminal mVenus), and a 2A self-cleaving peptide. (B) Organization of pMDS2 vector showing reporters for transcription (mTurQ), translation (N-terminal mVenus), and a 2A self-cleaving peptide. (C) Confocal image of pMDS1_SHRpro:SHR:mVenus:mTurQ showing gene expression (mTurQ) in the stele region and protein (mVenus) translocating to endodermis in the root meristem. (D) Confocal image of pMDS2_VAM3pro:mVenus:VAM3:mTurQ showing subcellular expression (mTurQ) in the nucleus and protein (mVenus) moving to the vacuole in the root epidermis. Red channel shows mCherry expression. nu, nucleus; vac, vacuole; *, endodermis of root meristem. Scale bar, 10 μM. Credit: Science Advances](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:5l42c4gpfv34lqzigeftvql4/bafkreia57owau5zyahyrvj5c4vzu3edakjcabo664cbauhnkhvskrw66ai@jpeg)
January 21, 2026 at 4:54 PM
🧬🌱 How do cells tune SUMOylation under stress?
New study builds a SUMO Cell Atlas of the Arabidopsis root, revealing striking tissue- and compartment-specific regulation of the entire SUMO pathway, and how different stresses rewire it.
📝 To the full paper: www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
New study builds a SUMO Cell Atlas of the Arabidopsis root, revealing striking tissue- and compartment-specific regulation of the entire SUMO pathway, and how different stresses rewire it.
📝 To the full paper: www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
🧬🌱 Just added a new paper to the website:
A report about a Multi Targeted AmiRNA Cell type-specific Transportome-scale (mTACT) toolbox, a cell type-specific, transportome-scale amiRNA toolbox that overcomes functional redundancy in Arabidopsis.
📝 Here: hydrosensing.eu/2026/01/mtac...
👇
A report about a Multi Targeted AmiRNA Cell type-specific Transportome-scale (mTACT) toolbox, a cell type-specific, transportome-scale amiRNA toolbox that overcomes functional redundancy in Arabidopsis.
📝 Here: hydrosensing.eu/2026/01/mtac...
👇
January 20, 2026 at 11:14 AM
🧬🌱 Just added a new paper to the website:
A report about a Multi Targeted AmiRNA Cell type-specific Transportome-scale (mTACT) toolbox, a cell type-specific, transportome-scale amiRNA toolbox that overcomes functional redundancy in Arabidopsis.
📝 Here: hydrosensing.eu/2026/01/mtac...
👇
A report about a Multi Targeted AmiRNA Cell type-specific Transportome-scale (mTACT) toolbox, a cell type-specific, transportome-scale amiRNA toolbox that overcomes functional redundancy in Arabidopsis.
📝 Here: hydrosensing.eu/2026/01/mtac...
👇
2. This divergence likely reflects different historical selection pressures during modern breeding.
3. Auxin promotes root branching toward moisture, while ethylene suppresses branching on air-exposed root surfaces.
3/4
3. Auxin promotes root branching toward moisture, while ethylene suppresses branching on air-exposed root surfaces.
3/4
January 15, 2026 at 2:34 PM
2. This divergence likely reflects different historical selection pressures during modern breeding.
3. Auxin promotes root branching toward moisture, while ethylene suppresses branching on air-exposed root surfaces.
3/4
3. Auxin promotes root branching toward moisture, while ethylene suppresses branching on air-exposed root surfaces.
3/4
🌱 How do plant roots sense and respond to water in the soil?
Recap of hashtag#HS Journal of Experimental Botany review that synthesises current knowledge on hormonal control of root growth–water interactions💧🌿
📄 Full paper: academic.oup.com/jxb/article/76/7/1987/8011474
👇
Recap of hashtag#HS Journal of Experimental Botany review that synthesises current knowledge on hormonal control of root growth–water interactions💧🌿
📄 Full paper: academic.oup.com/jxb/article/76/7/1987/8011474
👇
January 7, 2026 at 2:15 PM
🌱 How do plant roots sense and respond to water in the soil?
Recap of hashtag#HS Journal of Experimental Botany review that synthesises current knowledge on hormonal control of root growth–water interactions💧🌿
📄 Full paper: academic.oup.com/jxb/article/76/7/1987/8011474
👇
Recap of hashtag#HS Journal of Experimental Botany review that synthesises current knowledge on hormonal control of root growth–water interactions💧🌿
📄 Full paper: academic.oup.com/jxb/article/76/7/1987/8011474
👇
What is hydrotropism?💧
Hydrotropism is how plant roots find water.
Roots don’t just grow straight down. They can sense where water is in the soil & grow toward wetter areas. This helps plants get the water they need to stay alive, especially when the soil is very dry.
Think of it like this👇
Hydrotropism is how plant roots find water.
Roots don’t just grow straight down. They can sense where water is in the soil & grow toward wetter areas. This helps plants get the water they need to stay alive, especially when the soil is very dry.
Think of it like this👇
December 26, 2025 at 9:36 AM
What is hydrotropism?💧
Hydrotropism is how plant roots find water.
Roots don’t just grow straight down. They can sense where water is in the soil & grow toward wetter areas. This helps plants get the water they need to stay alive, especially when the soil is very dry.
Think of it like this👇
Hydrotropism is how plant roots find water.
Roots don’t just grow straight down. They can sense where water is in the soil & grow toward wetter areas. This helps plants get the water they need to stay alive, especially when the soil is very dry.
Think of it like this👇
🌾 How plants adjust root architecture under drought?
Recap of #HS paper in Current Biology! 🌱
Read the study: doi.org/10.1016/j.cu...
Study showed that ABA helps crops (eg rice & maize) grow roots at steeper angles in response to drought by boosting local auxin production at the root tip.
1/4
Recap of #HS paper in Current Biology! 🌱
Read the study: doi.org/10.1016/j.cu...
Study showed that ABA helps crops (eg rice & maize) grow roots at steeper angles in response to drought by boosting local auxin production at the root tip.
1/4
December 22, 2025 at 11:08 AM
🌾 How plants adjust root architecture under drought?
Recap of #HS paper in Current Biology! 🌱
Read the study: doi.org/10.1016/j.cu...
Study showed that ABA helps crops (eg rice & maize) grow roots at steeper angles in response to drought by boosting local auxin production at the root tip.
1/4
Recap of #HS paper in Current Biology! 🌱
Read the study: doi.org/10.1016/j.cu...
Study showed that ABA helps crops (eg rice & maize) grow roots at steeper angles in response to drought by boosting local auxin production at the root tip.
1/4
Our Hydrosensing partner NTNU hosted yesterday a fascinating lab webinar exploring the delicate relationship between the plasma membrane and the cell wall... and why studying it can truly test a scientist’s patience!
Great insights from W Häger & M Tichá and great discussions followed 🌱🔬
Great insights from W Häger & M Tichá and great discussions followed 🌱🔬
December 12, 2025 at 12:04 PM
Our Hydrosensing partner NTNU hosted yesterday a fascinating lab webinar exploring the delicate relationship between the plasma membrane and the cell wall... and why studying it can truly test a scientist’s patience!
Great insights from W Häger & M Tichá and great discussions followed 🌱🔬
Great insights from W Häger & M Tichá and great discussions followed 🌱🔬
18 months into #HYDROSENSING learning about water sensing & droughts response & it shows:
🧬 15 publications (more coming)
🔬 CRISPR libraries + protein structures underway
🌾 Work advancing in Arabidopsis, tomato & rice models
🌱 40+ scientists collaborating
Read more: hydrosensing.eu/2025/12/hydr...
🧬 15 publications (more coming)
🔬 CRISPR libraries + protein structures underway
🌾 Work advancing in Arabidopsis, tomato & rice models
🌱 40+ scientists collaborating
Read more: hydrosensing.eu/2025/12/hydr...
December 1, 2025 at 12:43 PM
18 months into #HYDROSENSING learning about water sensing & droughts response & it shows:
🧬 15 publications (more coming)
🔬 CRISPR libraries + protein structures underway
🌾 Work advancing in Arabidopsis, tomato & rice models
🌱 40+ scientists collaborating
Read more: hydrosensing.eu/2025/12/hydr...
🧬 15 publications (more coming)
🔬 CRISPR libraries + protein structures underway
🌾 Work advancing in Arabidopsis, tomato & rice models
🌱 40+ scientists collaborating
Read more: hydrosensing.eu/2025/12/hydr...
Great session yesterday with Andrew Fleming from @sheffielduni.bsky.social
He gave our researchers a fascinating look at stomatal mecanics & the role of stomata in plant function, which was especially insightful for those of us who usually focus on roots🌱
Thank you Andy for an inspiring talk!
He gave our researchers a fascinating look at stomatal mecanics & the role of stomata in plant function, which was especially insightful for those of us who usually focus on roots🌱
Thank you Andy for an inspiring talk!
November 28, 2025 at 8:57 AM
Great session yesterday with Andrew Fleming from @sheffielduni.bsky.social
He gave our researchers a fascinating look at stomatal mecanics & the role of stomata in plant function, which was especially insightful for those of us who usually focus on roots🌱
Thank you Andy for an inspiring talk!
He gave our researchers a fascinating look at stomatal mecanics & the role of stomata in plant function, which was especially insightful for those of us who usually focus on roots🌱
Thank you Andy for an inspiring talk!
Dr. Malcolm Bennett will be speaking about “Discovering how plants sense water stress” this Wednesday, 26th of November at Auditorio Abate Molina, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas UC, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
🔸 Wednesday, 26 November
🕙 10:00 hrs
🔸 Wednesday, 26 November
🕙 10:00 hrs
November 24, 2025 at 1:07 PM
Dr. Malcolm Bennett will be speaking about “Discovering how plants sense water stress” this Wednesday, 26th of November at Auditorio Abate Molina, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas UC, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
🔸 Wednesday, 26 November
🕙 10:00 hrs
🔸 Wednesday, 26 November
🕙 10:00 hrs
In today’s meeting, Malcolm Bennett went member by member through the research updates from the @uniofnottingham.bsky.social team, discussing methods, results, and how these connect with the work of others across the extended Hydrosensing team.
Lots of food for thought.
Exciting times ahead 😉
Lots of food for thought.
Exciting times ahead 😉
November 13, 2025 at 12:13 PM
In today’s meeting, Malcolm Bennett went member by member through the research updates from the @uniofnottingham.bsky.social team, discussing methods, results, and how these connect with the work of others across the extended Hydrosensing team.
Lots of food for thought.
Exciting times ahead 😉
Lots of food for thought.
Exciting times ahead 😉
Huge congratulations to our colleague and PI Malcolm Bennett, named among Clarivate’s Highly Cited Researchers 2025 in Plant & Animal Science! One of only 7 UK researchers in this field! 👏👏👏
Beyond being an outstanding scientist, he’s also a truly supportive and kind colleague. We’re so proud!!
Beyond being an outstanding scientist, he’s also a truly supportive and kind colleague. We’re so proud!!
November 12, 2025 at 7:52 PM
Huge congratulations to our colleague and PI Malcolm Bennett, named among Clarivate’s Highly Cited Researchers 2025 in Plant & Animal Science! One of only 7 UK researchers in this field! 👏👏👏
Beyond being an outstanding scientist, he’s also a truly supportive and kind colleague. We’re so proud!!
Beyond being an outstanding scientist, he’s also a truly supportive and kind colleague. We’re so proud!!
We’ve just hit the 1/3 mark on the project, good time to pause & ask: what’s working, & what could be better?
At our last meeting, the ECRs led the discussion, PIs listening in. Everyone agreed the ECR meetings have been a strength a space to share the basics of each team’s work & discipline 💬
At our last meeting, the ECRs led the discussion, PIs listening in. Everyone agreed the ECR meetings have been a strength a space to share the basics of each team’s work & discipline 💬
October 31, 2025 at 11:35 AM
We’ve just hit the 1/3 mark on the project, good time to pause & ask: what’s working, & what could be better?
At our last meeting, the ECRs led the discussion, PIs listening in. Everyone agreed the ECR meetings have been a strength a space to share the basics of each team’s work & discipline 💬
At our last meeting, the ECRs led the discussion, PIs listening in. Everyone agreed the ECR meetings have been a strength a space to share the basics of each team’s work & discipline 💬
... with Bjørn Torger Stokke, Martijn Vandegehuchte, & Kirsten Krause (UiT).
#StrawberryWalls expands from @hydrosensing.bsky.social work taking knowledge further, from water sensing to heat stress & pest resistance.
Interested? Watch this space for updates!
4/4
#StrawberryWalls expands from @hydrosensing.bsky.social work taking knowledge further, from water sensing to heat stress & pest resistance.
Interested? Watch this space for updates!
4/4
October 14, 2025 at 11:48 AM
... with Bjørn Torger Stokke, Martijn Vandegehuchte, & Kirsten Krause (UiT).
#StrawberryWalls expands from @hydrosensing.bsky.social work taking knowledge further, from water sensing to heat stress & pest resistance.
Interested? Watch this space for updates!
4/4
#StrawberryWalls expands from @hydrosensing.bsky.social work taking knowledge further, from water sensing to heat stress & pest resistance.
Interested? Watch this space for updates!
4/4
... and Fragaria vesca (wild strawberry 🍓) to:
🌡️ examine cell wall mechanics in heat adaptation
🦠 test how higher temperatures affect pest/pathogen infections
🌾 lay groundwork for more resilient crops
The team spans physics, biology, & ecology led by Prof. Thorsten Hamann (NTNU)...
3/4
🌡️ examine cell wall mechanics in heat adaptation
🦠 test how higher temperatures affect pest/pathogen infections
🌾 lay groundwork for more resilient crops
The team spans physics, biology, & ecology led by Prof. Thorsten Hamann (NTNU)...
3/4
October 14, 2025 at 11:48 AM
... and Fragaria vesca (wild strawberry 🍓) to:
🌡️ examine cell wall mechanics in heat adaptation
🦠 test how higher temperatures affect pest/pathogen infections
🌾 lay groundwork for more resilient crops
The team spans physics, biology, & ecology led by Prof. Thorsten Hamann (NTNU)...
3/4
🌡️ examine cell wall mechanics in heat adaptation
🦠 test how higher temperatures affect pest/pathogen infections
🌾 lay groundwork for more resilient crops
The team spans physics, biology, & ecology led by Prof. Thorsten Hamann (NTNU)...
3/4
As the Arctic warms 4× faster than the global average, new farmland may open in northern latitudes... but pests & pathogens are moving north too.
The project aims to understand how plants cope with these twin challenges and will study Arabidopsis thaliana...
#ClimateChange #PlantScience
2/4
The project aims to understand how plants cope with these twin challenges and will study Arabidopsis thaliana...
#ClimateChange #PlantScience
2/4
October 14, 2025 at 11:48 AM
As the Arctic warms 4× faster than the global average, new farmland may open in northern latitudes... but pests & pathogens are moving north too.
The project aims to understand how plants cope with these twin challenges and will study Arabidopsis thaliana...
#ClimateChange #PlantScience
2/4
The project aims to understand how plants cope with these twin challenges and will study Arabidopsis thaliana...
#ClimateChange #PlantScience
2/4
Big news from the NTNU team! 👏
They've received €2.1M from the Norwegian Research Council for #StrawberryWalls project, exploring how plants adapt to heat, drought & pests in a warming Arctic.
👉 hydrosensing.eu/2025/10/strawberrywalls-new-research-to-help-plants-thrive-in-a-warming-arctic/
1/4
They've received €2.1M from the Norwegian Research Council for #StrawberryWalls project, exploring how plants adapt to heat, drought & pests in a warming Arctic.
👉 hydrosensing.eu/2025/10/strawberrywalls-new-research-to-help-plants-thrive-in-a-warming-arctic/
1/4
October 14, 2025 at 11:48 AM
Big news from the NTNU team! 👏
They've received €2.1M from the Norwegian Research Council for #StrawberryWalls project, exploring how plants adapt to heat, drought & pests in a warming Arctic.
👉 hydrosensing.eu/2025/10/strawberrywalls-new-research-to-help-plants-thrive-in-a-warming-arctic/
1/4
They've received €2.1M from the Norwegian Research Council for #StrawberryWalls project, exploring how plants adapt to heat, drought & pests in a warming Arctic.
👉 hydrosensing.eu/2025/10/strawberrywalls-new-research-to-help-plants-thrive-in-a-warming-arctic/
1/4
Enjoy the picture to see moments from the visit — from the Robin Hood statue to the lab and evening strolls through Nottingham! 🌿
@uniregensburg.bsky.social
4/4
@uniregensburg.bsky.social
4/4
October 7, 2025 at 6:31 PM
Enjoy the picture to see moments from the visit — from the Robin Hood statue to the lab and evening strolls through Nottingham! 🌿
@uniregensburg.bsky.social
4/4
@uniregensburg.bsky.social
4/4
The visit highlighted the spirit of our project: connecting scientists across borders and disciplines to advance cutting-edge research together to uncover the mechanisms plants use to perceive water stress.
3/4
3/4
October 7, 2025 at 6:31 PM
The visit highlighted the spirit of our project: connecting scientists across borders and disciplines to advance cutting-edge research together to uncover the mechanisms plants use to perceive water stress.
3/4
3/4
During this visit, Christine Ziegler @ziegler-lab-ur.bsky.social joined Malcolm Bennett in their lab at the University of Nottingham, while Eilon Shani @eilonshani.bsky.social also happened to be visiting the same research center — a perfect coincidence for a productive and friendly reunion!
2/4
2/4
October 7, 2025 at 6:31 PM
During this visit, Christine Ziegler @ziegler-lab-ur.bsky.social joined Malcolm Bennett in their lab at the University of Nottingham, while Eilon Shani @eilonshani.bsky.social also happened to be visiting the same research center — a perfect coincidence for a productive and friendly reunion!
2/4
2/4
From Sep 28th to Oct 1st, three of our PIs met in Nottingham for an in-person exchange of ideas and progress discussions. Over the days, the team engaged in:
🔬 Lab tours & hands-on sessions
💻 Project webinars
🍽️ Group lunches and dinners
💡 Discussions to spark ideas for collaborations
1/4
🔬 Lab tours & hands-on sessions
💻 Project webinars
🍽️ Group lunches and dinners
💡 Discussions to spark ideas for collaborations
1/4
October 7, 2025 at 6:31 PM
From Sep 28th to Oct 1st, three of our PIs met in Nottingham for an in-person exchange of ideas and progress discussions. Over the days, the team engaged in:
🔬 Lab tours & hands-on sessions
💻 Project webinars
🍽️ Group lunches and dinners
💡 Discussions to spark ideas for collaborations
1/4
🔬 Lab tours & hands-on sessions
💻 Project webinars
🍽️ Group lunches and dinners
💡 Discussions to spark ideas for collaborations
1/4
Exciting news from the @uniofnottingham.bsky.social lab!🔬
They have just set up a new ERC-funded vertical confocal platform that will allow to image root systems growing in more "natural ways"
This setup will open up new opportunities to study plant development in unprecedented detail
They have just set up a new ERC-funded vertical confocal platform that will allow to image root systems growing in more "natural ways"
This setup will open up new opportunities to study plant development in unprecedented detail
September 30, 2025 at 11:37 AM
Exciting news from the @uniofnottingham.bsky.social lab!🔬
They have just set up a new ERC-funded vertical confocal platform that will allow to image root systems growing in more "natural ways"
This setup will open up new opportunities to study plant development in unprecedented detail
They have just set up a new ERC-funded vertical confocal platform that will allow to image root systems growing in more "natural ways"
This setup will open up new opportunities to study plant development in unprecedented detail
Back from summer & team meetings are buzzing again!!🧑🔬
To a good start, Barak Mitman from @eilonshani.bsky.social shared work on xerobranching-associated genes & transporters 🌱
We also welcomed many new faces, especially from Nottingham, making our calls bigger than ever: 26 people, 4 countries!! 🤩
To a good start, Barak Mitman from @eilonshani.bsky.social shared work on xerobranching-associated genes & transporters 🌱
We also welcomed many new faces, especially from Nottingham, making our calls bigger than ever: 26 people, 4 countries!! 🤩
September 11, 2025 at 4:17 PM
Back from summer & team meetings are buzzing again!!🧑🔬
To a good start, Barak Mitman from @eilonshani.bsky.social shared work on xerobranching-associated genes & transporters 🌱
We also welcomed many new faces, especially from Nottingham, making our calls bigger than ever: 26 people, 4 countries!! 🤩
To a good start, Barak Mitman from @eilonshani.bsky.social shared work on xerobranching-associated genes & transporters 🌱
We also welcomed many new faces, especially from Nottingham, making our calls bigger than ever: 26 people, 4 countries!! 🤩
Plant roots don’t just rely on genes... physics shapes them too 🌱
Research shows plant roots can adjust their stiffness + softness within HOURS to keep growing, even under stress.
1/2
Research shows plant roots can adjust their stiffness + softness within HOURS to keep growing, even under stress.
1/2
August 18, 2025 at 4:57 PM
Plant roots don’t just rely on genes... physics shapes them too 🌱
Research shows plant roots can adjust their stiffness + softness within HOURS to keep growing, even under stress.
1/2
Research shows plant roots can adjust their stiffness + softness within HOURS to keep growing, even under stress.
1/2
Today, Amichai Berman, PhD student from TAU - @eilonshani.bsky.social - deliver an engaging seminar on CRISPR; the 1st session on this & 3rd seminar overall in our ongoing series for PhD students & PostDocs.
With 13 attendees across the 4 different teams of the project.
#CRISPR #PhDLife #Science
With 13 attendees across the 4 different teams of the project.
#CRISPR #PhDLife #Science
July 29, 2025 at 12:16 PM
Today, Amichai Berman, PhD student from TAU - @eilonshani.bsky.social - deliver an engaging seminar on CRISPR; the 1st session on this & 3rd seminar overall in our ongoing series for PhD students & PostDocs.
With 13 attendees across the 4 different teams of the project.
#CRISPR #PhDLife #Science
With 13 attendees across the 4 different teams of the project.
#CRISPR #PhDLife #Science