News•Mar 9, 2026
Improved Photosynthesis
Researchers identified a simple protein tail in hornworts, termed RbcS‑STAR, that causes Rubisco enzymes to cluster together, enhancing carbon‑concentrating potential. The STAR region was successfully transferred to Arabidopsis, demonstrating functional clumping in an unrelated model plant. This discovery offers a modular tool that could be combined with existing CO2‑pumping mechanisms to improve photosynthetic efficiency in major crops. If integrated with C4‑style pathways, the approach could raise yields by up to 50%, addressing food‑security and sustainability challenges.
