by Matteo Cavallito<\/p>\n
The discovery of a new type of cell hidden within the roots<\/strong> of common beans could pave the way for crops that are more resistant to drought<\/strong> and less dependent on fertilizers. This is according to researchers at the University of Arizona<\/strong> in a study<\/a> published in the journal Science Advances<\/em>. The structures identified are the so-called hooked hairs<\/em>, or hooked root hairs, microscopic appendages that form during the earliest days of the plant\u2019s life and are believed to play a crucial role in its survival.<\/p>\n More specifically, these structures would allow seedlings to absorb nutrients and retain water<\/strong> long before the root system is fully developed, thereby increasing their chances of growing even in poor or arid soils.<\/p>\n