New Semester, New Milestones and New Publication!

Hello everyone!

We’re kicking off the new semester a little later than usual, but for a very good reason.

And no, I did not forget the website password (almost). I do have an explanation!

*DRUMROLL PLEASE *

Your girl officially wrapped up all the credits needed to graduate ! So yes, it’s been a minute, but we’re back and starting strong!

Which means… it’s the perfect time to introduce our lab’s newest publication:

“Harnessing Rhodopseudomonas palustris strains for salt stress mitigation in Arabidopsis thaliana” , published in BMC Plant Biology, 26, 449 (DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12870-026-08255-w)

For those interested in the sciencey-stuff : This study explores how plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (Rhodopseudomonas palustris) can enhance plant tolerance to salt stress, using Arabidopsis thaliana as a model system. We also take a closer look at an important metabolite, 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA), and how these bacterial strains support plant stress tolerance through its production. By combining physiological, biochemical, and molecular analyses, we highlight the potential of these microbial partners as sustainable tools for improving plant resilience under challenging environmental conditions.

Honestly, this project has been a long time coming, and seeing it finally published feels unreal. A big thank you to THE BEST PI in the world, Prof. Liu, our amazing collaborators Prof. Chen, Prof. Lu, Dr. Lin, and my lovely colleagues in the lab who contributed, supported, and made this possible.

.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Before we wrap up, I wanted to share a little glimpse of what you might have missed while I was away:

📸 Last Semester Throwback

Before the semester ended, we had yet another lab lunch! It was such a fun and wholesome way to wrap up months of hard work.

A special thank you to Prof. Liu for once again treating us (we are truly spoiled) and for the generous hong baos during Lunar New Year 🧧!

🌼 Looking Ahead

With a new semester comes new goals, fresh energy, and hopefully more exciting research ahead. Let’s keep pushing forward, supporting each other, and making great science happen.

Stay tuned for more updates and good luck to everyone this semester, specially our Phd student Yusril, who is about to take his PhD Qualifying exam this month!

By Roy