1. How should we lay out post-Arabidopsis research? Question 1: Jose Luis Micol
Currently, there are 50,000 Arabidopsis researchers in the world. Do you think increasing the number of model plants would work? If we have 50 model plants, how many researchers would we need to have in the field of plant science? Answer:
The plant community is too small, but as a first step, we should explore more plant species as model systems because I still think that using many plants is somehow a good strategy for the 21st century. Question 2: Jose Luis Micol Arabidopsis is a useful model system. How many models do you think we need? Or, shall we forget the gmodel systemh and concentrate on a few plant species? Answer:
At least, one model plant per major taxon is needed. Comment 1: George Coupland
Other plant species will never be studied as much as Arabidopsis. I think it is very important to know which scientific questions can you raise that cannot be answered by Arabidopsis research. In those cases, we can choose a better system.
2. Overcoming genetic redundancy in plants Question 1: Tobias Baskin
How can evolution maintain duplicated genes that have exactly the same function? Answer 1:
Itfs a matter of timing. If duplication happens recently, there is less functionalization. Comment: Tobias Baskin
I think we are inexpert at examining phenotypes. We should be able to improve our observations and analysis to be able to analyze phenotypes of duplicated genes in more elegant ways.
3. Dealing with research redundancy Comment 1: George Coupland
There is no research redundancy. Itfs important to do an experiment twice by two different groups in order to confirm the results. For me, research redundancy is very important. I also agree that a better recognition of different research groups is also good. Comment 2: Stephan Kepinski
I basically agree with George (Comment 1); plus, some people are very cautious and wonft be open about their research. However, your idea is basically sound. Comment 3: Yoshikazu Tanaka
From the point of view of industry, itfs not practical to be open with all information because of patent issues. Keep that in mind, please. Comment 4: Mitsuyasu Hasebe
I donft agree with this idea. I am interested in the gene and I have different points of view. So, redundancy doesnft bother me at all.
4. Super Plant|A powerful tool for post-Arabidopsis study Comment 1: Stephan Kepinski
Cell type-specific analysis is important. In super plants, the identities of tissue may not be normal. So, we need to be cautious. Question 1: Seiji Takeda
Can you synchronize leaf development in your super plants in order to study the leaf development? Answer:
I donft know much about leaf development, but I think it will also be possible to synchronize leaf development in the future.
5. Engineering poplar for bioethanol production. The road toward a field trial. Question 1: Antonis Giakountis
How can we make poplar trees accessible in many different countries? Answer: With some effort, it should be possible by using different species or cultivars that are suited to each country or environment. Quesiton 2: Stephan Kepinski
There were 40 enquiries about biofuels and society. Itfs important to inform people. Answer:
In Belgium, there are two major languages used, French and Flemish. In the French media, biofuels is a major issue, but in the Flemish media, it is not. Large differences in the interest level of the media were seen even within a single country. This may affect societyfs interest. Question 3:
What kind of comments did you get from the public? Answer:
All negative.
6. Climate change and plants. Is vegetation part of the problem or the solution? Question 1: Frederic Coppens
Genetically modified maize is a solution? I suggest using a different second generation biofuel, such as a grass species that does not interfere with human food. Answer:
Careful planning of the investigation is important. Question 2:
Increased temperature would increase plant productivity. Are there any studies being done related to that issue? Answer:
To my knowledge, studies linking methane release from glaciers and climate change have not been done.
7. Plant biosensor systems Question 1: Tobias Baskin
Plant neurobiology is not an acceptable concept to me because plants donft have neurons. They probably meant that plants respond to environmental signals, but again, plants donft have neurons. Answer:
I agree with you. It depends on the audience and society. In computer science, for example, the term neuron is used to indicate information management. The definition of neurons has changed.
8. How can basic studies contribute to human society? Comment 1: Hiroshi Ezura
Itfs important for young scientists to develop good insights into [their] own research fields. Focus on that, first. Direct communication with society is important. Comment 2: Gerrit Beemster
Young scientists should think more about how to develop basic science so it can contribute to society. Currently, semi-scientists control the media. Try to think in a larger context. Comment 3: George Coupland
Doing basic science itself is important. It might be applied 10 years later. Comment 4: Antonis Giakountis
Find links between basic science and society. Is society ready for the application of scientific findings? Education is very important. Comment 5: Ko Shimamoto
Think of the worldfs problems, first. Then focus on one topic and one point. Itfs better to focus on how to provide clean food to the world and also what we can do for society. Keep thinking about it.