How do Plants Breathe?

Scientists at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have developed Stomata In-Sight, a new tool that allows plants’ “breathing” to be observed in real time for the first time. By combining high-resolution microscopy, controlled gas exchange, and machine-learning analysis, the system reveals how tiny leaf pores called stomata open and close in response to light, heat, humidity, and water availability.

The breakthrough could transform crop breeding by improving understanding of how plants manage water, a major limitation to agriculture under climate change. Insights from this technology may help develop crops that use water more efficiently and better withstand drought. The patented system is not yet commercially available, and the research has been published in Plant Physiology.