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Metalloids represent a wide range of elements with intermediate physiochemical properties between metals and non‐metals. Many of the metalloids, like boron, selenium, and silicon are known to be essential or quasi‐essential for plant growth. In contrast, metalloids viz. arsenic and germanium are toxic to plant growth. The toxicity of metalloids largely depends on their concentration within the living cells. Some elements, at low concentration, may be beneficial for plant growth and development; however, when present at high concentration, they often exert negative effects. In this regard, understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in the uptake of metalloids by roots, their subsequent transport to different tissues and inter/intra‐cellular redistribution has great importance. The mechanisms of metalloids' uptake have been well studied in plants. Also, various transporters, as well as membrane channels involved in these processes, have been identified. In this review, we have discussed in detail the aspects concerning the positive/negative effects of different metalloids on plants. We have also provided a thorough account of the uptake, transport, and accumulation, along with the molecular mechanisms underlying the response of plants to these metalloids. Additionally, we have brought up the previous theories and debates about the role and effects of metalloids in plants with insightful discussions based on the current knowledge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dark matter is one of the greatest mysteries of the Universe. The attributes of the dark matter particles, which make up about 86% of the mass of our Universe, are still obscure. LUX‐ZEPLIN (LZ) will be the most sensitive direct detection dark matter experiment to detect the faint interactions between the dark and ordinary matter. The LZ experiment employs the technology of a dual‐phase xenon time projection chamber (TPC) in combination with a novel active neutron veto to detect Weakly Interacting Massive Particles (WIMPs), one of the propitious dark matter candidates. For a 1,000 live day run, the projected spin‐independent cross‐section sensitivity of LZ is 1.6 × 10−48 cm2 for a 40 GeV c−2 mass WIMP. LZ will also probe the sensitivity to neutrinoless double beta (0νββ) decay of 136Xe. For 1,000 live days, the median exclusion sensitivity to the half‐life of 0νββ decay of 136Xe is predicted to be 1.06 × 1026 years. The LZ experiment is currently under construction and it will start commissioning by the end of 2020. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phytohormone auxin acts as an important signaling molecule having regulatory functions during the growth and development of plants. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are also known to perform signaling functions at low concentrations; however, over-accumulation of ROS due to various environmental stresses damages the biomolecules and cell structures and leads to cell death, and therefore, it can be said that ROS act as a double-edged sword. Nitric oxide (NO), a gaseous signaling molecule, performs a wide range of favorable roles in plants. NO displays its positive role in photomorphogenesis, root growth, leaf expansion, seed germination, stomatal closure, senescence, fruit maturation, mitochondrial activity and metabolism of iron. Studies have revealed the early existence of these crucial molecules during evolution. Moreover, auxin, ROS and NO together show their involvement in various developmental processes and abiotic stress tolerance. Redox signaling is a primary response during exposure of plants to stresses and shows a link with auxin signaling. This review provides updated information related to crosstalk between auxin, ROS and NO starting from their evolution during early Earth periods and their interaction in plant growth and developmental processes as well as in the case of abiotic stresses to plants., (© The Author(s) 2022. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Japanese Society of Plant Physiologists. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.)