Plants and fungi have always had a strong symbiotic cooperation since their colonization of dry land. The ability of trees to generate large amounts of biomass and carbon storage is generally a result from their interaction with soil microbes known as my corrhizal fungi. Currently, an international team of experts are utilizing this symbiotic partnership, in hopes of revolutionizing the biomass production for next generation biofuels. The genetic mechanism of the symbiosis would also provide experts an insight on plant health, carbon sequestration and enhanced phytoremediation and bioremediation.

Apoptosis, the process of cell death which the body utilizes to rid itself of faulty or unneeded cells has long been theorized to be a result of various molecular signals. Recent studies by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital has confirmed this by showing that a dance of proteins protect certain cells from undergoing cell death. In its report in Nature, St. Jude researchers have shown that the absence of one of three molecules would cause cells to lose their ability to protect themselves from programmed death. Understanding the mechanisms of the biochemistry behind controlling cell death has the potential in leading to new treatments.