July 2015 - This Month in JoVE: Treating Canine Halitosis, Minimizing Workplace Stress, and Assessing Electrical Activity and Herbicide Resistance in Plants

Abstract

Here's a look at what's coming up in the July 2015 issue of JoVE: The Journal of Visualized Experiments. In JoVE Medicine, we feature an approach for diagnosing halitosis, commonly known as bad breath, in man's best friend: the dog. The approach is much more advanced than simply smelling the dog's breath-it involves taking breath samples and using a gas chromatograph to quantify stinky compounds found in bad breath, such as hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptan, and dimethyl sulfide. Di Cerbo et al. use this assay in a randomized, placebo-controlled trial of dog food specially formulated to fight halitosis. The results of their study suggest that certain dietary supplements might reduce embarrassing bad breath in our beloved canine companions. In JoVE Behavior, we know all too well that working in a chronically stressful environment can have deleterious effects-so we feature a stress reduction intervention that might retrain the brain to change its usual responses to stressful situations. Klatt et al. present a structured group program that incorporates mindful meditation, yoga, and relaxing music. This intervention can be delivered onsite, at the workplace, so it's a potentially viable method of stress reduction for busy working adults. In JoVE Environment, we have two articles that explore how plants interact with certain environmental factors. Like animals, plants can transmit electrical signals over long distances, which is an advantageous trait because it allows quick responses to external stimuli. But plants have no nerves, so Salvador-Recatala and Tjallingii examine the plant vasculature, namely the sieve elements of the phloem, as a possible conduit of stimulus-induced electrical signals. They wire up aphids to record signals transmitted from another part of the plant that is sustaining damage, such as a leaf getting cut by scissors or eaten by a caterpillar. The resulting data may reveal how phloem sieve elements integrate information from different environmental stimuli. Another article in JoVE Environment demonstrates methods for testing herbicide resistance in weeds. Overuse of herbicides, combined with natural genetic variability in plants, has selected for resistance in hundreds of weed species reported to date. This is a major concern for ecosystem management and for agriculture. Panozzo et al. present protocols for testing herbicide resistance, inferring the tolerance level by using multiple herbicide doses in the experiments. Besides being highly robust and reliable, these protocols can easily be adapted to a wide range of weeds. The data obtained from these experiments can inform further research and optimize the management of herbicide use. You've just had a sneak peek of the July 2015 issue of JoVE. Visit the website to see the full-length articles, plus many more, in JoVE: The Journal of Visualized Experiments.