Roots of Resistance: How Plants Fight & Flourish

Plants evolved from their algal ancestor around 470 million years ago, successfully invading the land. They succeeded and changed a microscopic machine that powers photosynthesis. Today we can finally see it using cryo-electron microscopy, and with AI we can trace its evolution. Can we use inspiration from nature and improve crops?

Have you ever wondered what your beloved peas face before they reach your plate? Much of the battle for our food happens underground. Peas — a UK staple and sustainable protein source — are attacked by invisible soil pathogens long before we notice. I’ll introduce a pocket-sized test that diagnoses disease on the farm in under an hour. Faster detection means fewer chemicals, healthier soils, and more secure harvests — showing how smarter science can protect our food and make farming more sustainable.