Three Vidi-grants for Wageningen scientists, two for their research on plant cells
The topics for which the researchers received the grants are:
Dr. ir. Bert De Rybel, Laboratory of Biochemistry: Deel en heers (Divide and rule)
Plant cells need to divide in a very specific manner during the early stages of their development to give tissue the correct three-dimensional shape. The researchers will investigate how plants check which cells should divide and how the direction of this division is determined.
Dr. ir. Joop Vermeer– Laboratory of Cell Biology and Laboratory of Moleculair Biology: Praten met de buren (Talking with the neighbours)
Plant cells are under high pressure and are connected to the cell wall. The researchers are going to analyse how plant cells communicate during the initiation and development of new organs.
*Joop Vermeer does not currently work at Wageningen UR, but will conduct his research project at Wagenigen UR.
Dr. Marleen Kamperman, Laboratory of Physical Chemistry and Colloid Science: Sticky when wet
Bristle worms live in water and build cylindrical houses by sticking together pieces of shell and stone. The researchers are going to replicate the mechanism that bristle worms use to shed glue in water, and are going to develop a strong, tough glue that can for example be used as biomedical glue.
