In these months, we all realized better how fundamental scientific research can be, not only for the improvement of our societies but also to keep our planet safe against future challenges.

Covid-19 has undoubtedly given credit to science and its capacity to solve critic situations. The Italian ability in this field has never been in doubt, so the "Young Researchers Award 2020", the European award dedicated to innovative researchers demonstrating outstanding research performance and leadership, has acquired even more importance at the international level.  

Among the researches that have won this prestigious award there are many Italians. One of the most innovative ones is Dr. Alberta Pinnola, Researcher in Plant Physiology at the University of Pavia, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy.

With her team of experts, Dr. Pinnola is carrying out a project to allow the optimal success of the chlorophyllian photosynthesis process, which permits plants to produce the sugar molecules necessary for its sustenance through sunlight. The photosynthesis process is the basis of human life since it allows to absorb carbon dioxide and convert it into food and biofuels necessary for the survival of the human species.

How photosynthesis works

Summarizing the concept, plant proteins absorb the sun's light energy and transform it into photons, which use plant pigments such as chlorophyll to produce the necessary nutrients. However, the amount of energy absorbed is not always correct excessive exposure to the sun can cause heat to be retained inside the plant, resulting in the creation of harmful cells called "free radicals". Up to now scientists haven’t been unable to explain what is the factor that naturally allows plants to understand the criticality of the excess or defect of sunlight and consequently adapt.

The research

By analyzing how the process of dissipation of excess energy by the plant occurs when "abiotic" stresses such as too much light, cold, or drought in plant organisms occur, Dr. Pinnola's team was able to find one of the mechanisms that make this process possible. These are carotenoids, another pigment capable of transmitting part of the energy outside the plant and transforming it into heat. "Energy cannot be created or destroyed, it can only be changed from one form to another". The research has succeeded, thanks to technological supports able to analyze almost instantaneous processes, to notice some vibrations that these carotenoids would do to dissipate the excess heat.

The innovative research is undoubtedly central to the challenges of the future because according to the doctrine, an optimization in the process of photosynthesis would bring up to 20% more crops, able to solve some of the problems today related to the extinction of plant species and also animal species, and to the nourishment of billions of people.

We trust and wish Dr. Pinnola to achieve this result as soon as possible because it would be the deserved crowning achievement of a path that has seen Italy as a protagonist in such an important challenge for the future.

One more time, the union between Italy and the United States produces another extraordinary and innovative result.