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We describe the Italian contribution to the description and treatment of parkinsonism following encephalitis lethargica (EL): postencephalitic parkinsonism (PEP). Special attention is devoted to the description of postencephalitic symptoms by Giuseppe Panegrossi (1871–1953) and to the treatment based on Atropa belladonna introduced in Italy and extensively supported by Arturo Nannizzi (1887–1961), who was charged by the queen of Italy with conducting research into this plant and advocating its cultivation for healing purposes. This article gives us the unique opportunity to revisit the figure of this distinguished botanist, providing a summary of his biography, interests, and achievements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The third EMBO Conference on Plant Molecular Biology, which focused on 'Plant development and environmental interactions', was held in May 2012 in Matera, Italy. Here, we review some of the topics and themes that emerged from the various contributions; namely, steering technologies, transcriptional networks and hormonal regulation, small RNAs, cell and tissue polarity, environmental control and natural variation. We intend to provide the reader who might have missed this remarkable event with a glimpse of the recent progress made in this blossoming research field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the anatomical, morphological and ecological characteristics of a new fern species called Isoëtaceae todaroana which was found in western Sicily, Italy. It mentions two major differences of the species from other known fern species such as the presence of just two leaf chambers and the different shapes of its scales which feature one central spine-like lobe and two lateral rounded lobes. It adds that the species is dedicated to Sicilian botanist Agostino Todaro.

Discusses the state of botanical gardens and botanical studies in Naples, Italy, during the 19th century. Historical background on botanical studies in Naples; Range of botanical species studied and explored during the period; Prominent botanists in Naples during the period.

This article reports on an Italian police investigation into the role of plant scientists in a bacterial epidemic devastating olive groves in the Puglia region in 2015. It is noted that police questioned scientists involved in research on the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa and confiscated computers and documents from scientific institutes. Other topics discussed include reactions from the plant scientists and statement from the Italian Association of Scientific Societies in Agriculture.

The article reports on the personal herbarium and botanical library owned by botanist Werner Greuter, which were donated for the Herbarium Mediterraneum Panormitanum in Palermo, Italy. It notes that the collections at the herbarium and the said library were donated to the Universita degli Studi in Palermo with the goal to strengthen the scientific potential of the Palermo Herbarium. In addition, the collections are said to be kept in the original, historical location of the Palermo Herbarium.

The article presents information on a conference held by the Comune di Marostica to commemorate the 450th anniversary of the birth of physician and botanist Prospero Alpini. During the event, Maria Angela Cumana recalled the founding of the "Centro Studi Prosero Alpini" in 1983 and continued with an overview by Antonio Murato on political and administrative structure of Marostica, Italy during the 1500s. During his closing speech, Giuseppe Ongaro discussed his research thus far on the history of Prospero Alpini.