Cells, Genes & Molecules
Historic Specimens Reveal a Century of Agricultural Change
German botanists have unlocked 150 years of agricultural history using innovative analysis of preserved plants.
Close Encounters
The Hidden Battle Between Wild and Cultivated Carrots
Wild carrots’ extraordinary adaptability and survival skills are creating unexpected challenges for New Zealand’s role in global carrot seed production.
Plants & People
7 Ways to Transform Your Garden into a Bird Paradise (According to Science!)
New research from Australia reveals actions anyone can take to transform their garden into a thriving sanctuary for local birds.
Close Encounters
The Purple Mistress That Lives Two Lives Each Year
A Mediterranean wildflower shapeshifts between seasons. Why would it stop trying to attract the pollinators it desired earlier in the year?
Close Encounters
Fungal Friends Help Young Trees Thrive in Mixed Forests
Young spruce trees grow better with pine neighbours thanks to underground helpers.
Ecosystems
Less Mowing Means More Buzzing in Urban Lawns
Urban lawns become pollinator havens when mowing slows down.
Cells, Genes & Molecules
Friendly Fungi Use Tiny Messages to Help Plants Grow
Scientists discover that beneficial soil fungi can send small RNA molecules to communicate with and support plant growth, similar to how plants share information through their roots.
Ecosystems
Desert Map Shows New Hope for Saguaro Recovery
Researchers discover key locations for protecting and restoring iconic desert cacti damaged by wildfires in the American Southwest.
featured
What Is the Future of Plant Biology Teaching?
Plant Educators from the UK and beyond got together in Lancaster at the start of the month to discuss what’s going wrong and what’s going right in plant biology education. They found a lot of both.
Ecosystems
Natural Areas Help Wild Pollinators Thrive in Farmland
Wild pollinators adapt better to changing farm landscapes when natural habitats are preserved nearby.
News in Brief
Small Gardens Pack Big Potential for Urban Pollinators
Urban gardeners with tiny plots lead the way in creating diverse flower gardens that support pollinators.
Ecosystems
Global Plant Reproduction Study Reveals Hidden Power of Pollinator Diversity
The secret to successful plant reproduction lies in pollinator diversity, with even self-pollinating plants struggling when the variety of visiting pollinators decreases.