Ecosystems
Last stand of the Saharan Cypress?
A new article in Planta attempts to help preserve a tree that has survived in the Sahara for thousands of years.
Cells, Genes & Molecules
Does Viagra really help preserve flowers?
It is said that sildenafil citrate can help preserve flowers. Here’s an experiment that you could do at home, but probably shouldn’t, to find out.
Reviews
Nature Table – BBC Radio 4
BBC Radio 4 has a new science-comedy crossover show.
Taxonomy & Evolution
Scaly Tree Ferns Have Slow and Steady Diversification
Did the Cyatheaceae become such a diverse family slowly over time, or in spurts? The largest molecular sampling yet points to gradual accumulation of species.
Ecosystems
Climate change threatens the first line of defence against coastal storms
When the storms come in, plants could help secure natural defences. But climate change is giving them problems of their own.
featured
The Next Generation of Natural Historians
The Linnean Society held its second student conference last Friday, Student Spotlights 2020: Discover the next generation of natural historians. I had hoped to go to
Cells, Genes & Molecules
Early Lateral Root Development Is Driven by Thirst
Roots are critical for plants to find water and nutrients. They can also be expensive to grow, so a plant needs to send them in the
Ecosystems
Migration of plant species will not compensate for losses in diversity in a warming world
Climate is likely to change faster than many plant populations can travel, reducing biodiversity in the future.
Cells, Genes & Molecules
Scientists find critical receptor that allows plant cells to pass stress signals
Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is well-known for its role in cells as acting almost like currency for energy storage. Research by Elsa Matthus and colleagues shows
Plants & People
Grow your own Martian salad
A Martian diet might aid your health on Earth (but there are probably better interventions you should try first)
Computational Models
From stable rules to complex shapes in plant modelling
How can models capture the complexity and variation of plant phenotypes? Vidal and Andrieu have taken a look at maize.
Close Encounters
Daphnia are bite-size for the carnivorous waterwheel plant
The Venus Fly Trap is not the only carnivorous plant with a snap-trap. Aldrovanda vesiculosa, the waterwheel plant, has one too but it’s not always been clear how it works.