Cells, Genes & Molecules
Ancient Willow Clones in Italy Estimated to be Over 2000 Years Old
Botanists have found willows in Italy so old that they were standing when Caesar crossed the Rubicon.
Cells, Genes & Molecules
Plants Feel Touch in Their Veins
New research reveals plant leaf veins act as autonomous touch sensors, firing off rapid electrical signals when mechanically stimulated.
News in Brief
World’s Largest Flowers at Risk of Extinction, Scientists Warn
The iconic giant Rafflesia flowers are disappearing at an alarming rate, according to new research published in Plants, People, Planet.
News in Brief
Bringing Botany Back to Cities
Getting reacquainted with nature could be as easy as a walk in your local park, thanks to a new concept for creating informal botanical gardens throughout cities.
Ecosystems
Scientists Investigate What Makes Urban Gardens Buzz With Bees
If you want your urban garden to be buzzing with bees, scientists say floral evenness is crucial – mix up your blooms instead of planting just a few dominant species.
Ecosystems
Scientists Find Close Relatives Drive Island Plants Extinct
A new study finds native island plants are more likely to go extinct when threatened by invasive cousins from the same family tree.
Cells, Genes & Molecules
The Secret Genetic Code of Invasive Plants
Scientists uncover how the amount of DNA and number of chromosome sets make certain plants genetic supervillains when they invade new regions.
Cells, Genes & Molecules
Climate Change Alters the Chemical Arms Race Between Flowers and Butterflies
Scientists find that common floral compounds become more toxic to butterflies at higher temperatures, complicating projections of climate change impacts.
News in Brief
Phylogenetics Reveals the Importance of Biodiversity to Food Plants in Mexico
Tracing the phylogenetic patterns in native edible plants of Mexico shows how indigenous cultures have sustainably utilized regional botanical diversity for millennia.
Cells, Genes & Molecules
Scientists Gene Edit Venus Flytraps to Study Prey Detection
Scientists wield CRISPR to gene hack Venus flytraps, revealing trigger hair genes assist but don’t solely account for these crafty carnivores’ snapping traps.
Close Encounters
It’s Not Just Honeybees That Are Pollination Heroes
Abundant flies like Eristalis and wild bumblebees join domesticated honeybees as bugs for essential strawberry pollination, according to a new study tracking pollen transport.
Cells, Genes & Molecules
Scientists Reveal Hidden Diversity in Brazil’s Iconic National Tree
Genetic testing and leaf measurements uncover five lineages of Brazil’s iconic but endangered national tree pau-brasil, signalling undiscovered diversity and an urgent need to preserve the evolutionary breadth in the wild before it’s too late.