Cells, Genes & Molecules
Plant Cells Look Bigger Under the Microscope, But Not the Way You’d Expect
A new technique inflates plant cells, turning ordinary microscopes into super-powered tools.
Cells, Genes & Molecules
Does Bamboo Interfere with Panda Brains to Get Eaten?
Scientists discovered that bamboo plants may actively influence pandas’ brains and biology through tiny RNA molecules that enter their bloodstream.
Cells, Genes & Molecules
How One Tool Helps Different Fungi Hijack Plant Signalling
Scientists discover fungi use a universal “hacking tool” to trick plants into starvation mode, disabling their immune defences and causing devastating crop diseases worldwide.
Ecosystems
Small Islands Pack a Big Biodiversity Punch
New research shows that islands make an outsize contribution to the diversity of plants.
Growth & Development
How Mowing Leads to an Obi-Wan Effect for Silverleaf Nightshade
A new study reveals that mowing, a common method of weed control, can actually strengthen the defenses of the invasive weed silverleaf nightshade, making it more resilient and harder to manage.
Close Encounters
Cannabis plants may have evolved cannabinoids to prevent herbivores getting the munchies
A study shows how cannabis plants may be the source of new pesticides, but there is a catch.
Ecosystems
Ecologists spark hope of protecting western American forests from the worst of wildfires
Ecologists with a burning desire to protect forests have grim news for the western United States.
Taxonomy & Evolution
Botanists say the largest amber-preserved flower is a new species
The flower, first discovered over 150 years ago, has yielded new clues from its pollen.
Ecosystems
Pollinators like moths are increasingly missing from a warming subarctic
The complex relationships between plants and their pollinators in subarctic Finland have changed dramatically across the last century
Cells, Genes & Molecules
Photosynthesis signals revealed
Plant cell communications could help cure cancer in humans.
Ecosystems
An early start to the growing season doesn’t lead to a longer growing season in the Alps
Global warming is leading to longer growing seasons worldwide, with many plants growing earlier in spring and continuing longer in autumn thanks to warmer temperatures—so
Close Encounters
Herbivores munch the most helpful trees in tropical forests
Herbivory is a key factor in controlling nitrogen limitation and carbon sequestration by tropical forests affected by climate change.