Cells, Genes & Molecules
Scientists found that rising temperatures can mess up the internal clocks of trees, making it harder for them to survive and grow, especially for those living in colder areas.
Ecosystems
Plants in Brazil’s rocky landscapes have evolved remarkable seed traits that help them survive harsh conditions, responding to light, temperature, and fire to thrive in these ecosystems.
Cells, Genes & Molecules
New research shows Antarctic moss can grow and survive in freezing, harsh conditions by using special fats that keep its cells flexible, helping it cope with extreme cold and other stresses.
Cells, Genes & Molecules
A mutation affecting mitochondrial efficiency of carnivorous plants’ cells helps them survive but also causes their DNA to get smaller over time, making their genomes some of the tiniest in the plant world.
Growth & Development
A new study shows that higher temperatures could seriously hurt plants’ ability to reproduce by damaging their pollen and reducing fertilization success, threatening both wild plant populations and crop yields.
Growth & Development
Scientists are studying chia seeds closely using genetics to understand what makes them so healthy, hoping to use that knowledge to make chia and other foods healthier.
Close Encounters
Scientists found that plants growing in the city make more self-pollinating flowers and have seeds that sprout and grow faster compared to their country cousins, showing how urban life is secretly changing plants over time.
Close Encounters
A new study found that the way bees collect oil from flowers affects which flower traits are favoured in different places, helping explain why similar plants living far apart can evolve distinct characteristics over time.
Growth & Development
A new study found that seeds from different orchid species could stay alive and ready to grow for over 10 years even when stored in a deep freezer, showing that saving orchid seeds for the long term in seed banks is possible.
Growth & Development
Scientists have developed an open-source instrument that can measure how much water plants have without hurting them, helping us understand plants better and use water for farming more wisely.
Taxonomy & Evolution
Scientists used DNA to create a family tree of New Caledonia’s unique palm trees and discover how they arrived on the islands over many millions of years through long distance travel and evolving to different environments.
Cells, Genes & Molecules
By analysing herbarium specimens, scientists found new plants that take rare earth elements from the ground, which could help get more of these important metals in a more sustainable way.