Writer
Sarah is a plant molecular biologist passionate about communicating the science of the natural world to lay people and experts alike. She previously worked as a postdoctoral fellow on C4 photosynthesis and now focuses on science communication.
Growth & Development
Far-red light boosts tomato photosynthesis in low-light conditions, but offers no benefit at higher intensities, suggesting optimal greenhouse lighting depends on intensity levels.
Close Encounters
New research reveals drought-stressed wildflowers produce smaller flowers with less nectar, causing bees to avoid them.
Close Encounters
A four-year study in the Colorado Rockies reveals unexpected interactions between pollination and soil moisture in wildflower reproduction, challenging current predictions about plant responses to environmental change.
Growth & Development
Plants must carefully time their life cycle events, such as germination and flowering, to their environment. But with changing climate and warmer weather, some plants are adapting to their new realities better than others.
Taxonomy & Evolution
Plants and animals overwhelmingly reproduce sexually, but why gamble with the DNA like that?
Growth & Development
Some plant leaves are blue, but have no blue pigments. How does that work?
Ecosystems
We often envision gently swaying kelp forests along a calm beach. Now researchers have shown that the kelp forests themselves help calm ocean waves.
Cells, Genes & Molecules
A new study provides insight into the physiological and genetic control of transpiration in faba bean and opportunities for marker-assisted selection to improve its performance in water-limited environments.