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.
Ecosystems
Increasing Carbon Dioxide Gives Seaweed a Bad Acid Trip
A recent study finds seaweeds are getting weaker under ocean acidification, threatening these foundational coastal species.
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
Darwin’s Paradox Solved – Again(!)
Darwin’s longstanding puzzle about reef productivity sparked ongoing research that reveals the complex dynamics sustaining coral symbioses and entire reef ecosystems.
Computational Models
Introducing the new CPlantBox
Computational model may help unravel the complex processes of drought tolerance.
Plants & People
Fire and Conservation of Mexico’s Mediterranean Forests
The Sierra San Pedro Mártir’s pine forests thrive on the fires that recycle nutrients, but fire suppression threatens this unique Mexican ecosystem.
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.
Close Encounters
Imaginary Plants Reveal the Physics of Real Killers
A novel approach uniting maths, physics, and biology has uncovered how diverse rim shapes in carnivorous pitcher plants relate to strategies for catching different insect prey.
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.