Animals
This Frog May Be the First Amphibian Known to Pollinate Flowers
A tiny, orange Brazilian tree frog may be the first known amphibian pollinator, further broadening our understanding of which animals perform this crucial biological function
Plants28 articles archived since 1845
Genetics
Strawberries Have 8 Sets of Chromosomes to Thank for Their Survival
Hidden beneath the surface of the treasured strawberry is a unique branch of the evolutionary tree, where eight sets of chromosomes are better than two
Conservation
This Might Be the World’s Oldest Tree. And It Could Die of Thirst
Lañilawal, a Patagonian cypress that may be one of the oldest trees on Earth, needs greater protection if scientists are to understand its secrets of survival, an environmental scientist says...
Plants
Plant Cell Parts Turn into Glass to Soak Up Sun
Chloroplasts’ choreography keeps plant cells powered
Plants
Stressed Plants ‘Cry’—and Some Animals Can Probably Hear Them
Microphones capture ultrasonic crackles from plants that are water-deprived or injured
Plants
The Science of Spring’s Green Show
Spring’s burst of brightness comes before chloroplasts grow and mature
Plants
Do Trees Really Support Each Other through a Network of Fungi?
Trees communicate and cooperate through a fungal web, according to a widespread idea. But not everyone is convinced
Animals
How Scientists Are Using AI to Talk to Animals
Portable sensors and artificial intelligence are helping researchers decode animal communication—and begin to talk back to nonhumans
Microbiology
This Overlooked Scientist Helped Save Washington, D.C.’s Cherry Trees
Mycologist Flora Patterson helped make the USDA fungus collection into the world’s largest. She also made a mean mushroom “catsup”
Plants
See the Largest Flower Ever Found Encased in Amber
A rare flower encased in amber is the largest one ever found and dates from around 40 million years ago
Plants
This Carnivorous Plant Has a Rain-Powered Trap
A biological “spring” helps a pitcher plant fling insects to their doom
Plants
How to Grow a 2,560-Pound Pumpkin
Prizewinning great pumpkins are approaching 3,000 pounds as growers perfect the process
Plants
How to Stop Your Jack-o’-Lantern from Rotting
Prevent your jack-o’-lantern from turning into moldy, maggoty mush before Halloween
Extraterrestrial Life
50, 100 & 150 Years Ago: October 2022
No life on the moon; safe gas at home
Genetics
Strange Tree Fern Has a Surprisingly Enormous Genome
A new study explores how the flying spider-monkey tree fern might hoard chromosomes
Climate Change
How Climate Change Is Leaving Some Species with ‘Nowhere Left to Go’
From the depths of the ocean to the peaks of mountains, species are moving out of their historical homes in search of cooler conditions
Conservation
Poem: ‘Vaulted Seeds,’ after the Svalbard Global Seed Vault
Science in meter and verse
Plants
Pollen Grains Carry Hundreds of Plant Viruses
“Sexually transmitted” plant viruses may be on the rise because of agricultural activity
Plants
This Tiny Tube Is Why Grass Is Everywhere
New work shows how grass could have developed its distinctive sheath
Plants
Giant Rotten-Smelling Parasite Flower Rafflesia Evokes Host Defenses
A host plant’s survival may depend on powerful chemicals swimming in its vines
