Sunflowers make small moves to maximize their Sun exposure − physicists can model them to predict how they grow
Plants don’t just grow straight up. They can move in loopy and zigzagging ways to get more sunshine. And studying these movements goes all the way back to Darwin in the 19th century.
Sept. 13, 2024 • ~10 min
Wild ginseng is declining, but small-scale ‘diggers’ aren’t the main threat to this native plant − and they can help save it
There’s a widespread argument that ‘poachers’ are responsible for the scarcity of wild ginseng. But a scholar who has interviewed diggers explains that most of them are good stewards.
Sept. 13, 2024 • ~10 min
Utilities rely on dirty ‘peaker’ plants when power demand surges, but there are alternatives
As renewables account for a growing share of electricity supply, fossil fuel plants are increasingly used to balance fluctuations in renewable generation – emitting health-threatening pollutants.
Sept. 5, 2024 • ~9 min
Banana apocalypse, part 2 – a genomicist explains the tricky genetics of the fungus devastating bananas worldwide
Fusarium oxysporum can infect over 120 plant species. Whether it destroys Cavendish bananas as it did their predecessor depends on the agricultural industry and consumers.
Aug. 16, 2024 • ~6 min
Trees compete for space, light and resources, and those clashes can leave battle scars
For trees, growing to maturity involves much more than just reaching upward.
Aug. 15, 2024 • ~8 min
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