Climate
Microbes that dwell in tree bark devour major climate gases
Hidden in plain sight, this huge community of tree-bark microbes dines on gases — such as methane — that warm Earth’s atmosphere.
By Douglas Fox
Plants
More Stories in Plants
- Plants
Yum! Flies swarm to a flower that smells like wounded ants
A type of Japanese dogsbane emits the distress signal of injured ants — a particular scent — to draw in scavenging flies that end up pollinating its flowers.
- Plants
Let’s learn about autumn leaves
Here’s why some trees put on a colorful grand finale before losing their leaves for the winter.
- Plants
Unlock pinecone secrets with this science activity
Let’s find out how pinecones respond to different temperatures — by mimicking changes in weather from the comfort of our own kitchens!
- Plants
Potatoes and tomatoes share a surprising history
Today’s potato likely came from a chance cross between an ancient tomato and a spud-less potato-plant lookalike, research shows.
- Plants
Physics explains how rose petals get their iconic shape
Scientists thought they knew what was behind rose petals’ geometry. They were wrong.
- Chemistry
Uncover leaves’ hidden colors in this science activity
Let’s use a technique called paper chromatography to separate the pigments lurking in tree leaves.
- Genetics
DNA reveals the origin of East Asia’s favorite sweet bean
Where those red beans — also called adzuki — came from had been murky. A new study says it all started in Japan.
- Plants
Pollinators send out good vibrations — and plants respond sweetly
Snapdragon blooms can distinguish between the sounds of pollinators and thieves. They boost or drop the sugar in their nectar depending who’s arriving.
- Plants
A genetic trick leaves these stinky plants reeking of rotting flesh
This DNA tweak in plants harnesses the same molecule behind our bad breath and transforms it into something worse: the stink of rotting flesh or dung.
