Plants
Light pollution could be supercharging your pollen allergies
Light pollution in North American cities seems to be tricking plants into releasing pollen for longer periods each year.
Plants
More Stories in Plants
- Health & Medicine
You need to eat protein — but the right mix really matters
All proteins are not equal, research is showing. So while most Americans get plenty of protein, they might not be eating the most nutritious blend.
- Plants
Yum! Flies swarm to a flower that smells like wounded ants
A type of Japanese dogbane 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.
