Plants

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.

Environment

Eco-friendly sunscreen? That’s bananas!

Bananas make their own natural sunscreens. A teen thinks these could work to protect our skin as well, while being safe for aquatic life.

Plants

Magnets mimic gravity’s guiding hand for plants growing in space

Without constant gravity, plants waste energy twisting and coiling, trying to reach toward the sun. Teen ISEF finalists might have found a solution.

Plants

For some trees, acting as lightning rods helps them survive

Being struck by lightning is usually bad. But for one tropical tree, a mighty zap can kill rivals and parasitic vines.

Plants

Let’s learn about plant movement

Some plants use their powers of superspeed to spread spores, while others use it to snatch up prey.

Plants

Scientists Say: Circumnutation

Plants are always on the move, their tips slowly waving in search of better light — a process called circumnutation.

Plants

Could trees ever get up and walk away?

In fantasy, trees can walk, climb and even fight. Real trees move, too. It just happens in extreme slow mo.

Plants

Microbes give plants a way to make ‘meaty’ nutrients

Enzymes from animals helped a test plant make two nutrients essential for a balanced diet. Normally, those nutrients would only be found in meat.

Chemistry

Let’s learn about chocolate

Humans have been making chocolate for millennia. Now scientists are investigating how to make this tasty treat more abundant and nutritious.