Month: July 2024
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Plant-predating ‘piranha’…
This post discusses the discovery of a vegetarian fish, Myloplus sauron, in a tributary of the Amazon. Contrary to expectations, this piranha-like fish primarily feeds on plants, potentially aiding in the dispersal of plant fragments and seeds. This challenges previous assumptions about the dietary habits of similar fish species.
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Fern DNA goes to great lengths…
Tmesipteris truncata, a hanging fork fern from New Caledonia, has the largest known eukaryotic genome at 160.45 Gbp. This exceeds the DNA content of humans by over 50 times. A larger genome, however, does not necessarily lead to superior traits, as it can result in slower growth and reduced adaptability…
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Read all about it: Paper gets better!
This post looks at traditional Japanese paper called washi and its recent modification using polybutylene succinate (PBS) to enhance strength and biodegradability. Despite potential environmental concerns about PBS, “techno-washi” could offer sustainable alternatives in various industries.
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When chocolate goes viral
Viruses cause significant damage to plants, with cacao trees being particularly vulnerable to the cacao swollen shoot virus disease (CSSVD). This disease threatens global chocolate production, but mathematical research offers hope that appropriate spacing of vaccinated and unvaccinated trees can thwart spread of CSSV.
Plant Cuttings 