Plant Cuttings

Category: plant cutting

  • Pollution produces photosynthetic part-timers…

    Pollution produces photosynthetic part-timers…

    The post discusses how plants work harder than commonly believed and how atmospheric aerosol pollution affects their productivity.

  • A deep dive into chewing-gum: Part 2

    A deep dive into chewing-gum: Part 2

    The post discusses the history, present, and potential future of chewing-gum. Amongst the topics covered are: its role in fighting COVID-19, the energetic costs of chewing it (and its relevance to human evolution), America’s ‘gum wall’, its targeted use in the Korean war, and unconventional portraiture…

  • A deep dive into chewing-gum: Part 1

    A deep dive into chewing-gum: Part 1

    The post discusses 2 studies that analyse DNA from Stone Age ‘chewing-gum’ [birch pitch]. The Swedish study sheds light on the oral health and diet of prehistoric individuals, the Danish study allows the reconstruction of the features of an individual, named Lola. Mr Cuttings also muses on the roles of…

  • Under-appreciated plants: Seaweed

    Under-appreciated plants: Seaweed

    This post discusses the potential of seaweed as a food source in the aftermath of a nuclear war. It highlights research suggesting that seaweed could provide a resilient food supply, given its ability to thrive in post-apocalyptic conditions. The historical and present-day consumption of seaweed is also explored, emphasizing its…

  • Old year, new [plant] species…

    Old year, new [plant] species…

    In 2023, workers at Kew named 74 plants and 15 fungi, including unique species like the possibly-carnivorous Crepidorhopalon droseroides and the underground-flowering palm, Pinanga subterranea. The biology of those two new species is considered, highlighting the ongoing fascination with discoveries in the world of plants. The discovery of a new…

  • The amazing athel tamarisk

    The amazing athel tamarisk

    The post broadly considers the importance of water for plants. Specifically, it highlights the study by Al-Handawi et al. (2023) which investigated athel tamarisk and its ability to extract water from the atmosphere. That phenomenon has interesting biological consequences, and potential for water collection technologies. The post concludes with Mr.…

  • Concrete, grounds for improvement

    Concrete, grounds for improvement

    The use of coffee grounds in concrete enhances strength and sustainability. This breakthrough presents a solution that addresses concerns of building stability, such as those constructed with reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC).

  • Plant carnivory round-up

    Plant carnivory round-up

    Mr Plant Cuttings shares some of 2023’s carnivorous plants studies. Items include a fungus aiding digestion in sundews, mathematical modelling revealing different pitcher shapes capture diverse prey, and facultative carnivory in the liana Triphyophyllum peltatum activated by phosphorus deficiency. Plus, some insights into Venus’ fly trap.

  • Can seaweed boost tobacco photosynthesis?

    Can seaweed boost tobacco photosynthesis?

    Researchers are working to increase photosynthesis efficiency in plants to support the growing global population. With insights into the structure of RubisCO in a red seaweed they have genetically-altered that enzyme in tobacco and improved its photosynthetic efficiency and enhanced its growth. It is anticipated that development of this approach…

  • Forensic botany of a murderer’s tree

    Forensic botany of a murderer’s tree

    This post concerns discrepancies in naming of a palo verde tree involved in a 1992 murder case. It highlights the importance of stating sources for scientific names used for such plants.