Category: plant cutting
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Stone is dead. Long live wood!
As we look forward to 2025, Mr P Cuttings reflects on human prehistory and the correctness of the term ‘Stone Age’. Leder et al’s studies at Schöningen suggest it should be renamed the ‘Wood Age’ due to the significance of wooden tools and woodworking skills in early human development.
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Whisky galore: The tale of shipwrecked spirits
Whisky Galore! is a 1949 British comedy about whisky-deprived Scottish islanders who seize a stranded ship’s cargo. A recent project aims to create whiskey from shipwrecked American rye grains, which tale is told here, This post is also an opportunity – albeit a little early – to raise a toast…
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Fungi (and bacteria), living the high life…
Xavier Rodó et al. (2024) discovered fungi and bacteria at altitudes up to 10,000 feet above Chōfu, Japan, indicating long-distance microbial transport from Northeast China. The presence of potential human pathogens raises health concerns, especially regarding multi-drug resistant strains, highlighting risks associated with airborne microorganisms and their environmental impact.
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Shocking news about pollen
This post discusses a study by England and Robert (2024) exploring static electricity’s potential role in non-contact pollination by butterflies and moths. Their research suggests that these insects can attract pollen through static charges during flight. However, direct observation of pollen transfer is still needed to confirm this phenomenon’s occurrence…
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Inverting cellulose-degrading enzymes
The image of a springtail emphasizes the role of soil invertebrates in decomposition,. Traditionally as shredders of organic matter they help fungi and bacteria do their work. Research by Hannah Muelbaier et al. (2024) reveals cellulose-degrading genes in soil invertebrates like springtails and mites, suggesting they may contribute more directly…
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The ‘appy botanist
This post considers the ability to identify plants as a way to enhance botanical literacy and combat plant blindness. In particular it considers plant ID apps. It concludes that, whilst such apps can be valuable in teaching novices to identify plants, they should be used alongside expert guidance to improve…
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What’s in a name? The case of Barnes’ stolon
The article critiques Simon Barnes’ definition of a stolon, suggesting it is inaccurately identified as an underground stem, when it is typically considered an above-ground organ. Mr P Cuttings urges greater academic rigour in botanical literature, emphasizing the importance of citing sources to prevent misinformation, and enhance botanical literacy, among…
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Intriguing uses of wood: future…
This post feature futuristic uses of wood uses – a wooden satellite from Japan and the development of super-black wood by UBC researchers. The satellite, LignoSat, which is encased in magnolia wood, is due to be launched to the ISS in September 2024. The super-black wood, named Nxylon, offers various…
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Intriguing uses of wood: present…
Unusual Present-day uses of wood include innovative materials such as engineered transparent wood (ETW) and wooden circuit boards. ETW, with 80% light transmittance, is a sustainable alternative to glass and can be used in solar cells, windows, and decorative materials. Researchers are also exploring wood-based materials for sustainable electronics in…
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Intriguing uses of wood: past…
Archaeological findings in Germany validate Julius Caesar’s description of sharpened wooden stakes in his military campaign. Additionally, discoveries such as a “seahenge” and insights into mammoth-hunting highlight uses of wood by humans in days long gone.
Plant Cuttings 