Category: plant cutting
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Pollutants and pollination, a radical view
The post discusses the impact of nitrogen trioxide (NO3) on plant-pollinator interactions. NO3 disrupts floral scents, affecting insect foraging and pollination. This has far-reaching implications for global food crops and natural ecosystems. Research suggests that human intervention and cultivation practices can potentially offset the negative effects. However, addressing the root…
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Under-appreciated plant parts: The grass ligule
The post describes the author’s research on the grass ligule, focusing on its anatomical and functional complexity, including the passive exclusion of water and spores, and the potential active role in synthesizing and secreting a lubricating substance. The ligule’s surprising cellular complexity and potential photosynthetic function are also explored. The…
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Seed dispersal, on a wing and a prayer…
The post considers the work of Rubén Torices et al. on the role of “wings” on fruits of Anacyclus clavatus which challenges the assumption that they aid in dispersal by wind. Results show that the “wings” actually accelerate germination by aiding water absorption. Torices et al’s paper demonstrates clear experimental…
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Plants and people – and pharmaceuticals…
This post discusses the potential pharmaceutical uses of four plants – marijuana, navy beans, thunder-god vine, and willow. It explores their impact on weight gain, weight loss, cancer prevention, and killing viruses. Specifically, it delves into the effects of marijuana on appetite, celastrol’s weight-loss potential, navy beans’ impact on gut…
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Pollution produces photosynthetic part-timers…
The post discusses how plants work harder than commonly believed and how atmospheric aerosol pollution affects their productivity.
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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…
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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…
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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…
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![Old year, new [plant] species…](https://plantcuttings.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/wiki-walking_tiger_female.jpg?w=800)
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…
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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.…
Plant Cuttings 