Tag: plant science
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Wood gets 50% more interesting
The traditional classification of tree wood as hardwood or softwood has been challenged by a recent study by Jan Lyczakowski & Raymond Wightman, which identified a new category called “midwood.” This newly discovered wood type, as observed in Liriodendron tulipifera and L. chinense, may play a role in efficiently storing…
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Radishes helping themselves…
SISRH is a self-irrigating and slow-release fertilizer hydrogel developed for sustainable agriculture. It absorbs water vapour at night and releases it during the day, reducing water consumption and enhancing nutrient delivery. Initial experiments with radish show promising results, but further research is needed to determine its impact on larger-scale and…
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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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Protective power of moss (etc.)
Yousong Cao et al’s study shows that moss and cyanobacteria biocrusts protect the rammed-earth portions of the Great Wall of China. The biocrusts enhance the wall’s stability and reduce its erosion, emphasizing the crucial role that biocrusts can play in preserving ancient earthen structures.
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Primates and primary health care
Researchers documented a Sumatran orangutan using a plant to heal a facial wound, in an example of non-person self-medication. The plant is traditionally used by humans to treat various ailments, and its use by an orangutan suggests the potential for identifying unknown medicinal plants through ape behaviour.
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What’s the beef with hybrid rice?
This post discusses various types of coloured rice, including black, purple, blue, yellow, red, and pink rice. It also considers a new “pink rice” created in a laboratory by integrating rice grains with animal cells. Two hopes for this hybrid food are to address concerns around climate change, and provide…
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Evolution of Plant Cuttings
The author revisits his 2010 article on the carnivorous plant Nepenthes attenboroughii. Recognising that his communication style – and the purpose of a Plant Cutting item – has changed since that time, he presents a revised 2024 version of the news item (suitably updated for post-2010 information). Insights into Mr…
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Iconic Mediterranean plants
Andrew Griebeler’s “Botanical icons” thoroughly examines the role of illustrations in botanical-medical texts from ancient to medieval times. It challenges prevailing views of premodern botanical art as stagnant, emphasizing the critical nature of manuscript copying. The book’s well-sourced content and excellent writing make it a valuable academic resource, providing insight…
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Exploitation potential of plant products…
This post delves into the chemical capabilities of plants and humans’ innovation in utilizing plant compounds. It highlights the discovery of a new insecticidal protein from ferns with potential for crop protection. Additionally, it explores the creation of sustainable polymers from cellulose, offering an alternative to conventional plastics. These advancements…
Plant Cuttings 