Tag: science communication
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The origins of human speech, a burning question.
The post discusses how campfires have fostered social interaction and potentially influenced development of spoken language in early humans. Research by Polly Wiessner (2014) highlights the social benefits of firelight, while Hobaiter & Dominy (2026) suggest that dim lighting at campfires may have prompted the evolution of speech by limiting…
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Plants and people: The case for basketry
Mark Nesbitt and Ruth Stungo’s book, Weaving Nature, explores basketry beyond mere containers, emphasising the craft’s historical significance, materials, and techniques. It blends ethnobotany, collecting history, and practical applications of basketry in various contexts. The authors aim to reveal the intricate relationship between plants, makers, and users throughout history.
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Clever things that plants do: No. 2, Carnivory you can count on…
This post explores the Venus flytrap’s ability to exhibit intelligent behaviour by counting prey interactions. It highlights the plant’s unique mechanism for trapping insects, requiring multiple sensory hair stimulations for digestive enzyme production. This ability demonstrates both the plant’s arithmetic skills and its adaptation to nutrient-poor environments, showcasing its carnivorous…
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Clever things that plants do: No. 1, Colourful sex
Draft book chapter 6 explored the concept of plant intelligence, but was devoid of examples. We begin to remedy that deficiency here with the first of a series of posts focusing on examples of plants exhibiting “clever” behaviours. This post highlights how Saxifraga fortunei changes the colour of its pistils…
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Reading nature’s medicine cabinet
Nature’s Apothecary by Margaret Willes explores the historical roles of apothecaries and the medicinal value of 100 plants, with emphasis upon British herbal traditions. The well-crafted text is full of fascinating insights and illustrations, though it lacks comprehensive sourcing for some claims. Overall, it is an enriching resource on herbalism.
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Urgent message for humanity: Sea kelp(!)
David Helvarg’s “Forest of the Sea” emphasises the significance of kelp ecosystems and their perilous decline, paralleling the challenges faced by coral reefs. The book interweaves the biology of kelp with human stories and ecological narratives, urging readers to recognise and advocate for the preservation of these vital underwater forests,…
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Dead men’s shoes don’t walk, but they do talk…
Macarena Bustamante-Álvarez et al., uncovered ancient sandals made from esparto grass at an Iron Age mining site in Spain, dating back 2,400 years. The footwear exhibits skilled craftsmanship with precise design, demonstrating the significance of plant fibres in ancient economies. Unique preservation conditions allowed these artifacts’ survival. [But! there’s so…
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Flowers: Planet- and people-producers
David George Haskell’s “How Flowers Made Our World” explores the vital role of flowers and flowering plants in shaping Earth’s ecosystems and human connections. Comprising scientific insights, Haskell’s engaging narrative highlights plant biology, ecology, and the historical interrelation between flora and humanity, making an overwhelming case for their importance in,…
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The original illuminati?*
This post’s main focus is the study by Arobba et al. that investigates how five hunter-gatherers in Italy used small pine twigs for lighting caves over 14,000 years ago. This research combines analysis of ancient remnants and experimental archaeology, showing that the twigs provided sufficient light for navigation, enhancing our…
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Money, the mushroom fun-guy…
Nicholas Money’s “Fungi and human life” explores the profound connections between fungi and humanity, revealing their essential roles in health, nutrition, and the ecosystem. The book combines engaging storytelling with scientific insights, emphasising the significant, yet often overlooked, impact of fungi on humanity and highlighting their untapped health-helping potential.
