Tag: science communication
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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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When chocolate goes viral
Viruses cause significant damage to plants, with cacao trees being particularly vulnerable to the cacao swollen shoot virus disease (CSSVD). This disease threatens global chocolate production, but mathematical research offers hope that appropriate spacing of vaccinated and unvaccinated trees can thwart spread of CSSV.
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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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Kew’s imaginative pocketbooks, Part 3
The post concludes Mr P Cuttings’ evaluations of Kew’s Pocketbook series, and considers Carnivorous plants, Festive flora, Palms, and Cacti. Each book features botanical illustrations and introductions by experts but most of them lack the promised detailed annotations. Richly illustrated, the titles here considered – and the series as a…
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Kew’s imaginative pocketbooks, Part 2
This post provides a detailed evaluation of four titles from the Kew Pocketbook series, Houseplants, Mexican Plants, Herbs and Spices, and Fruit. Each book is lavishly illustrated and provides an introduction by an expert from Kew.
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Kew’s imaginative pocketbooks, Part 1
Titles in Kew’s Pocketbook series, featuring books with 40 botanical paintings from Kew’s extensive archive, showcases diverse plant groups and collections. Each book, lavishly includes plant examples, and an expert introduction. Although there is an unevenness in text to accompany the illustrations between titles, the series offers valuable collections of…
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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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The ultimate plant cutting(!)
The natural world showcases various inter-kingdom collaborations, such as ants farming fungi. Research by Daniela Römer et al. reveals how leaf-cutter ants precisely excise leaf fragments, shedding light on their intricate cutting mechanism.
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Seed biology, going through the motions…
Although immobile, and rooted-to-the-spot, flowering plants have tremendous mobility via their seeds. This post highlights one record-breaking example of invertebrate-assisted seed dispersal by woodlice and earwigs.
Plant Cuttings 