The arctic tundra, a formidable biome characterized by its intense cold and sparse vegetation, is a world unlike any other. This harsh realm is home to a plethora of unique life forms that have adapted to endure the challenges posed by such an extreme environment. Found in high-latitude areas like Alaska, Canada, Russia, and Greenland, … Read more
The herb Rhodiola rosea, also known as “Hong Jing Tian” in Traditional Chinese Medicine, has gained attention for its potential health benefits. Despite limited scientific evidence supporting its efficacy, this adaptogenic plant is traditionally linked with stress reduction, anxiety relief, and improved mental and physical performance. The conversation about its usage revolves around historical claims … Read more
Rare plant communities play a vital role in the biodiversity of ecosystems, offering unique environments that are essential to certain wildlife species. Understanding these ecological gems involves identifying not only where they exist but also their significance in supporting flora and fauna reliant on specialized habitat conditions. This exploration aims to shed light on the … Read more
Hemp, an ancient crop, is making waves in modern industry due to its extraordinary versatility and environmental benefits. With over 25,000 potential uses, hemp is indeed a sustainable powerhouse. Whether it’s being transformed into durable fibers for fashion or serving as a crucial ingredient in eco-friendly construction materials, this crop’s applications seem almost endless. Let’s … Read more
Houseplants have been going in and out of vogue ever since the early Greeks and Romans starting bringing their plants in from the outdoors. The Victorians loved their potted palms and the 70s wouldn’t have been the same without ferns and spider plants … everywhere. Current style dictates a lighter hand with the green things … Read more
Sure, they were describing a failed relationship, but this anthem can easily be related to stewardship of our natural areas, with which many of us have our own relationships in much the same way. As a society and scientific community, we truly know very little about the intricate details of the natural areas and preserves … Read more
As the unusually harsh winter snows and storms retreated from central European steppes earlier this year, a terrible slaughter was uncovered. Nearly 12,000 beautiful saiga antelopes were found dead, possibly from a bacterium, pasteurellosis, which can attack an animal’s immune system, at a time when the entire species is literally fighting for its very existence. Uncontrolled poaching … Read more
The process of photosynthesis in plants involves a series of steps and reactions that use solar energy, water, and carbon dioxide to produce organic compounds and oxygen. There are two main sets of reactions: energy-transduction reactions (commonly called light reactions) and carbon-fixation reactions (commonly called dark reactions). In the energy-transduction reactions, solar energy is converted … Read more
How do flowers develop? This is a puzzle tackled by Wei Lai and Louis Ronse de Craene in their paper What is the nature of petals in Caryophyllaceae? Developmental evidence clarifies their evolutionary origin. In it, the authors use scanning electron microscopy to examine the interiors of flowers close up. While the topic might seem … Read more
The answer to the question “what is hemp good for” might be more like “what isn’t it good for? Hemp has multiple applications in food, industry and the environment, being one of the most versatile crops available today. Since its first cultivation in 8000 BC in China, hemp has become one of the key plants … Read more