The Tropics Are in Trouble
Plants and animals in the tropics are threatened by a range of issues, warn researchers writing in the journal Nature.
Plants
Using DNA to Speed Up Identification of Aquatic Plants
A research team in Canada has tested the use of environmental DNA to ease the process of identifying and surveying aquatic plants.
O Christmas Tree! How Evolutionarily Constrained Are Your Branches?
A study shows that most of the variation in plants and trees comes down to just two factors: overall size and the "leaf economics spectrum."
Boosting Photosynthesis to Feed the World
Researchers from around the globe have creative ideas about how to re-engineer photosynthesis to meet the food demands of the future.
This Week in We Are Not Fooled by These So-Called 'Plants'
Nothing to see over here! Just an innocent saguaro! Yeah, right.
The Strange Parallel Histories of Plant Science and Death Science
Botanists and forensic scientists developed the same theory in the late 19th century. They might have a lot to learn from each other, if they would talk to each other now.
Stop and Smell the Weeds
Even if you live in an urban environment, taking some time to correct for plant blindness can provide many benefits, both physical and psychological.
From Raphael to Tenacious D, a Brief History of Erotic Plants
As Walter Benjamin predicted would happen in “The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Production,” the eroticization of plant life has become yet another ritualistic art victimized by a technology.
The Healthy Benefits of a Stressed Out Plant
The biological principle of xenohormesis suggests that organic farming advocates might very well be pampering their plants into nutritional laziness.
Why Does Your Yard Look the Same as Every Other Yard?
If you're looking for the homogenizing impulse in American society, you need search no further than your own lawn.
The Cheaper, Bacteria-Derived Future of Drugs
Drugs made from plants are often too expensive for the people who need them. A group of scientists may have found a solution.
Botanist Brings Trees to the Israeli Desert
Deep in the driest and hottest part of Israel, a California-born botanist is trying to remake the Negev Desert with productive trees that thrive on abuse.
Endangered Species Act Candidates Getting Prioritized
The Byzantine legal process of placing plants and animals on America's endangered species list swallows the efforts of the agency that curates the list. A new agreement may untangle the mess.
Flowers Make Women More Receptive to Romance
A French researcher finds flowers really do put women in a romantic mood.
Memorable Stories from Miller-McCune.com
Miller-McCune’s Web editor loves all of his progeny, especially these — and these, and those.
Avatar Botany Consultant Honored For Life’s Work
Plant physiologist Jodie Holt's study and management of weeds has earned her kudos in Hollywood and in academe.
Solar Power Fueled by the Purple Pokeberry
A dye made from the purple pokeberry — a common weed — proves uncommonly effective at juicing up the prospects for solar power.
A Better Connection for Refugee Plants
Software used to optimize flow for jets and phone calls adds a new wrinkle in protecting plants migrating due to climate change.
Bamboo Houses to the Rescue
Bamboo houses combat climate change, encourage economic growth and protect the poor from natural disaster. Why aren't there more of them?
The Lotus as Water Repellant
Sto Corp's self-cleaning Lotusan exterior paint uses the plant's micro-structural qualities to remove dirt just after a rain.
Something Wicked This Way Grows
Oh, sure, they look pretty, but don't be fooled. Some flora will explode in your face, some will take over the earth if left unchecked, some could kill you or make you wish you were dead. Here is a top 10 list of the planet's evil greens.