seeds

Sensors inspired by dandelion seeds can record signs of climate change

by

Tiny sensors that can drift in the breeze like dandelion seeds can help record environmental signals across a wide area Technology 16 March 2022 By Chris Stokel-Walker A sensor designed to mimic the way dandelion seeds float on the breeze Mark Stone/University of Washington Tiny sensors with a design inspired by dandelion seeds could be … Read more

A Newly Discovered Fossil Could Be The Answer to Darwin’s ‘Abominable’ Mystery

by

Scientists in China say they have found the oldest flower bud in the fossil record, finally aligning the fossil evidence with the genetic data suggesting flowering plants, or angiosperms, evolved tens of millions of years earlier than we initially thought.   The team hopes their discovery will help “ease the pain” around a nagging, centuries-old mystery that … Read more

This Ancient Peruvian Empire Put Hallucinogenics in Beer For Political Reasons

by

The ancient Wari empire of Peru might have used hallucinogenic beer to rally support in new territories. The remnants of a large feast, found at a Wari outpost from the ninth century CE, strongly suggest the seeds of a psychoactive plant called vilca (Anadenanthera colubrina) were once mixed with chicha, a beer made from the fruit … Read more

Biodiversity crisis: Animal decline is hurting plants’ ability to adapt to climate change

by

Declines in bird and mammal species are making plant seed dispersal more difficult, which means plants can’t adapt as effectively to climate change Environment 13 January 2022 By Adam Vaughan An American robin eats a winterberry Paul Vitucci Losses in the number of birds and mammals are limiting the capacity of plants worldwide to adapt … Read more