Plants May 2, 2016 Taxing organic products could solve California water problem, experts say Environmental experts Terry L. Anderson, and Henry I. Miller, both fellows at Stanford University are touting a solution to California's ongoing water problems. In their proposal “How Taxing Organic Products Could Solve California’s Water Shortage,” published last week on National Review Online, Anderson and Miller state the need for a revenue–neutral tax on all organic products (which would diminish their demand), while outlining how organic agriculture is less efficient and more wasteful than conventional and genetically engineered agriculture.
Plants May 2, 2016 Chicago enjoys rare phenomenon of a corpse flower in bloom Plant lovers in the Windy City are enjoying the rare phenomenon of a corpse flower in bloom. One of the Chicago Botanic Garden’s eight corpse flowers, dubbed Alice, began blooming late on Monday, much to the surprise of horticulturalists.
Plants May 2, 2016 Golden mussel poses threat to Amazon River The world's mightiest waterway, the Amazon River, is threatened by the most diminutive of foes — a tiny mussel invading from China.
Oceans May 2, 2016 Amazing slow-motion video reveals secrets of undersea world An amazing video by nature photographer Daniel Stoupin reveals the stunning slow-motion world of corals and sponges. The 3 and-a-half-minute “Slow Life” Vimeo video is composed of 150,000 shots, offering an astonishing insight into vibrant undersea life.
Plants April 28, 2016 Deadly math: Venus flytraps calculate when killing prey Unlike proactive predators in the animal kingdom, carnivorous plants like the Venus flytrap (Dionaea muscipula) must wait for their insect prey to literally step inside their "jaws" before they can catch the victims
Plants March 26, 2016 Pot is much stronger than it was in 1995 Smoking marijuana just isn't the same today as it was 20 years ago—and not only because it's now legal in some states.
Plants March 16, 2016 Scientists shocked to find fairy circles in Australia The fairy circles of Namibia—believed to be unique in the natural world—have long been "one of nature's greatest mysteries," according to a recently published study.
Breast Cancer February 17, 2016 Ecological imaging test may determine deadliness of breast cancer Scientists in London have developed an ecological imaging test that may help determine which breast cancers are most likely to be deadly— an analysis that could in turn help doctors tailor individuals’ treatment more effectively.
Fossils February 16, 2016 Flower preserved in amber was ancestor of modern poisonous plants Scientists have discovered the fossilized remains of a flower entombed in Dominican amber, the first-ever specimen of a plant family that has given the world some of the deadliest poisons, including strychnine.
Plants February 15, 2016 Death Valley may be about to enjoy a rare wildflower 'super bloom' Death Valley may be gearing up for a rare wildflower ‘super bloom,’ according to experts at the National Park Service.
Plants October 21, 2015 New explanation for mysterious 'fairy circles' in African desert The bizarre circular patches of bare land called "fairy circles" in the grasslands of Africa's Namib Desert have defied explanation, with hypotheses ranging from ants to termites to grass-killing gas that seeps out of the soil.