Veterinarian warns of summer pet threat that burrows into the skin
Foxtails may look unassuming but the seed pods can burrow into your pet's skin and sometimes cause breathing problems.
One of "world's worst" weeds invading US Northeast
The toxic weed can prevent sunlight from entering the water and lead to decreased oxygen levels, killing fish and other species.
New orangutan behavior observed for the first time
A male orangutan was spotted chewing up antibacterial and pain-relieving plants and applying the paste to a wound on his cheek.
Ancient Maya ball court may have been blessed, hallucinogenic find hints
Experts have found a "special" ritual deposit below an ancient ball court that includes psychoactive and ceremonial plant remains.
Darwin's 'abominable mystery' haunts new plant tree of life
Darwin was once flummoxed as to how so many flowering plants evolved, but researchers may have finally cracked the code.
Chocolate warning as global supply under "real threat"
"Ghana has lost more than 254 million cacao trees in recent years," researcher Benito Chen-Charpentier explained.
Mysterious burnt seeds found in Roman pot may be cannabis
The ancient pot was found at a site that preserves evidence of Roman settlement and agricultural activity.
Better Planet
California vineyards face "decline in wine quality"
California and other wine regions around the globe could be in serious trouble if global temperatures rise 2 degrees Celcius.
Better Planet
Parts of the US may see "devastating" plant changes
Americans could see plants faring differently in their gardens, with hardiness levels changing due to global warming.
Mystery of fairy circles explained by "death zone" discovery
The circles may form due to the topsoil within them being very prone to drying out, meaning that grasses cannot grow inside.
"Supercharged" flowers blooming after California's atmospheric river
The brilliant yellow flowers are blooming near Death Valley, the driest (and hottest) place in North America.
US being invaded by "time bomb" weed
"The longer it is dormant, we're more likely to ignore it," scientist Mohsen Mesgaran said, leading to their "eventual emergence as a serious invasive threat."
Secrets of ancient rituals in biblical home of Goliath revealed
Researchers studied preserved plant remains found at a temple site associated with the mysterious ancient Philistine culture.
"Extraordinary" fossil discoveries reveal plants from 30 million years ago
Despite their age, some of the plant specimens preserve delicate soft tissues, such as those of the fruits and seeds.
Better Planet
Cactuses dying after being moved for border wall sparks concern
Dozens of saguaro cactuses have died after being relocated to make room for the U.S.-Mexico border wall.
Healthier potato chips promised as "toxic" problem cracked
"It has the potential to affect every single bag of potato chips around the world," said plant geneticist Jiming Jiang.
Scientists reveal the dirty secret to a better cup of tea
Scientists have discovered that the secret to the perfect cup of tea could be hiding underground.
Better Planet
Time capsule reveals prehistoric habitat looking as if "buried yesterday"
The "time capsule" has yielded the remains of plants and insects that lived thousands of years ago.
First-ever moondust-grown chickpeas game changer for astronauts
"Food sustainability is one of the most significant barriers to long-term space travel," the researchers wrote in the paper.
You've never seen a tree like this, say paleontologists
"Our fossil is unique evidence of an extreme form of evolution that someone might imagine in their dreams," a researcher said.
Zombie tree reanimates leaves into roots: "Truly novel"
This is the first time the unique regrowth has been reported in a tree, according to scientists.
Pennsylvania could face a potato shortage
A bacterial species found in Pennsylvania potato fields, named P. actinidiae, has not previously been seen in the U.S.
Scientists identify diet that may keep women healthy as they age
A study looking at the diets of almost 50,000 women has investigated the role that dietary protein plays in aging.
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Trees could help predict volcanic eruptions, say geologists
A new study found that changes in vegetation before and after volcanic eruptions can be seen from space, a possible new way to detect them.
Modern Wise Men find mystery fossil is fruit of the frankincense family
The mystery identity of several fossils that have puzzled scientists for decades has been unraveled.
Scientists find 1,000 different species in their suburban home, backyard
The researchers identified 436 moth and butterfly species, 56 different spiders, eight types of reptile and 56 birds, as well as numerous plants and fungi.
Better Planet
How to pick the most sustainable Christmas tree, according to a scientist
As the environment comes under increasing threat, it may be wise to think about how to sustainably decorate your home.
Christmas trees specially bred by geneticists may eliminate seasonal chore
While many enjoy having a real Christmas tree at home, the dropping needles can make a mess—but scientists may have found a way to stop this.
Scientist invents potato that could warn us about nuclear leaks
Gamma radiation can cause damage to living tissue and DNA, particularly at high levels of exposure.
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Plants are better for Planet Earth than scientists thought
"We often think about climate models as being all about physics, but biology plays a huge role," a climate scientist said.